My dreams are filled with Blake and Issac, and I wake up more exhausted than when I went to sleep.
I’m half asleep when I arrive at the office, but before I can open the door, Blake is there, his gaze running over me with surprise.
“Are you unwell?”
“What?!”
“Issac said you were off at lunch yesterday.” Blake raises his eyebrows, walking alongside me.
“I’m fine,” I reply. “Well, as good as can be expected.”
Blake rubs the back of his neck sheepishly. “Yeah, I get that. So, did you read the contract?”
“Blake, you need to learn some patience. Also, why are you here so early every morning? It’s most unlike you.”
The elevator ride seems to last forever, but Blake is thankfully quiet for several beats. “I’m worried,” Blake exhales finally, earning himself a double take from me.
“About?” I sneak a look at him. His jaw is tight, his eyes narrowed.
“The company. Decisions need to be made, contracts need renewing, and there's nothing I can do until I’m the CEO.”
Pressing my lips into a firm line, I huff, leaving the elevator first.
“Danielle,” Blake calls after me, his hand reaching to my arm. “What is it that’s stopping you?”
I stare down at his hand, raising an eyebrow in disbelief. Only Blake James could ask that. “Aside from the moral trauma and life experiences I’ll be putting on hold, you mean? Or lying to my family? Putting my entire life on hold, Blake, to help you?”
Blake exhales through his nose, gazing at me in the way only he can. “You can say no; you realize that, right?”
“I can’t. I need the money and the opportunity,” I admit, crossing my arms over my chest. “Also, I’m not sleeping with you.”
Blake shakes his head, looking offended. “Of course not. Unless you want to.”
“Blake,” I warn, stepping closer to him. “No jokes, no games, and no random women in our house.”
Blake’s eyes light up, and he nods so fast I swear his head is going to fall off. “Yup, fine. No men either.”
I scowl at him. “In the house or in general?”
Blake rolls his eyes. “Is this about Issac? Do you want to date him?”
“Maybe; I kind of want that choice.”
I’m aware I sound petulant, but I’m giving away my freedom here.
Blake studies me, glancing around as he shrugs.
“You’d have to see him in the house because to the world, you and I are happy, trying for babies and shit.”
“Babies?” I snap, wondering where the fuck it said that. “It didn’t say that in the contract!”
“No,” Blake says with a grimace. “But my mother wants to be a grandma so bad, so prepare for that, if you do it.”
“But your mom knows it's not real, surely?” I gasp in horror.
Blake looks awkward, flashing me a pearly white smile.
“What did you do?” I frown, but he holds up his hands.
