Page 49 of Mike's Assistant

The room beyond was expansive and vibrant. Colorful murals adorned the walls, depicting fantastical scenes of outer space, underwater worlds, and magical forests. There were distinct sections–an arts and crafts corner, a reading nook filled with shelves of children’s books, a miniature jungle gym, and even a tech station with kid-friendly apps and games. Children's laughter echoed throughout the room, and the staff moved with practiced ease, attending to the little ones.

Jake stopped in his tracks, taking it all in. His eyes widened as he observed the organized chaos, the joy evident in every corner. “This… this is for the employees' kids?” he stammered.

I nodded, smiling at his reaction. “Every bit of it. Completely free to all employees of Satchel Industries.”

He shook his head in disbelief. “I've never seen anything like this. My parents always said daycare cost an arm and a leg, and I’m pretty sure it wasn’t even half as impressive as this.” Jake looked at me, his eyes searching for any hint of insincerity. “And it's really free?”

“Absolutely,” I confirmed. “The company believes in supporting its employees, not just in their professional roles, but in their roles as parents, too. Ensuring the kids are safe and stimulated allows the parents to work without worries.”

Jake seemed to struggle for words. He took a deep breath, whispering, "I can't believe this is available to me… to us."

Before he could say more, Sam and Abel had already begun to explore, eagerly joining a group of children building a tall tower with blocks. A caregiver approached us with a friendly smile, introducing herself and assuring Jake that the boys were in expert hands.

We stood there a moment longer, watching as Sam and Abel integrated themselves into the fold. I wrapped an arm around Jake's waist, pulling him close. “They'll be okay here,” I murmured.

Jake nodded slowly, still taking it all in. “Thank you, Mike,” he whispered, his voice thick with emotion.

I guided him gently towards the exit. It was time we began our day. We made our way back to the elevator. As the doors closed, I reached over to hug Jake and give him a kiss, but he jumped away. I stared at him in surprise.

“What—”

“We’re working now. We can’t be doing this here,” Jake said firmly.

“So, nothing?” I asked, not sure if I could resist a stolen kiss here or there.

Jake jerked his head in defiance. “Nothing. Between the hours of nine and five, we’re on the clock. We have to stay professional.

I grimaced. I didn’t like the idea, but reluctantly, I understood. We were at work and needed to stay professional. “Okay, you’re right. No hanky panky while at work.

Jake laughed. “Hanky panky? Who says that?”

“Hey! It’s a perfectly acceptable term,” I retorted.

“If you’re like, fifty,” Jake giggled, but suddenly stopped. “You said shifters live a little longer than humans. You’re not fifty, are you?”

I shook my head and pushed his arm playfully. “No, I’m not fifty. I’m twenty-eight. How old are you?”

“Twenty-one,” Jake replied as the elevator stopped and the doors slid open.

Jake moved to the exit, but I stopped him. I lifted my wrist and showed him my watch. “It’s eight fifty-eight—not nine yet. We have two minutes.” With those words, I quickly pulled Jake in for a kiss. This time, he didn’t pull away, and I fully savored his unique flavor.

He leaned back, breaking the kiss, locking his eyes with mine. “Will that hold you over?”

“It will have to,” I whispered.

Jake smiled before turning and heading toward his desk. I stood staring, watching him walk, suddenly mesmerized by his movements.

“You just going to stand there? Or are you going to get work?”

I turned to see Katie smirking at me. “I’m going. Is the big boss in?”

“Yes, he started early. I sent some information to Jake to set up some appointments for you. The both of you have a busy day ahead.”

I glared at the CEO’s secretary. “Gee, thanks.”

“Cost of taking a day off,” she said with a chuckle before walking away.

I shook my head and headed to my office, giving Jake a wink as I passed by.

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