Chapter 14
Jessica
I stare at myself on the front page of the New York Gossip Gazette.
“At least you look nice…” Shelley says as Uncle Bob frowns.
“There were photographers at my apartment this morning…” Uncle Bob stiffens.
“They know where you live?” Aunt Vivian’s face would be comical if this wasn’t so serious.
“Apparently…” I think about that fact, wondering how these vultures seem to know these kinds of things.
“You’ll come home tonight.” My uncle is firm.
“It’s secure. They can’t get in,” I try to reassure him.
And also myself as I brush my lips, thinking of the scorching kiss we shared and wondering how I can go back to normal now that I’ve experienced Donovan York’s lips on mine.
We were fire, just like I thought we’d be.
I’m surprised we could both stop at the kiss, my body almost betraying me and straddling him right there in the car.
I would be embarrassed if I wasn’t so turned on by the man.
Donovan and I had a great time last night. One of the best dates I’ve ever had. Because while the PR team sent out a release early this morning to confirm it was a work dinner to negate any further intrusion as much as possible, that’s not what it was, and we both know it.
The two of us sat there talking about wine and our lives, laughing, teasing, and it brought us closer. Something that we both shouldn’t want.
“Are you alright? Being careful? I mean, this Donovan. Is he…?” Aunt Vivian’s face is laced with concern, and I feel guilty for bringing this into our family.
“He’s amazing. Very supportive. A great boss.” My voice lowers, and Uncle Bobby blows out a big breath.
“Donovan won't let anything bad happen. He's in control, and he looks after his staff.” I met Shelley's gaze, thankful. I haven’t spoken to my aunt and uncle about the feelings I seem to have developed for my boss. I purposely didn’t wear the scarf to work today, knowing they would ask where I got it and I couldn’t lie to them.
But the photo we’re all staring at in the newspaper this morning is making it hard to keep my feelings under wraps.
It’s an image of the two of us leaving the restaurant last night.
Just after I stepped out onto the sidewalk, I’m looking up at him adoringly and he’s looking down on me with the same expression.
The affection we share can’t be denied, even though his PR team is trying.
“You tell me if you need me to step in.” Uncle Bobby leaves the threat in the air as his jaw works overtime. Ready to ensure I’m not taken advantage of in any way.
“I’m fine… I promise.” I look at them both, and he gives me a nod, then they both walk back out to the shop floor.
“The work gossip mill will be in overdrive next week.” Shelley sits back in her seat, sipping on her coffee.
“Thank God I'm going to Lake Placid.”
She eyeballs me. “With the boss.”
“It’s a work conference.” I try to keep the lines professional, but they are increasingly getting blurred.
“Hmmm… overnight?”
“No, it's just for the day. Flying in and out,” I confirm. Not sure if Donovan and I would survive an overnight trip. Being so close to each other under the cover of darkness is a temptation I already know we wouldn’t be able to stay away from.
“Look at you flying around the country. I'm proud of you.”
“Well, he thought it was important for me to meet people and listen to conversations.”
“It’s true; conferences are great for that.”
“I better get back to work. Those boxes aren’t going to unpack themselves.”
“I think I saw some cameras outside when I came in. So be careful of them when you leave. I’ll see you on Monday, but call me if you need me before then.” Shelley stands, and I feel a little anxious. I don’t like weird men following me. It’s very unsettling.
I watch Shelley go before I look at the boxes. The doorbell rings and customers file in, so I hide in the back, not wanting to be noticed.
“Hey, Jay Jay.”
Looking up in fright, my heart skips a beat, unaware someone is nearby.
“Oh, hey, Jimmy.” I wipe my hands on my thighs, my sweaty palms an instant reflex to the fright that rushes through me and now out of my body.
“I saw the newspaper.” His voice sounds more abrupt than usual. “Is he your boyfriend?” He seems upset, but he has no right to be.
I swallow roughly, feeling uncomfortable around him for the first time ever. Something in his eyes has me a little unsure.
“He’s my boss,” is all I say.
He blows out a breath, rolling his shoulders back. “I saw a few cameras outside, thought what they were saying in the article must be true.”
I wave it off. “It was a work dinner blown well out of proportion.”
As I look out the front windows of the store, sure enough, on the other side of the road, two guys sit with large lenses hanging around their necks, waiting for their shot. I turn, looking at Uncle Bobby, who watches me before looking outside and then back to me again. His frown is instant.
“I can take you home after your shift if you like. Make sure you’re safe,” Jimmy offers, his usual pleasant smile back on his face, and I blanch, not feeling comfortable around him on my own anymore.
“I’ve got her.” Uncle Bobby speaks up, and Jimmy tenses again.
“Oh sure, no problem.” Jimmy's jaw tightens.
“Um, Jimmy, we’re good friends, right?” I start to broach the issue, and his eyes flick to me. I need to spell it out. I need to create some distance.
“Friends… yeah… of course.” His words don’t sound convincing.
“It’s just that… I mean, you call a lot.” My tone is hushed, not wanting Uncle Bobby to know exactly how often he calls.
“Yeah, I know, but I haven’t seen you on the train lately… Are you taking a different one to work now?”
“I have a work car now, Jimmy. So I’m never on the train anymore.”
His brow pinches. “You drive?”
“I have a company car pick me up and drop me off each day. It’s convenient, and I can work easily while I commute.” I don’t tell him that my boss organized it all just so he could ensure I was warm and safe. Protected.
“Well, maybe we need to start meeting up for lunch on Saturdays? You know, catch up, since I don’t see you every day now?”
I swallow. “Jimmy, I don’t think that’s a good idea…” I’m tentative, watching him carefully. His jaw tics.
“Oh… I mean, that’s what friends do, right? Hang out, chat, go for lunch…” He looks at me pointedly as a few customers come in.
“I’m sorry, I’ve gotta get back to it.” I nod toward the boxes at my feet. There aren’t as many as previous weekends, business now slowing for the winter, but still, there’s a few for me to get through.
“Yeah, sure, we’ll have lunch next week, then?” he pushes, still not getting it.
I’m about to tell him no, to clarify my position on things, to ensure he understands, but he’s already walking out the door.
I watch him go and wonder if he’s just lonely.
Just a guy who needs a friend. That’s what I’ve always thought.
But Shelley’s words ring in my ear. He’s a lawyer in the city.
He has lots of contacts, colleagues, and friends.
“Never trusted that guy…” Uncle Bob looks at me with a lifted eyebrow. My stomach twists. I’m not sure I trust him either.