‘Doesn’t sound like it?’
‘Why do you look so confused?’
‘I’ve never known Jackson have anyone here.’
‘And he’s worked for you how long?’
‘Four years.’
‘Wow, four years. I’d bet he didn’t last very long.’ I smirk. ‘Does it bother you that he has someone here?’
Gregory scratches his nose, then glances towards the staircase. ‘I’m not sure. No?’
I slide the first two pancakes on to a plate and pour another two circles in the frying pan. As I search the cupboards for syrup, Gregory’s phone rings.
‘I’ll be back for the masterpiece; I need to take this,’ he says, holding up his phone. ‘Ryans,’ he snaps, bounding up the stairs to his home office.
The female laughter comes again as I happily continue creating breakfast.
‘Would it offend you if I said I’m surprised they smell good?’ Gregory asks on return.
I grin like a child, genuinely thrilled with my efforts. ‘Work?’ I ask, taking a seat on a stool next to him and drizzling syrup on my plate.
‘These are amazing. And yes, I might have some work coming your way actually: a new deal.’
‘Oh, Gregory, I?—’
‘Sorry, that was thoughtless. You don’t have to do it. I didn’t think. For the record, it’s completely above board, usual business. I wouldn’t have asked you to do anything that?—’
‘It’s not that. I know you wouldn’t get me messed up in anything like that again.’ I stab my pancake with my fork. ‘I know that because I have far too much control over your balls these days.’
We both laugh, although Gregory’s is nervous. ‘I’m the one with the control, angel. C.E.O. Don’t forget that.’
As arrogant as they are, his words completely turn me on.
‘I was going to say that I need to have a think about conflicts of interest and sort out some compliance issues within the firm, that’s all.’
‘Understood.’
‘Which reminds me, I want to know about Jack. And don’t fob me off, Ryans.’
The door to the staircase opens and Jackson comes into the kitchen, saving Gregory from a discussion he seemingly does not want to have.
‘Ah, morning.’
‘Morning,’ Gregory says over his cup of coffee.
Jackson scratches his chin then puts one hand in the pocket of his eighties-style, straight-leg jeans.
‘Jackson.’ I try my best to hide my amusement behind my coffee cup.
‘Ah, I just want to check that it’s still okay for me to take off today. I don’t want to leave you in the lurch and I’ll have my phone all day so if you need me, anything at all, and if it’s anything about, you know?—’
‘It’s okay. She knows it all,’ Gregory says. ‘Yes, take off. I’m going to take Scarlett out to the farm. We’ll be fine there.’
I’ve got no idea what ‘the farm’ is but Jackson seems content with the response. He nods then runs back up the stairs. ‘Good to go,’ I hear him say.
I get back to my pancake. Placing the forkful of food into my mouth, I’m distracted by movement on the stairs. I try not to look but intrigue gets the better of me.
