Ugh, she doesn’t waste any time. Whatever. An engagement can last a long time. I don’t need to worry about this right now.My only focus today is the introductory meeting with Jackson Romero that Aunt Delilah set up for me.
With that thought, I set my phone aside and get out of bed. Making my way into the room’s private bathroom. Stepping into the shower, I let out a sigh of delight as the hot water washes over me. After washing my hair and scrubbing myself from head-to-toe, I get out, dry off, and dress in a black pencil skirt and white silk blouse. Once I’ve done my makeup, I fix my hair, taking care to hide the teal underneath by gathering it up and wrapping my brown hair around it in a low, elegant bun.
I always hate hiding it because it feels like I’m hiding a part of myself. It’s not always teal. I’ve done purple, pink, red, orange…pops of color to remind me of the carefree childhood I once had, my brother and I once had, that I don’t want to let go of
I can’t make any mistakes today. Have to be the pinnacle of professionalism.
Checking the time, I realize I need to get going if I’m going to make my meeting on time. I slip into a pair of heels and head out of the bedroom, but as I make my way down the hallway, I realize I don’t have a way of actually getting to the meeting. Fuck! I didn’t think through my transportation options when I came to Colorado. I’ve got my own car back home in New York, but I typically use the private drivers my parents provide.
Shit, I’m going to need to take an Uber or something, but what if they don’t get here in time to pick me up? I can’t be late to this meeting! If I blow this, I’ll just be proving Mom and Dad right and they’ll never hand the company to me.
Panic building up inside me, I hurry out of my room and down the hall toward the kitchen. Hearing the sound of the blender as I step into the open, I come to a stop when I find Jayce standing at the island, working the appliance in nothing but a pair of black jogger pants. Blinking, I can’t help but stare at his bare torso, lean and ripped. His arms are flexed, showingoff his impressive biceps and his pants are hanging low enough on his hips to give me a perfect view of that delicious V leading down to his…
Startled, I stop that train of thought before I start remembering exactly what is hiding inside those pants. His hair is slicked back and he’s wearing running shoes, so I’m guessing he just got done with a workout. Did he go out in public without a shirt? Is he trying to give the women of Denver heart attacks?
He looks up at me and grins, turning the blender off.
“Good morning,” he says, reaching for a metal tumbler with a lid and straw.
“Good morning,” I reply, watching him pour the pink smoothie into the cup.
“Heading out?”
I nod, feeling a little bit awkward just standing here, staring at him as he puts the lid on the cup. I don’t actually know how to act around him. We’re not a couple, and we’re only kinda-sorta friends, at most, considering we don’t know much about one another. It’s not like we’ve spent a ton of time together just the two of us. I don’t feel right acting all buddy-buddy with him, but I’m also not going to act like a lover and drape myself all over him.
Are we just supposed to act like business partners?
Well, yeah, actually. I mean, that’s what we are. Business partners. Okay, I can work with that.
Realizing I haven’t answered his question, I stammer, “Uh…yeah. I’ve got my meeting with Jackson Romero today.”
Nodding, he slides the tumbler with the smoothie in it toward me. I look from him to the cup and back again, lifting a brow in question.
“Coffee isn’t good for your nerves,” he states simply.
The corners of my mouth twitch. “Thanks. That’s really thoughtful of you.” Remembering my Mom’s emails, I sigh. “Wemight have to lie about a wedding date. Mom is already sending me venues and florist ideas. She’s not going to stop until we, uh, set something in stone… so to speak.”
Jayce is putting bananas, strawberries, and protein powder in the blender, presumably to make one for himself now, but he nods and looks back up at me.
“Engagements can last a long time,” he says in an even tone. “Just tell her we want to enjoy this time together and we’ll set a date for sometime next year or something.”
I wasn’t expecting him to be so cool and easygoing with this. “Oh, uh, great. I’ll figure that out then and let you know what I come up with. You said at least six months out?”
“Yeah, whatever works.” He puts the lid on the blender, but before he hits the start button, he says, “Anyway, I’ve got practice this afternoon, and then, since it’s Friday, everyone will probably go out to the Night Hawk tonight. It’s the team’s favorite bar.”
Oh, shit. I was hoping for at least a day before I had to face everyone. “Um…sure, okay. I should get going now, but… hmm.” I stop, remembering with a sinking feeling in my gut that I don’t have a way to actually get to my meeting yet. “Shit, I… well…”
Before I can leave, though, Jayce is speaking. “My driver is already waiting for you. Black Mercedes. His name is Frank.”
Is this man a freaking mind reader? How does he seem to know every one of my needs, and knows how to meet it without me saying anything?
Glancing back over my shoulder, I give him a grateful smile. “You’re a lifesaver. I owe you big time. Have a great day.”
He winks at me. I hurry to gather my laptop and cling to my smoothie as I make my way to the front door to get away from him before he sees how flustered I am.
“Forgetting something?” he smiles.
“What?” I ask.
