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“Oh my god, Iknewit!”
Tessa and I were out to brunch at Rocky Side Up, and she was practically swooning over her eggs Benedict. “It’s about time, El. Ifreakingcalled it. I hope you remember that. I better be the maid of honor at your wedding,” she added sternly, before taking a swig of her mimosa.
“You’re ridiculous,” I laughed, scooping a bite of my omelet. I’d hardly eaten anything, too busy relaying every detail of last night’s epic smooching to my best friend. The melted cheese was already congealing. “It was one kiss. We’re hardly headed for the altar.”
Tessa scoffed. “You say that now, but I see the look in your eyes. You’ve got itbad. Besides, this isn’t your average play boy. He’s a commitment kind of man, El. He’s gotkids, he’s not trying to mess around. You know it’s a big deal for a guy to invite you to hang out with his kids, right? How long was he in the military for?” Tessa jumped topics like a bunny rabbit with ADHD, especially when she was excited.
I swallowed my eggs and washed them down with coffee. “I mean, I met Olivia and Ethan at the Fall Fest, and it’s just an invitation to hang out at Oktoberfest in town. All of Aspen Ridge will be there. We’d probably bump into each other even if he hadn’t invited me. And as for your other question, I’m not sure. Over fifteen years, I think.”
“Do you know how long he was with his ex wife?”
“I’m not sure, but it was a long time. I think they might have been high school sweethearts.”
“See?” Tessa said meaningfully, waving her fork at me. “He doesn’t play around.”
“He’s on the rebound,” I scoffed. “I doubt he’s looking to get serious anytime soon.” Despite my words, I couldn’t help recalling the look in Jake’s eyes last night. There was something so solid there. So sure, and steady, andrealin that gaze. For a moment I’d felt absolutely grounded, the world spinning around us while the two of us were firmly planted together.
“I’m telling you,” Tessa shrugged. “Commitment guys don’t do rebound.”
“Well, regardless, there’s no rush. Right now I’ve still got to do whatever it takes to make my dad satisfied, so he’ll step down and let me take over as CEO. He would not be cool with us dating while we’re in the same part of the company, you know that. But once he’s gone, and we transfer Jake out—did I tell you my dad decided to put him with James, over at mountain ops?—there could be something there.”
Tessa grinned like the Cheshire cat. “Yeah, uh-huh. Keep telling yourself that you’re not going to jump him before that happens.”
“Tessa!” I admonished, then lowered my voice when I realized the tables nearby were glancing at us in annoyance. “I have to behave. Aren’t you listening? Dad wants me to be this ‘prim and proper professional’ woman. I’d hardly convince him of that if I’m hooking up with Jake.”
“Oh, come on, your dad loves Jake. You told me yourself.”
It was true, Dad was constantly singing Jake’s praises whenever I was within earshot. At first I’d was annoyed, seeing as how he’d brought Jake in to ‘shape me up.’ But I realized he just held Jake in high regard. Jake didn’t seem to curry favor or anything, just was an outstanding employee who worked hard. My dad valued that.
My chest warmed as I thought about it. “You’re right, he does. He’s lined up a pretty sweet job for Jake with James too, who also, incidentally, really likes him.”
“See? He fits right into the family.” Tessa leaned back triumphantly, pushing away her empty plate and signaling the server for another mimosa. “He’s perfect.”
“Tessa, you know it’s not that easy. I have a lot of work to do with Aspen Ridge, and once my dad leaves, I’ll have even more. I don’t have time to date, let alone take on a whole family.”
She sighed. “I hear you, but can you just give it a chance? You don’t have to marry the guy, but at least don’t freeze him out. Go out, have lots of dirty sex, get your groove on.”
“Tessa!”
“Hey, if the guy was married for over ten years, he knows how to keep a woman satisfied. That’s all I’m saying.”
“He is a fantastic kisser,” I admitted, the smile creeping across my face at the memory.
“See! I’m telling you, all signs point to bang.”
“Okay, but even if I wanted to—and I’m not admitting I do!—you said yourself he’s a commitment guy, with the kids and all. I don’t know if I’m ready for the total family experience. I have a lot on my plate and we’ve barely kissed a few times.”
“I’m not saying you have to marry the guy,”—I shot her a look, and she recanted—“I was joking about being a bridesmaid, El, you know that. But that doesn’t mean you can’t test out the hot rod and see if you like how it drives.”
“Fair,” I agreed. “And he said the kids are at his parents’ all weekend.”
“Holy shit, El, he gave you an in!”
I nearly spit out my coffee, trying not to laugh. “Why do you make me sound like a criminal?”
“He told you he doesn’t have kids all weekend? That’s a freaking invite, my dear. Guaranteed.”
