Page 10 of Falling for Mr. Bossy Pants

My dad leans in closer to the camera and now I just see his eyeball. “Dad, sit back on the sofa. You’re really close to the screen,” I say.

“Sorry son. Is this better?” It’s not, but I can’t bring myself to tell him. “Things here are good. Rachel has her hands full but we’re babysitting as much as we can trying to help out. That’s why we’re calling. We want to give her a break and do a family dinner soon. Can you make it?” My dad leans his ear into the camera like he’s waiting for my response.

“Of course. Just give me the date and I’ll put it on my calendar.”

I see my mom smile and clap her hands. “Great, I’ll text you once we have Rachel and Jeff on board. They just need to get a sitter.”

A few seconds of silence fill the space when my mom finally shrugs. “So, have you been seeing anyone?”

And there it is. My parents casually asking about my personal life. They mean well and I am grateful they have never pushed a blind date my way. I know they want me to settle down, but there’s no chance I’m telling her about my date.

“No mom. Just working,” I say nodding.

“Jared we love you. We are just looking out for you. We don’t want you to end up alone. You’re such a catch honey. You deserve a great woman.”

I feel my throat tighten and my breathing grow shallow. I need to end this call. “I know mom. We can talk about it another time. It’s late. I’ll talk to you later. Text me about dinner.”

“Okay dear.” My mom waves at me. “Talk later son,” my dad says.

I click off the screen and put my phone back on the counter taking a seat on a stool. I can feel heat rising from my stomach as it makes its way into my chest, up my neck, landing in my cheeks. I grab a few pieces of ice from the freezer and press them against my face. Within seconds they completely melt, and water falls on the floor. I grab a paper towel, mop up the mess and make my way to my bedroom. I sit on the edge of my bed taking off my suit jacket. It feels like it’s ninety degrees in here. I stand and take off my shirt and kick off my shoes, rubbing my hands down my face. The entire house is still and quiet and all I hear is my breathing. I have suddenly become hyperaware how alone I am.

Chapter five

Lacey

It’s only ten a.m. and I’m on my fifth cup of coffee. I sit at my desk going through emails, documents and spreadsheets. Our team is big, but we have multiple projects of varying sizes happening all at once. I am trying to keep up with all the requests and questions. I’ve only been here a few weeks and I am starting to feel a little overwhelmed. The bakery has been up and down. Some days have been slow, others busy. I am hoping the foot traffic becomes more consistent to help us reach our monthly goals. But right now, I am reviewing numbers for a smaller project involving deploying some new app that the tech team has developed. My fingers are busily typing when I hear David’s voice just outside my door. I stand to greet him in the hallway. He’s reviewing a paper in his hands and the look on his face is concerning.

“Hey David. Everything okay?” I ask quietly not wanting to draw attention.

He glances up quickly then back down. “Hi. So, Lacey did you submit that report to the sales team?”

I pinch my lips together trying to understand his question. “Sales team?” I ask.

“Yes, the one regarding the new project for the field sales reps.”

My breath stops. I vaguely remember David telling me about the project on Friday afternoon, but I was unsure if he needed something from me. I assumed he was just giving me information about the project but apparently by the look he’s giving me, I should have clarified.

“Oh, right. I’m sorry, I didn’t realize I needed to get a report to them. I can work on it right now though,” I say hoping to redeem myself.

David breathes in heavily. “Don’t worry about it. I can take care of it. I know there’s a lot going on and there’s other priorities.”

“Are you sur---”, I stop midsentence and direct my eyes over David’s shoulder as Mr. Whitmore is walking our way. David sees that I’m looking over his shoulder and turns his back to me.

“Morning Mr. Whitmore,” David says cheerfully.

“David. Just who I’m looking for. Listen, I’ve been thinking, and I might need to select two leaders from your team for this expansion project. Just to be accountable and manage the team’s deliverables.”

I stand straight with my head forward trying hard not to show my nerves. Mr. Whitmore’s presence makes all my senses go on high alert. And today, his black suit matches his hair, which showcases his light eyes even more. Today I can see they’re gray. Like the light foggy gray that rolls of the mountains in the early morning. I swallow and feel my stomach warm. His suit is just like the navy one I saw him in. It’s made for his body leading me to wonder if he has them custom made. He stands a few inches taller than David, and based on my calculation he must be around six-foot-two. His complexion is flawless, and his lips look soft.Stop looking at him like he’s a brownie that you’re ready to devour.

I look down at the carpet letting them speak to each other for a few minutes as I contemplate my next move. This seems like a good opportunity to at least reintroduce myselfor say something intelligent. After they come to a pause in their conversation, I lift my chin smile.

“Mr. Whitmore if there’s anything I can be of assistance with please just let me know,” I say hoping that elicits at least some eye contact. He hasn’t even noticed I am standing here the entire time he’s been in conversation with David. My words apparently go unheard as he nods at David and gives him a pat on the side of the arm and continues down the hall. I stand frozen. That was not what I was expecting. David looks at me and I can tell he thinks I’m surprised by Mr. Whitmore’s reaction or lack thereof.

“Don’t worry about it. Mr. Whitmore can take a while to warm up to new faces. Don’t take it personal.”

I nod. “No, right. Understandable.”

I don’t know what to think. But before I let myself get too far into my own thoughts David motions for me to head into my office with him. I take a seat at my desk as he stands in the doorway.

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