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“What about the woman you proposed to? I imagine you were fairly close if she was part of your life during such a difficult time.”
“We ran in the same circles. Her family was close with Trent’s family, and we often ended up at the same events, so we would all hang out together. She was part of my friend group. She was there for me when things got really bad. She was … a good friend, and provided a lot of emotional support, and at the time, it was what I needed. But like I said, my headspace wasn’t the best when I proposed. I was looking for any kind of stability. It wasn’t fair to her.” I redirect the conversation, not wanting to talk about that time in my life, not when we’ve had such a great night and morning.
After breakfast I help London clean up, even though I have someone who normally does that for me. It gives me an opportunity to spend more time with her. Once the breakfast dishes are done, she returns to her room to gather her things and I accompany her to the airport.
“I’m sorry I can’t come back with you.” I truly mean it. I’d love to return to Colorado, but I have afternoon meetings. As it is, I pushed several back and rearranged yesterday so I could spend the entire day with London.
“I completely understand, and I sincerely appreciate all the time you’ve already taken out of your schedule for me.”
“It’s absolutely been my pleasure.”
When she steps in and wraps her arms around my waist, I sink into the warm embrace. I don’t know if there’s ever been a time in my life when I’ve felt so connected to another person.
There’s chemistry between us. It crackles like thin sheets of ice under heavy treads every time I’m near her. I just need to stay on the right side of the line until I can pass the reins over.
* * *
Trent is already sitting behind my desk when I arrive at the New York office. “Spill it, Jax.”
I set my briefcase down on the desk, very nearly landing on his pinkie. “You’re not even going to give me five minutes to get my head in the game?”
“It’s ten, two hours later than you usually get here. I think you’ve had plenty of time to get your head in the game. What happened with London?”
“I didn’t sleep with her if that’s what you’re asking.” I drop into the chair opposite him.
“Has anything happened that could constitute crossing the line?”
I tap my lips with my fingers, thinking about the way I kissed the back of her neck and then pretended as though it didn’t happen.
“I’m taking this long pause as a yes. Jax, you’re setting yourself up for a harassment case if you’re not careful. This isn’t 1980 when you can sleep with your secretary and everyone pats you on the back like assholes.”
“I know that.”
“The power dynamic is way off. You said you had this under control, and it’s really damn clear to me and everyone else that you don’t. That woman looks at you like you’re the north star and you look at her like she’s your favorite dessert. How do you think this would roll out in the news? Billionaire CEO takes advantage of small business owner in exchange for sponsored ads?”
From his perspective, everything he’s saying is right. “I kissed the back of her neck this morning.”
His brows do the worm on his forehead. “You what?”
“She was making breakfast and her hair was in her face. I was helping keep it out of the way.”
Trent raises a hand. “Okay. There is so much wrong with this explanation, I don’t even know where to start. First of all, she was making breakfast?”
“She wanted to make use of the kitchen because it’s nice.”
“Right.”
“She stayed in the apartment, not the penthouse,” I say, because I already know that’s what he’s going to ask.
“We’ll come back to that. So London made herself right at home and made you breakfast this morning. Did she happen to be wearing a negligee?”
“No. She was wearing jeans and a shirt.”
“Were you helping her with her hair because her hands were down your pants?”
I give him a look. “She was flipping crêpes and they burn easily, not that I would expect you to know that since your preferred breakfast is still Eggo waffles. I wasn’t even thinking. I just leaned in and kissed the back of her neck.”
“How did she react?” I can practically see his wheels turning.
“She dropped the crêpe on the floor.”
“Did she call you out?”
I shake my head. “I don’t know if she thought she imagined it or what, but I backed right off and she seemed fine. And before you ask, no, I don’t think I need to call my lawyer, but I do need to take myself off the Teamology initiative. I should’ve let you take over the charity event when you first offered.”
