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"Yeah, maybe," I tell him unenthusiastically, hoping he can't see my disdain for his suggestion.
He doesn't seem to notice any changes in my mood, so he adds, "Maybe there's someone nice he'll meet through work. I'm sure there's someone his age there despite everyone looking very young whenever I visit."
"There might be a policy against that," I say, though I don't think that's true.
His comment about finding an age-appropriate woman has me rolling my eyes. I feel as though I'm age-appropriate enough. His comment only furthers my resolve to talk to Jared about us later.
Tyler doesn’t hang around to entertain me much longer, leaving me to my own devices for a few hours. It gives me enough time to stew on what to say to Jared. By the time he texts me that he’s back at his place, Archer seems to have tired himself out playing with Caden and Lyla. It makes for a quiet ride back to his home.
When I’m parked in a visitor's spot and making my way up, I’m once again taken aback by how luxurious Jared’s apartment building is. I’ve only been to his place a handful of times, and every single time, I’m in awe.
“I’m home,” Archer announces when his father opens the door, rushing into the penthouse apartment and up to his room.
“Hey Dad, how are you?” Jared mumbles under his breath but smiles nonetheless at his son’s antics.
Finally turning his attention to me, he gives me a sheepish smile. “How was he?”
“He was fine. He just played while I sat around and read a book.” I'm not sure about whether to say the next part but decide to add it anyway. “And I got to listen to Tyler muse about there hopefully being an age-appropriate woman at work that you can start dating.”
Jared scoffs at my words. “He’s too interested in my love life.”
I don’t respond immediately, but I can tell Jared notices my sour mood.
“Is everything alright?” he asks with furrowed brows, coming up to me and resting a hand on my cheek.
The moment is tender, different from the hot and passionate moments we usually share.
“Yes, everything is fine,” I say, trying my hardest to meet his eyes. “But maybe there is someone nice and age-appropriate for you at the office.”
The second part sounded way more insecure than I was going for. Jared obviously understands what I’m getting at, his eyes filling with worry.
“I think I’m fine with my not conventionally age-appropriate assistant. She’s kind of hot,” he tells me, a mischievous smirk on his face.
His comment lightens the mood somewhat but doesn’t fully alleviate my worry. Nonetheless, I allow a small smile to form on my face.
“Really?” I ask quietly.
“Believe it or not, I genuinely like you. I don’t plan on seeing anyone else. Okay?” he says, staring deeply into my eyes as he tries to get his point across.
“Okay,” I tell him, letting my eyes close as I lean deeper into his hand.
While it doesn’t answer my concerns, this is the closest to commitment I’m getting right now. And it feels good. Really good.
CHAPTER16
JARED
“Please see me,” my email says. I hit send.
It’s the third time I’ve sent this to Monica. Why does there have to be a whole door separating us? Maybe I could move her desk into my office.
I would have never guessed that the mere fact that Monica is in the same building would be such a distraction. This hadn’t been much of a concern when I was hiring her, but now, knowing that I can touch her, I can’t help but want her in my office all the time.
“You called me?” comes Monica’s voice as she enters my office, comfortable enough not to knock.
“Yeah, I was just wondering if you could look over this email for me,” I say as I watch her circle around to the back of my desk.
The email I have pulled up is bogus; it’s just a simple message to Mr. Cho finalizing some details about beginning our working relationship together.
