Page 27 of Mike's Assistant

“I’m glad you like it. I’ll give you and the boys the dime tour,” I said as Jake opened the back door and unlatched Abel and Sam from their car seats.

The boys hopped out and gazed at the house, mirroring Jake's earlier awe with wide eyes and open mouths. I grinned at their expressions.

“You ready to see the inside and the pool?” I asked excitedly.

They cheered and ran forward. I grabbed Jake’s hand, giving him a tiny tug. He stumbled a little and looked down at our clasped hands. He smiled and rolled his eyes.

“You really don’t play fair.” I heard him mumble.

I chuckled and pulled him quickly behind the boys. At the front door, I swung it open with a flourish. “Welcome.”

“Whoa,” Sam exclaimed, stepping in.

“This place is big,” Abel declared simultaneously.

I glanced at Jake, who was scanning the room, seemingly absorbing every detail. Turning my gaze back to the room, I attempted to envision the space through his eyes. The main living room had overstuffed, comfy, black leather couches that begged one to sink into them. To the side, the dining area showcased a grand wooden table set for eight, catching the light from the modern black steel chandelier overhead. But the pièce de résistance was the sprawling open kitchen, complete with white marble countertops and gleaming stainless-steel appliances. A perfect space for family gatherings.

Catching a certain gleam in Jake's eyes, I grinned. “Do you like it?”

Jake gave a smile. “It’s gorgeous.”

“I’m glad you approve. Come on. I’m sure the boys want to see the pool and the backyard.” I grabbed Jake’s hand again and guided him through the living space and out the sliding glass doors to the backyard. Sam and Abel quickly followed, running past us as soon as they saw the pool.

“This is awesome!” Sam exclaimed.

“Incredible. It's like a tropical oasis,” Jake whispered.

I grinned, a surge of pride flowing through me. The backyard was my pride and joy and one of the main reasons I bought the home. The expansive pool was undoubtedly the centerpiece. It’s crystal-clear water reflecting the beautiful blue skies. It had a dramatic rock formation at one end, from which a waterfall churned the water gracefully.

The gentle sound of water splashing added to the allure. Luxurious loungers beckoned from the pool's edge, hinting at lazy afternoons, while towering palm trees provided both shade and a sense of seclusion. In contrast, beds of colorful flowers and plants filled the area with pops of color. It was my personal getaway.

“Jake, Jake, can we swim?”

“Can we?” Abel and Sam's eager voices overlapped as they dashed back, tugging at Jake's shirt.

“That’s why we’re here,” Jake chuckled, crouching to their level.

“Do you have suits?” I asked, remembering we’d come straight from the restaurant.

Jake met my gaze, a twinkle in his eye. “I was going to let them swim in their shorts. As for me…” He waved his hand over his jeans. “I was just going to watch.”

“I’ve got a pair of trunks you can wear,” I countered, wanting him to join his brothers for fun. Not to mention, I’d love to see a wet Jake.

A smirk curved Jake’s lips as he straightened. “Your shorts will slide right off me.”

“Tempting as that visual is, I have a smaller pair you can slip into,” I shot back, my grin unabashed.

His eyebrows shot up; curiosity evident. “You do?”

“Hayden’s ma—boyfriend, Owen, is about your size. He has a pair here,” I clarified, narrowly sidestepping the term ‘mate’.

Before Jake could muster a response, Sam and Abel's impatient whines cut in.

“Jake!”

“I’ll go grab them. Help the boys out, and I'll be back in a jiffy,” I assured him, heading back into the house.

Dashing to the guest room that Hayden and Owen often occupied, I yanked open the dresser. After a brief search, I triumphantly pulled out a pair of swim shorts. My heart raced at the thought of Jake's presence. It was more than just him being here; it was the chance to truly get to know him.

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