Page 120 of The Work Wife

“Thanks.”

“If redecorating the office was your only requirement, we could have taken care of that years ago.” Ben was so relieved to see his brother here. While he had been managing the business on his own, he knew he’d been spread too thin to actually do it well. He needed help, and now he wouldn’t have to do this on his own.

“The new furniture wasn’t the only requirement.” Wes gave him a knowing look.

“Right. Just say the word, and we will make a position available for Jamie.”

Wes laughed. “Jamie is not going to want a position that was created for her. If she joins the company, she’s going to want a real job. Do you know nothing about women?”

Ben shrugged it off. He knew plenty about Annabelle. No doubt she would be insulted if he tried to elevate her in the company for no other reason than that they were sleeping together. Though he’d offered, and she’d told him she was happy where she was. It gave her time for her other pursuits.

“I know some things, and I’m learning more each day,” Ben shared.

Wes lifted his brow. “You’re seeing someone?”

“Yes. It’s new. I’ll be sure to introduce you at least a day or so before we get married.”

“You’re not going to get over it, are you?”

“I’ll probably get over it before Mother.” Telling her had done the trick. She’d stopped talking and walked out of his office. It had been a great day.

“I’m still pissed that you told her.”

Wes obviously didn’t agree. “If you’d been in my shoes at the time, you would have done the same thing.”

Wes frowned, but didn’t argue. “Do you want to go get some dinner tonight?”

“Uh, I can’t. I have plans.”

“With a girl?” Wes smiled as if he’d caught him doing something wrong.

“Yes. With a girl.”

“Can I meet her?”

“No. Not until you learn to stop calling me Benji. I’m an adult.” While he hated the name, he had to admit he liked the affection that came with it. He’d missed having his brother nearby. Ben wanted to do whatever he could to make the transition easier so Wes would want to stay.

“Fine. How about dinner tomorrow?”

“I can probably make that work. Unless you’re too busy to get away from the office.”

“I won’t be too busy. I have to eat.”

“We’ll see.” Ben knew what it was like. Wes was only halfway through the project list. By the end of the week, he’d be staying late and ordering takeout.

* * * *

Her father frowned as he looked at her. “What’s wrong with you? You’ve been quiet. It’s a bad sign when you’re quiet.”

Jamie was brought back to the moment by her father’s question. She would be leaving the next day to go back to Boston. Back to an empty apartment that held a cat she’d yet to find. And back to work in an empty office.

“I’m just thinking,” she answered.

“It’s a worse sign when you’re thinking.” He delivered his joke with a grin.

He was doing well, all things considered. His doctors said so too. Jamie had gone to the appointment to make sure rather than take her father’s word on that.

“What is it?”