Chapter 51

Well, that’s a revelation, and it’s kind of sweet. I grin at him, stupidly pleased with his answer for no reason.

“Someone smart … and normal?” I gush

“Pretty much.” For once he doesn’t add in a flirty comment, finally being serious. I figure so many women in the world would squeal over this tidbit of information right now, giving hope to the millions of adoring women.

“Someone like me?” I laugh overcome with hesitation and a touch of nerves.

“I already told you, Bambino. Confess how crazy you are for me and I’ll marry you before dawn. We both know you’ve the serious hots for your sexy boss.” That face is nothing but sheer jest and smiles. I shake my head, eye roll at his usual annoying self and sigh all at the same time.

“You’re infuriating,” I scold gently.

“That’s why you’re crazy in love with me, shorty. Drink?” He leads me to the table, but I shake my head; I guess he’s signaled the end of conversation. Something we’re both good at and he obviously is done with this direction of prodding.

“Maybe best if I don’t,” I giggle, still not fully recovered. He studies me for a second then shrugs.

“One won’t hurt. Live a little.”

“I think you like getting me drunk, Jake.”

“I like loosening you up, starchy pants. Makes it easier to get you naked.” He winks at me and that devilish smile reappears, a nearby waitress gawps at what she has overheard and moves away fast. I can only sigh and raise a brow at him.

“You pay me to keep my pants starched remember, and on! If I was, Miss. Loose and lively, I would be a shitty PA.” We move to sit at an empty table amid my disapproving scold.

“I don’t know, might be fun having a drunk PA. A naked one would be even better. Would love to see you endure a stuffy meeting in full blown drunk Emma mode. Not sure I would let others see you naked though.” He shrugs again, pulling out my chair and seating me at the table. He gestures for another waiter seeing as our server has taken off.

“I probably wouldn’t be a hit … naked or not. Especially with the stuffed shirts you have meetings with.”

“I can agree with that.” He’s smiling and hands me a champagne glass from a passing tray.

“I like drunk Emma, might ask her to be my temporary girlfriend. You know, anytime we’re both drunk—we’re in a relationship.” Despite my protests, I take the glass and throw him an indulgent look, fighting the urge to grin.

“So, you’ve mentioned many times before.” I’m feeling edgy with his persistence tonight and I don’t like where this is heading. All jokes and fun tonight.

“I’d like to see you really let go, Emma.” He watches me carefully as though examining something under a microscope.

“In what way?” I’m not sure I like that look on his face.

“No work … just chilled and loose and free to have a good time.”

“I work for you remember … if I’m around you, then it’s usually a good sign that I’m meant to be working.” I raise my eyebrows at him and sip my champagne, seeing his look of approval at my “living a little” and sigh.

“Maybe I need to take you on holiday then.” That annoying spark of determination fleets across his face. His body sliding down into the chair, a la casual Carrero posture and my heart sinks.

“This again?” my gut tightens, and my mood dwindles.

“We go away together a lot … maybe we both need a trip for pleasure? Lots and lots of pleasure.” He’s off on negotiation mode and I grit my teeth.

“Jake …?” I warn, frowning to tell him not to say it.

“Listen to me … after Chicago … everything that went on, please … We both need this; it’s only two weeks, Emma … you’ll have your own room. No hanky panky, I swear. I will be the ultimate gentleman. My dad’s yacht … the Caribbean … just picture it.” It’s almost a childish beg, from a stroppy boy.

“I agree, Jake, but it’s still not right to take me on some romantic getaway.” I try to refuse and ignore the sense of guilt at making him look this way.

“Is that the issue? You think a tropical beach on a boat is too romantic? Worried I may make good on some of my promises?” An edge to his tone indicates he’s getting annoyed with me, he’s disappointed and he is not used to the word No.

Why am I so reluctant?

“No, it’s just …”

I don’t actually know what it’s just …

“Just?” he presses moodily

I’m lost for words, and he sees me flounder.

“It’s agreed then?” he looks smug at my hesitation and dives in with his large Carrero feet.

“What is?” my voice tight, knowing him only too well and how overbearing he can be.

“We go on a trip,” he shrugs oh so casually.

“I didn’t say yes.” I grind out but Jake is in steam rolling mode and he always does this to me. I’ve never known anyone with this ability to maneuver me into his way of thinking. Or just bullying me into it.

“You didn’t have a reason to say no either … I’ll just make you come with me and call it a business trip … I’ll fire you if you refuse.” He drinks some of his champagne, his eyes never leaving mine, with that look of goading to challenge him.

“That’s not fair,” I sigh, knowing I’m losing because this is how he can be.

“You’re the only girl I know who would turn down two weeks in the sun, Emma … I’ll still be paying you, regardless.” He shrugs at me as if that’s answers all my concerns. I could scream.

“I’m not worried about the money.” I glare at him haughtily, king of insulted but it only gets me a smile in return.

“You’re worried about being alone with me? Worried I’ll get you naked and you can’t refuse me? We’re alone most of the time … we’ve shared a million hotel rooms … you’ve stayed in my apartment too.”

“It’s not that, it’s just …” I falter and sigh, not even sure how to verbalize it.

“It’s not work, and you’re unsure how to navigate it?” he cocks his brow at me, a softness encompassing his expression.

“Maybe.” I shrug, perplexed at this whole thing.

“Relax and trust me, for once in your life, woman.” He sighs, irritation in his eye because he’s starting to get annoyed with my persistent refusals.

“I do trust you and stop calling me that.” I shove his foot with mine, hard. It’s in its usual close position, almost welded next to mine and an easy target.

“Do you?” he considers me seriously and I can’t ignore the hint of hurt.

Wow, when did that happen, when did Jake start doubting that I trust him?

A wave of guilt runs through me, impulsively I want to smooth away his frown on his flawless face as it causes all kinds of guilty pangs.

“Yes, I do … I don’t know why you’re looking at me that way. Who else would get away with half the crap you say and do to me?” I try a softer tone, but he just looks across the crowded room sulkily. He sighs and indicates we should go. Deflated.

Jake my sulker.

I glance at my watch and smile tightly, it’s not too late, but he’s right. I’m tired and I don’t like the way this is going. It’s no fun here anymore. We only needed to show face, and we have done.

I sigh and look away from him, knowing he’s right, he’s never mentioned what he did to Ray after we walked away from his lifeless body, but I know he’s been thinking about it. We do need a break. To clear the air, to reset the button. All this irritation and tension between us lately, maybe he has a point. I don’t want this to be something we bicker over endlessly.

What harm could it do?

“When do you want to go?” I finally breathe out.

“You’re serious?” he catches my chin with his fingers and forces me to look at him. I shrug in answer, knowing when I’m defeated and his face breaks into adolescent happiness. He swoops down with a kiss on my head and I can’t help but smile as he beams at me. Like a kid who found a lollipop.

This is the man worth billions of dollars, who runs an empire. Yes. This childish pain in my ass is meant to be my boss!