27. Jake
Chapter 27
Jake
C ora and I meet Ines at the television studio at six in the morning. Ines works at the local news station as an anchor, but she’s also one of its producers. She’s covered several events for Cora and is a rare source we trust these days.
Before Ines comes out to greet us, Cora takes my hands and looks at me, something clearly brewing in her brilliant mind.
“This is going to sound crazy, but just hear me out,” she starts. “We don’t have to do this.”
“Cora—”
“I said, hear me out, Jacob,” she says sharply. “I’ve been processing everything you said about your parents forcing this relationship on you. While I don’t love that… obviously… I do love you. I’d hate to see you lose everything just because of your sexual orientation. We are a smart match. Please consider continuing the ruse of a relationship. We can both see other people in private. And wouldn’t that be an even better way to get back at your father?”
I can’t believe my fucking ears. You think you know someone…
I stand with my mouth agape for a solid minute looking at the woman in front of me, barely able to process what she’s saying.
“Cor, do you hear how crazy that sounds? That’s not a life I want for either of us…or for Dylan. I don’t want to hide him. I don’t want to miss holidays and birthdays with him because of obligations to my fake wife in order to keep my father happy. No. Fuck that. My dad can keep his fucking money.” It takes me a minute to get there, but finally, I ask, “Cora, why the change of heart? This was your idea,” I remind her.
Her eyes go glassy as she chews on the inside of her cheek.
“Because if I lose you, I lose everything,” she says, not making any sense. It feels like that should be my line.
Finally, she squeezes my hands.
“Please?” she prods.
“Cora, I’m so sorry. I truly wish I could help, but I’ve spent enough of my life pretending and I’m just not interested in doing it anymore. It isn’t fair to you or Dylan.”
Before Cora has a chance to respond, Ines comes around the corner and I watch Cora’s professional demeanor slide into place, all the pain and hurt from a moment ago gone, but my own shock still lingers.
Cora greets Ines with a kiss on each cheek.
“Ines, thank you so much for working us in.”
“Of course, although I’ll have to admit, the news breaks my heart. You two were the perfect couple,” she pouts, hugging me hello.
Cora laughs as we begin to follow Ines to her office. “We still are the perfect couple, which is why we’re here together and not tearing each other down in the tabloids.”
Ines’s office is neat and orderly and she’s tried very hard to make it warm with framed photos on the wall, a large bookshelf and matching desk, and even an area rug under the two chairs in front of her desk, but it’s hard to make a windowless room with cinderblock walls anything other than prison-like.
“Would anyone like coffee?” she asks, already standing at the single-serve Keurig machine.
“Please,” Cora and I both reply, sharing a small smile.
As Ines messes with the machine, she begins telling us the flow of the morning.
“We have an hour to plan your segment before we’ll start shooting so we can air it at eight o’clock. Give me a brief background of the issue, why you’re making a statement and at the end, Cora, darling, do you have any upcoming events you can plug at the same time? I’d hate to leave our viewers with the taste of high society scandal in their mouths instead of something useful.”
Her words are blunt, but I understand her point.
“Always,” Cora replies, sweetly.
Ines hands us our coffees and sits down behind her desk, opening her laptop ready to type.
“Okay, let’s begin with why you’re here and I’ll ask questions along the way. If I hold up my hand it just means pause so I can catch up on my notes, but pick up in the same spot when I flash a thumbs up.”
Cora speaks first. No doubt, the audience will like her much better anyway. I’m resigned to the fact that I’ll be the asshole who led her on only to dump her for a man and people will be irate that I wasted her time.
Going on record with the news station may seem like overkill, especially because people in the next state over don’t give two shits about our lives, but in this state, in this town , our breakup is a big deal.
I cross my left ankle over my right knee and keep my hands clasped in my lap as Cora begins to talk, poised and regal as ever, pretending she’s already in front of the camera.
“Many of you may have read in yesterday’s paper, that Jacob Ellington and I are recently engaged. As the governor’s youngest daughter and a business woman with a face in many social circles, I have received an outpouring of love and congratulations. However, it is important to set the record straight and Jacob and I have come here together this morning to do just that.” She takes a deep breath and finishes the shocking introduction. “Not only are we not engaged, Jacob and I are no longer romantically involved at all. Our six-year relationship has come to an end.”
Cora looks back at me and places her hand on my knee. I cover it with my own and give her a small nod, encouraging her to continue.
Ines gives us a sad smile and looks where our hands are connected. “Who made the announcement?”
“We can’t be sure, but we believe it was made in anticipation for an expected proposal that never came. Perhaps it was meant to be held onto until the time was right, or perhaps it was someone’s wishful thinking after realizing our relationship had run its course. We have several loving family members and friends who are invested in our relationship and our future. Perhaps one of them was trying to rekindle a fire.”
Cora and I decided not to out my father because the details really aren’t the public’s business and there’s no need to add fuel to the fire. The point is, we want as many people as possible to hear from our mouths that we aren’t together so that my father can’t try any more underhanded stunts to force our union.
“Well, you two certainly seem to be handling the breakup well. What does the future hold for you both?”
“I’ll continue running my business and Jacob,” she turns back to look at me, nothing but love shining in her eyes. “Jacob is moving on with the real love of his life. Dylan is an incredible man with a kind heart and he is the perfect yin to Jacob’s yang, a much better fit for him than I was. I wish them the absolute best and should they get married, I’ll be on the front row.”
I pick Cora’s hand up, uncross my legs, and lean forward, bringing her knuckles to my lips.
“Thank you,” I whisper. The words are for her, not an audience, and it’s the sincerest I’ve ever been when I said them.
We finish the interview shortly afterwards with a few follow up questions and focus on a fundraiser for breast cancer Cora’s doing in October.
“Just like that,” Ines says. “When that camera is rolling. I want you to deliver it exactly like that.”
Three hours later, my office door bursts open. I knew he’d have the news on in his office. He has two T.V.s; one stays on the market and one stays on the news.
“What the fuck were you thinking?” my dad barks, slamming the door shut behind him. I’ve never hated that his keycard gains him unfettered access to my office more than I do right now.
I stay seated because standing would make it seem like I’m squaring up to him and he’s not worthy of that kind of response.
“I was thinking it’s time I take control of my life,” I say calmly even though I feel anything, but. My mind goes to Dylan who I haven’t heard from yet, but I think he was helping with funeral plans for Carl Rogers today. My sweet, selfless, ripped, sexy… okay, Jacob, now is not the time.
“By sabotaging your future?” My father shouts, slamming a fist down onto my desk.
“By choosing my future,” I clarify.
“Well, you just chose to lose twenty-nine billion dollars because your name is coming off your inheritance. You can forget ownership of this company and I wouldn’t have any more business cards made.”
“How does it feel, father?” I steeple my fingers under my chin and point my gaze at him.
“How does what feel?” he sneers.
“Having not one, but two sons who would rather start all over without a penny than stay and continue your legacy? To have two sons who don’t think your legacy’s worth shit?”
“We’ll see how you feel when I have you blacklisted from finding another job in this industry.”
I laugh. “How powerful do you think you are? You drag my name through the mud and you only hurt yourself because don’t you think people will wonder what terrible things a father has to do to push both of his sons away like you have?”
My intercom sparks to life and Peggy’s voice comes over the line.
“Jacob, Mr. Ryder’s here. I wasn’t sure—”
“Send him in.”
Now I stand. I round the corner of my desk so fast it digs into my hip on my way to the door, but I don’t care. Dylan stops short as soon as his eyes land on my father, but I keep walking until we’re toe to toe.
“Oh, I can come ba—”
I grip his face in my hands and slam my mouth down on his.
“We’re done hiding,” I tell him, ending the kiss a few seconds later. I grab him by the hand and walk back toward my desk, bringing him behind the wooden piece of furniture with me.
“Father, you remember Dylan.”
Dylan holds his hand out, willing to offer Steve a chance to bridge the gap, but my father not only ignores his outstretched hand…he spits on my floor…actually spits on my carpeted floor… turns around, and walks out of my office without another word.
“Well, that was disgusting,” I joke, leaning over the edge of my desk to see the dark spot on my newly-soiled carpet.
Dylan pulls me back and throws his arms around my neck.
“I’m so fucking proud of you,” he breathes into my neck as I wrap my arms around him. The feel of him here, in my office, in my arms, out in the open, is unlike any other. I squeeze him to me, reveling in his strength — mental, emotional, and physical.
“Do you even know how much I love you?” I ask him. “Do you know that you’ve saved me?” I bring my lips back to his, unable to stand having him so close and not have my mouth on him. When my door crashes open again Peggy’s voice immediately fills the air around me.
“Sorry, Jacob, I tried to tell him you were busy.”
“It’s okay, Peggy.”
I push Dylan behind me.
“Governor Cosey, what can I do for you?”
“For starters, you can explain to me why you broke my daughter’s heart.”
“Sir, I didn’t break her—"
“Save it,” he snaps.
His eyes swing to Dylan as he moves closer to my desk, which is still acting as a barrier between us.
“This is all your fault,” he accuses Dylan, raising a finger to point at his chest, causing me to step slightly in front of him.
“None of this is his fault.” My tone is stern and unyielding. “You and I both know that Cora and I were pawns in a chess game being played by you and my father. It’s past time she and I get to make our own choices.”
Martin twirls the gaudy gold ring on his pinky, his eyes flitting back and forth between Dylan and I.
“Well, you’ve certainly made your choice this time, haven’t you?”
I reach behind me for Dylan’s hand, lacing our fingers, and pulling his hand to my chest.
But I stay quiet.
Because how do I explain that falling in love with Dylan Ryder was never a choice? From the moment I saw him, a change took place in me at a cellular level. My very DNA changed, unwilling to accept that I was the best version of myself without him. Sure, his looks caught my attention, but it was like his soul reached out and woke mine up. I hadn’t realized I was in the dark until he turned on the light.
Martin’s voice brings me back to the present. “Well, given the current circumstances, I think it’s best if I take my portfolio, as well as the rest of my financial ventures elsewhere.”
“Speaking of your portfolio,” I start, picking up the folder on my desk. “Can you explain why you’ve been collecting properties on the south side of town? Specifically, those along the same street as Ryder Automotive? Surely as a new business owner there, you’ve heard about the hit and run that happened recently?”
The color drains from his face, leaving him a nice shade of gray.
“I’m not sure what you’re insinuating, but I don’t owe you an explanation for a damn thing, Jacob.”
“Don’t you think it’s a little coincidental that these businesses began getting vandalized roughly eight months ago, which is right around the time you started to get interested in real estate?”
“I’d call it awareness,” he argues. “You should know as an investor you have to run reports, stay on top of the information and be ready when the opportunity strikes. The circumstances are unfortunate, but my purchases are all legal and aboveboard.”
“ Or ,” I hedge, “you have people on your payroll doing the dirty work for you, driving down property values so you can swoop in and make an offer, seemingly the hero when in reality you’re the reason these people have lost everything.”
I don’t know what’s come over me. If I’m wrong about this, I’m digging myself a grave so deep I’ll never get out and I’m potentially burying Dylan with me.
“Watch your mouth, Jacob. My daughter may take your bullshit lying down, but I won’t. I’m sad to see I didn’t teach her better, but before you accuse me of breaking the law, it would be wise to remember who runs not only this town, but this entire fucking state.”
I feel Dylan’s hand on my arm. A silent plea to back off.
“Of course, Governor.” If he was hoping that threat would be enough to break me, he’s sorely mistaken. With Dylan at my side, nothing can break me.
Martin turns and walks out of my office — thankfully without spitting on my floor first. I follow in his wake and throw the deadbolt on my office door, tired of all the uninvited guests. I do actually have work to get done. Except, now Dylan and I are alone and I’m exhausted from the adrenaline spikes and I just want to melt in his arms.
Reading me like a book, Dylan faces me and wraps one hand around the side of my neck, his thumb rubbing back and forth along my jawline as he runs his nose and lips up the other side of my neck, his warm breath calming my erratic heartbeat.
I cling to his waist, curling my fingers into the unbuttoned green and black plaid shirt he’s wearing.
“What are you doing here?” I finally manage to ask. I know there’s no way he’s caught up on work at the shop after I took him away this past weekend.
“I wanted to see you in person after the interview aired…to try out our new in a relationship status, I guess. And,” he reaches into his jeans pocket and pulls out a flash drive. “I wanted to bring you these. They’re the financial records of our shop. The files were too big to email so I put them on this.”
“I trust you, Dylan. I don’t need to see the records.” As far as I’m concerned, the two million dollars I’m about to payout is worth every cent.
“I know, but even if you’re going to be silent, you’re still a partner, and I want you to see exactly what you’re getting for your money.”
Unable to stop myself, I reach forward and grab him through his pants.
“I already know exactly what I’m getting.”
He laughs and bats my hand away. “You’re insatiable.”
“I’m in love,” I correct.
“With my cock,” he teases.
“With you. ”
He kisses me again. “I know. I’ve gotta run. It’ll be late nights for me the next couple of days until I get caught up from the weekend. Would you mind if I stay at my dad’s? It’s just, with Cassie moving out and them selling their portions of the shop, I feel like I need to hold on to what little time is left.”
“Of course I don’t mind. But I’m coming with you.” No fucking way am I spending another night without him. Unless I’m forced to because I’m at the fire station.
“Jake, that’s crazy. Your penthouse is five minutes from here.”
“Yeah, but it’s thirty -five minutes from your dad’s and I won’t sleep if we’re that far apart.” I don’t care if it makes me sound needy. Hell, I am needy. “Besides, Cassie asked me to help with her resume. She wants to start working on that plan you promised her.”
He can’t hide his smile even though he rolls his eyes and pretends like he thinks I’m ridiculous. “Fine. But you have to sleep with clothes on. If Cassie can’t sleep, my room is the first place she’ll go.”
“Deal. Come on, I’ll walk you out.”
When we get to the lobby, I kiss Dylan deeply while my hands possessively cradle his head because his earlier words have stuck with me.
Don’t you think the legacy should reflect you too?
Perhaps my dad is going to fire me and cut me off completely, but this kiss is a statement and a promise. I’ll never hide myself again, especially in the lobby of a company I’ve worked my ass off for.
“What time should I come over?” I whisper, pulling away.
“Head over anytime. I’ll be home by eight.”
I watch Dylan leave through the front doors of my family’s high-rise building and as I turn back toward the stairs, I spot my dad watching me from the glass elevator as it rises.
He holds his coffee cup up in a mock salute and the hairs on the back of my neck stand up.
A storm is coming. I’m sure of it.