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“Yeah. She’s a sweetheart.”
“That she is,” I agree. “Shit.” I shake my head, still unable to believe this big news. “We’re growing so fast. We’re going to have to hire more staff soon.”
“I agree. And it’s only the beginning. You have a big day ahead of you, right?”
“Yup. I sure do.”
“Are things still on with Food Network?”
“Most definitely,” I answer, running my fingers through my messy hair.
“Good. My little sis pulled some strings and I hope it’ll pay off for us.”
“Riley surely came through big time and I’ll make sure it does pay off. I’ll be sitting at their office at three o’clock negotiating my butt off.”
“I guess I should be happy you weren’t interested in finding another woman to fuck after you had your way with Miranda. That means you’re going to go into that meeting totally focused like a hockey player before the final game to win the Stanley Cup.” The amusement in his voice is unmistakable.
“You know what? Your wake-up calls suck.”
Jake roars on the other end. “Is that your way of saying you miss me?”
“I’m not going to even dignify that with an answer.” I laugh. “No, seriously, Jake, my time in LA is a turning point for our business. Although the Dennison brothers did their best to guilt-trip me into going out with them again last night, I didn’t fall for it. The coming week is far too busy for me to party like a teenager with no cares in the world. As you know, I have a considerable number of extremely important meetings, and my head needs to be in the game. I owe it to myself, you, as my business partner and best friend, and all of the employees working for us at the ranch.”
“Glad to hear we’re on the same page. You’ll call me the minute you get an answer?”
“You bet.”
“All right, I’ll let you get started with your day.”
“Before you go, how’s Allison?”
“My super-sexy girlfriend is doing great. She’s counting the days until we come to Cali to visit you and my parents.”
“I can’t wait to see her again.”
“What about me?”
“It can’t always be about you, Jake. Not to mention your girlfriend is much more attractive than you are,” I mock.
“Whatever. Okay, I’ve got to get back to work. Knock ’em dead today.”
“Don’t I always?”
“As much as I hate to admit it, you always hit it out of the ballpark, buddy.”
* * *
After a quick stopat Intelligentsia Coffee for my second shot of caffeine of the day, I take the elevator up to the seventh floor. Thank God I ride alone. The salacious thoughts storming through my head must be written all over my face. Damn, she was delicious. Given the current state of my raging erection, you’d never be able to believe that I jerked off twice thinking of Miranda this morning. And did I mention that last night I also rubbed one out a couple times before falling asleep? Fuck. I’m so into this girl.
I stand in front of my LA office with a hand on the door handle and the other curled around a very large and very hot latte with the obligatory double shot of espresso. It always makes me smile when I read Holy Cow! Grass-Fed Angus Beef & Natural Meats inscribed in the glass door. Jake and I did this. And we’re expanding. We acquired the ranch next door to ours, and we now also sell lamb, chicken and pork. All naturally raised, of course. This new division isn’t nearly as lucrative as our Angus beef, but I’m sure things will turn around quickly.
I step inside the office as Charlene is walking back to her desk with a large mug in one hand and a bagel in the other. When she sees me she rewards me with a beaming smile.
“Good morning, boss.”
“Good morning to you, Charlene.”
“You look very sharp today.” She takes me in from head to toe with an approving eye.
