Chapter 4
I should be sleeping. But after hours of tossing and turning, I give up and reach for my phone. It’s never a good idea because nights like this end up with me working through most of it. But after scrolling through emails for a while, a message pops up.
Bentley:Who’s this?
For fuck’s sake. Is he for real?
I type back furiously.
Jeremy: You know it’s me, stop fooling around.
Bentley:I don’t know who me is.
I pinch the bridge of my nose and close my eyes briefly before writing back. This guy does my fucking head in.
Jeremy: Jeremy.
Bentley:Never heard of a Jeremy.
Jeremy: Bentley, stop messing around. I don’t have time for this.
Bentley:Bentley’s my boss.
I sit up straight in the bed, tossing a pillow that”s poking me in the back. It lands on the floor with a thud.
I swipe my forehead in annoyance. Why the fuck did Bentley give me an employee”s number.
Jeremy: Why did he give me your number?
Bentley:I don’t know.
I stare at the name saved, but I don’t even know who I’m talking to.
Jeremy: Who’s this?
Bentley:Nova.
I stare at the name again, but it doesn”t ring any bells.
Jeremy: I don’t know who you are.
Bentley::(
I laugh for some reason. The whole thing makes no sense. It’s actually ridiculous.
Jeremy: He was meant to send me a spec and financial contract. Do you know anything about it?
While I wait for her to respond, I change the name in my phone.
Nova:I don’t start at the company until next week.
I don’t know what to say back but I get another message.
Nova:I’m the new accountant, maybe I’ll be fixing it?
Jeremy: In a week”s time? I hope not. I need the equipment ordered for my hospitals.
Nova:Your hospitals?
Do I really want to answer her?
What else would I be doing?
It’s either sleep or work.
I’m wide awake now. Would talking to Nova be classified as work? I don’t know, but I never realized how much easier text conversations were until now.
Jeremy: I’m the CEO of Lincoln Eye Hospital Group.
Nova:Right, I just saw it on Google. NY’s largest ophthalmology chain. Fancy.
I choke out a laugh.
Jeremy: Did you Google me?
Nova: As soon as you told me your name.
Jeremy: I’ve never Googled my name. Anything interesting?
Nova:Why don’t you have a look, Mr. Fancy Pants?
Jeremy: Don’t call me that.
Nova:Why?
Jeremy: I don’t like it.
Nova:Fine. What do I call you Mr. Lincoln? Jeremy? Google calls you a bachelor.
Jeremy: It doesn’t.
Nova:It does. I dare you to Google yourself.
Jeremy: No. I don’t play games.
Nova:It was very interesting.
I swallow the lump that”s formed in my throat. There’s nothing personal there, so I don’t need to worry.
Nova:Three brothers and your parents are still together.
Jeremy: I’m going to Google you.
Nova:Go ahead, you’ll find nothing. I’m boring compared to you.
Jeremy: Trust me, I’m the one who’s boring.
Nova: I doubt that. Being called a bachelor…sounds fun.
Jeremy: I”m not a bachelor. I haven”t dated in years.
Nova: Why?
Jeremy: You’re nosy, aren’t you?
Nova: No. Just curious. What does Mr. Fancy Pants Jeremy Lincoln, not a bachelor, do? Because you’re currently saying everything Google says is wrong.
I can’t help but laugh out loud. She’s used all the nicknames she’s made up for me, and I don’t like any of them.
Jeremy: I don’t like any of those names.
Nova:How about Jerry, Jem, Jere, Remy, Jerr, Jez, Rey. I personally like Remy.
Jeremy: Did you find them from Google too?
Nova:Totally. Choose one.
Who are you, Nova?
Looking at all the names, I go with my gut.
Jeremy: Call me Remy.
Nova:I like that.
Jeremy: So you’ve told me.
Nova: Now that we’ve got a name. Why is Google wrong?
Jeremy: It’s not completely wrong, it got my family and business correct.
Nova:So you’re saying the only thing that is incorrect is the bachelor title. Where did they get it from?
Jeremy: No idea. Maybe because I don’t go out with women to events. Or have a long-term girlfriend.
Before I think about what I’m doing, I snap a picture of myself lying in bed. Proving to her that I’m an average guy and not bachelor material. And then I send it to her. Instantly regretting doing so. I quickly type her a text.
Jeremy: Sorry, I don’t know why I did that. Other than for some dumb reason proving that Google is wrong.
Nova: Don’t be sorry. You’re kind of cute.
Jeremy: Now I’m definitely regretting sending it.
Nova:Why?
Jeremy: Being called cute isn’t a compliment.
Nova:It is. But if you prefer…I’ll call you handsome.
Jeremy: Send me a picture of you so I don’t feel stupid.
Nova:It’s because you thought I was Bentley.
I bite my tongue. I can’t type out what I truly think about him. He’s her CEO and I want this deal. It’s the most important thing to me. Well, other than my family.
Nova sends an image.
Holy fuck.
The image is of her makeup-free face. One that’s unforgettable. She has the most captivating hazel eyes in the most beautiful of faces. Her wavy brown hair cascades around her shoulders as she leans back on her bed, mimicking my pose. A sexy little quirk on the side of her lip looks every bit naughty and seductive at the same time. For some reason, I find myself texting her for the rest of the night.
Jeremy: Are you copying me?
Nova:What do you mean?
Jeremy: You copied my pose.
Nova: Lying in bed at night is common, you know.
Jeremy: You’re not just pretty but cheeky.
Nova:I’m regretting sending my pic now.
Jeremy: Why?
Nova: Getting called pretty isn’t a compliment.
Jeremy: Would you prefer to be called beautiful?
Nova: Yeah, but only if you think I am.
I stare at the text. I can’t reply. I went too far with her tonight by calling her beautiful. I’m not a relationship guy and never will be. It didn’t help when she opened up to me. I’m not used to women being so earnest and honest.
I should focus on work and the deal. Not getting caught up with one of Bentley”s employees. No matter how captivating her eyes are.
Jeremy:Why are you still up?
Nova:Now who”s nosy?
My mouth curves into a smile.
Jeremy: Just keeping up with you. Can’t let you have all the fun with secrets, right?
Nova: Then tell me something about you.
Jeremy: I used to live in Chicago.
Nova: Now you’re where?
Jeremy:New York. Now it”s your turn to answer my question.
Nova:I can’t sleep so I’m watching a movie.
Jeremy:Am I allowed to ask which one?
I flick the TV on, which is something I rarely do––because there’s always work I could be doing in my office.
Nova: It’s okay we’ve established you’re nosier than me.
Jeremy: I beg to differ.
Nova:I say caw-fee and you say Kaa-fee.
One corner of my lip lifts, but I stifle another laugh.
Jeremy:I say caw-fee. What movie?
Nova: Million Dollar Baby.
Jeremy:Honestly? No Notebook or Pride and Prejudice?
Nova: Why do you sound shocked? Should I be worried that you know the name of those movies?
Jeremy: They’re classic romance movies. I haven’t been living under a rock.
I press the on button and search for it. It’s been such a long time since I saw that movie. I play it and disbelief fills me. I can’t believe she said she’s watching this.
Nova: Have you seen it?
Jeremy:Million Dollar Baby?
Nova: Yeah. Bachelors don’t live under rocks, this isn’t The Little Mermaid.
Jeremy:You’re not someone I’d pick to watch that.
Nova:You expected me to only watch Disney movies?
Jeremy:No. I’m just surprised.
Nova:Have you read the books?
Jeremy: I have. The characters were well-developed.
I have the collection of books sitting on a shelf in my office.
Nova: But Clint Eastwood and Hilary Swank made the books come to life.
Jeremy:What’s your favorite part about the movie?
Nova:The relationship between Maggie and Frank. And the moment he decided to train her. You?
My eyes are getting heavy. Suddenly I’m tired.
Jeremy: Maggie’s strive for success against the odds given to her.
I glance at the TV, and the exact scene where he decides to train her is playing right now.
Nova:The whole movie is very moving and heart-warming.
Jeremy: Did you cry at the end?
Nova: Every. Damn. Time.
Talking to her has relaxed me. I don’t get a chance to say goodnight, or switch the TV off, because I fall asleep. But, of course, my dreams are filled with her and those alluring bedroom eyes.