Page 34 of Falling for Mr. Bossy Pants

I look back down at the papers and tap my pen. I sign and place the papers back in the folder. I open my mouth and then close it. I stand and shake Jim’s hand. He reaches over and places his other hand on top of mine as we shake. “Miss Paxton, I can’t wait to see what you do here. Thank you for the cookie, and you can tell my son to bring me one of those anytime.” He winks. “See you soon Miss Paxton.”

Chapter twenty

Jared

There’s a lot of deliverables this week with the new project. Shane and I have been in more meetings than I’d like to admit, and I’ve been in the office well past seven p.m. most nights. Lacey has always been on my mind, especially after last night. Watching her spend time with my family left me feeling even more confused. For most of the night everything felt comfortable, then when I dropped her off, I couldn’t think of anything to say so I simply thanked her and she went up to her apartment. I should’ve kissed her. I glance at the clock and see it’s six p.m. I grab my phone and keys and head down the hall.

Diane is packing up her things as I make my way towards her. “Diane, have a good night.”

She smiles then lifts her brow. “Everything okay Mr. Whitmore?” she asks.

I must be putting off some vibe because Diane’s face looks concerned. “Yeah, Diane, I’m fine. Just a lot going on.”

She nods. “There is. Just remember Mr. Whitmore. Take some time for yourself.”

I give her a closed smile. “You’re right. I will. See you tomorrow.”

I don’t feel like going home. After having Lacey in my house, it seems even more empty than usual. I head over the bridge and take a left down my sister’s road. I really should visit them more often, and I know I’m going to have to explain why Lacey was with me last night to Rachel. I knock on the front door when Max peeks his head out.

“Uncle Jared!”

“Hey Max.” I slowly enter in scanning to see if Sara is hiding behind the door.

“Hi Uncle Jared!” I hear a voice come barreling towards me. Sara tackles my legs.

“Hey Sara—” I say as I pull her into a hug.

“Are we going to wrestle again?” Max asks with hopeful eyes.

“Maybe later buddy. Right now I need to talk to your mom.” I smile and continue into the kitchen to find Rachel getting a bottle ready for Danielle.

“Well, two visits in two days? What do I owe this pleasure?” Rachel says sarcastically.

“Funny. I just wanted to stop by since we didn’t get to talk much last night. How’s Jeff’s dad?”

“Oh, he’s good. He’s at home resting today. His mom won’t let him out of her sight. I’m just glad it wasn’t serious. Thanks for coming on such short notice last night.”

“Yeah, no problem Rach.” I pause thinking of the next thing to say, when I glance up at Rachel who is giving me a pursed half crooked smile.

“What?” I ask.

“Please Jared. You know what. Do you want to tell me about Lacey now or when I ask you a thousand questions over text?”

I lean my head back. I knew this is what I came for so I might as well start. “She’s a friend. A really good friend. Okay. We went on a few dates.”

“Jared. Spill. You brought her to my house. She’s obviously more than a friend.”

“It’s complicated. She works at Whitmore Tech. She ownsBaked and Sugaredacross town. I pause. “She’s smart.” I pause again. “She’s attractive and I mean, I like her.”

“Why is it complicated then?”

“Because Rach. I’m the CEO and she’s an employee. It’s off limits.”

“Is it though? I mean, I know most companies have processes for it. Why can’t you just sign whatever you guys need to sign and make it official?”

I close my eyes for a moment. I can feel exhaustion creeping under my eyelids. I want nothing more than to lay down and have all the answers come to me through sleep osmosis. I hear Rachel clear her throat which makes me snap my eyes open.

“All I know is that you are telling me you’ve gone on more than one date with this woman, and you brought her to my house. This isn’t typical Jared behavior.”

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