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“Right you are.” She patted Eddie, who was curled in his usual spot at Jackson’s feet. “Oh, and I haven’t had any sensible replies about Eddie. Just a few stupid ones. And a dick pic. Why do people always send dick pics?”
Jackson frowned. “You got a dick pic? Maybe you should close the inquiry. I don’t want you being harassed.”
Lisa shrugged. “I can take it. We should leave it up. Somebody has to be missing this guy. He’s too cute not to be loved.”
“Yeah.” Jackson nodded. “I guess he is.”
“I’m gonna miss him being in the office if his family is found.” Lisa blew Eddie a kiss.
“He’s only been here for a few days,” Jackson pointed out. “And you’re forever complaining about his farts.”
“Doesn’t mean I don’t think he’s the cutest little schnookums ever,” Lisa said in a cutesy voice, ruffling Eddie’s head.
“Go call this Carl guy and leave me alone.”
Lisa narrowed her eyes. “You’re cute when you’re upset because your dog could be leaving, you know that?”
Jackson shook his head and turned back to his computer, biting down a smile as Lisa stomped back to her desk.
“And don’t think I haven’t noticed what a good mood you’re in today,” Lisa called out, as she sat on her chair. “A little bird told me you had a date last night.”
If she wasn’t such a good assistant, he’d fire her. But he’d only be hurting himself by doing that. Any right minded business owner would snap Lisa up in an instant, and he’d be the one losing out.
“I’m putting my headphones in now,” he told he
r. “So I can block out the annoying noise and concentrate.”
She grinned and lifted her phone to her ear, tapping in numbers as she read them from the résumé.
Jackson grabbed his wireless headphones. He really did have tons of work to do, and listening to white noise always helped him concentrate. But right as he was pulling up his tried-and-tested playlist, his phone started to buzz. Before he could stop it, a smile curled his lips when he saw Lydia’s name on the screen.
“Hey,” he said, sending up a silent prayer that Lisa was too busy talking on the phone to notice his grin. “You doing okay this morning?”
“I am.” Her voice was warm. “I’ve been doing some work at the coffee shop. The couple I’m taking to Rio wanted a few changes made to their itinerary, so I’ve been messing around with that.”
“When do you go to Rio?” he asked. “I thought you were heading to Europe.”
“I am. Rio isn’t until June, but I like to plan everything out with as much notice as I can. Things can get booked up very quickly.”
“How long are you in Europe again?”
“Almost two months. Barcelona then Madrid, and after that I’m heading to Paris. I’ve got a tentative booking for two sisters to go to the champagne region of France, though goodness knows why they need me to be there. Then it’s Italy for the second half of May, and Rio in June.”
So she’d be busy. Maybe too busy to come back here. He ignored the dryness in his throat. “When will you be coming back to visit Autumn?”
“I don’t know,” she said softly. “I hope it won’t be too long. I’m growing fond of this place.”
And he was growing fond of her. Maybe it was a good thing she was leaving soon, before he got in too deep.
“Anyway, that’s not why I’m calling. I was wondering what your plans are for tonight.”
His muscles relaxed. “No plans. Why, what are you up to?”
“Griff and Autumn are going out for the evening, and I’m babysitting. I wondered if you’d like to come help me.” She cleared her throat. “I’m not exactly practiced with babies. I’ll need all the support I can get.”
“And you thought of me?” he asked, making sure his voice was light. “I know less about babies than you.”
“Autumn suggested you come actually.”
