Chapter 20
Jade
W hen I left Hunter’s office this morning, I was completely taken aback—he wants to make me fall in love with him. I can’t get my head around it. I rushed into things with Dave and look where that got me, so I need to think with my head and not my heart.
“Erm… Are you okay, Jade?” Ted snaps his fingers in front of my face to get my attention.
“Yep, all good.” I jolt upright shuffling the papers in front of me aimlessly.
He frowns, putting his hands on his hips. “I don’t believe that for a second. I’ve literally been talking to you for the past minute and you haven’t responded.”
“Sorry, just tired. Don’t think I’ve had my caffeine quota yet today.” I mentally chastise myself for daydreaming, I’ve never let anything affect my work before.
“I don’t believe you, but I’ll go get you a coffee with an extra shot while you get started on this.” He puts a folder in front of me.
“Great. Thanks, Ted.” Even to my own ears that sounds off. I need to get my head in the game.
The rest of the morning goes pretty smoothly, once I focus on work until I eye Ted hovering near my desk, looking like he has a secret. “Come on, Ted. Out with it.”
“I’ve been speaking with Jenny. You know, Mr. Stone’s PA.” He pauses.
“I’m aware of who his PA is, Ted. What’s your point?”
“Well, she told me that he has been in an extremely good mood today. He’s been like an excited toddler. Even told her to leave early today and gave her the company credit card to treat herself to a shopping spree in Selfridges.”
“This concerns me because?” I don’t let the excitement from this piece of news show, but inside I’m screaming.
“Don’t play coy with me, I know you had a meeting with him this morning. I organize your diary.”
I keep my face completely neutral.
“I did have a meeting this morning. We discussed the contract with Mr. Baker. Why on earth would you think that my meeting with Mr. Stone would have any relevance to his mood?”
“Oh, I don’t know…” He hurries out my office without another word only to return moments later with the most beautiful arrangement of sunflowers and purple wildflowers. “Maybe this massive bunch of flowers might tell us more.”
He reads the card:
Standing, I take the flowers and card from him, not fighting the smile that takes over my face. The man’s right, I find roses too cliche and sunflowers are definitely my favorite flower. How after only a few encounters can the man know me?
“Care to explain?” Ted now crosses his arms and smiles knowingly at me.
“Okay, maybe we didn’t just talk about the Baker contract this morning.”
“I doubt you spoke about the Baker contract at all.”
Hunter has stuck to his word. Over the past few weeks, he’s allowed me to find my feet, and I really feel like I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be. But in the background, he’s been sneaking me little gifts. Nothing expensive, but everything was thoughtful.
My favorite cake from the bakery on the corner.
After a particularly long day a packet of my favorite candies appeared on my desk with a bottle of Pinot Grigio.
A signed copy of a book by my favorite author appeared in my mail.
Each gift had a handwritten note, which made me both roll my eyes and my heart flutter every time they appeared on my desk.
I’m rushing to get to the team meeting on Friday after closing another big account this afternoon and I’m buzzed to tell Hunter everything as he’s been in New York this week. Checking my phone as I enter the reception I see that I’m only going to make the last few minutes but Ted has messaged to say that he has taken notes and will fill me in. A whoosh of air leaves my lungs and I wobble on my heels as I crash into someone. “I’m so sorry.” I apologize but she just scowls, her eyes narrowing as she looks down her nose at me.
“Ugh, watch where you’re going.” Her voice is sharp as she straightens her perfectly tailored suit and struts towards the exit without a look back.
That was rude.
I shake myself off and head to the meeting room, mumbling my apologies as I enter and feel all eyes on me as I take my seat next to Hunter.
“And of course, the Spring Gala is fast approaching.” Hunter addresses the room. “We expect all staff to make an appearance, all expenses, of course, will be subsidized. Many other investment firms will be in attendance, along with clients and prospective clients, so this is a great opportunity to network. You’re allowed to bring a plus one. Just let Jenny know who you’ll be bringing so she can make arrangements. Any questions?”
Everyone shakes their heads.
“Great. Before I forget, I’ve put my card behind the bar at Carluccios for drinks as a token of my appreciation for all the work you’ve put in over these past few months. We’re making waves in the city and chasing the tails of Peak Investments . By the end of the year, I can guarantee we will be the top firm in London.”
Cheers erupt around the room as chairs scrape along the floor and everyone stands to leave all muttering their thanks to Hunter for his kind gesture. Joe comes up to Hunter, clapping him on the shoulder. “Cheers, Hunter. The team is thriving. Are you joining us?”
“Yeah, I’ll be there shortly.” I head to the door to leave when Hunter calls out. “Jade, can you stay behind please?”
I halt and hear Joe mutter, “Take your time.” As he brushes past Hunter, his mouth twitching slightly as Hunter rubs his temples.
Once everyone has left, Hunter reaches into his pocket, pulling out a note, and the gold pin I had in my hair on Halloween. I gasp. “You found it?”
“I’ve had this in my suit pocket ever since that night, Tink.” I softly glide my finger over the delicate metal, stunned by his admission.
“But I left the note with this.” I gently take the pin and note from him.
“You did?” His brows furrow with confusion.
“Yes. I left this and the note on your dresser.” I drag the pin through my fingers.
“I found the pin, but no note.” His voice is barely a whisper, his eyes holding mine. “I thought you left in such a hurry you didn’t realize you’d left it. I had this idea that I'd be able to give it back to you one day.”
“Like Prince Charming? This is my glass slipper.” My heart stutters because he didn’t forget me.
He takes the pin from me, tucking it into my ponytail, before bringing his hands to rest on my hips. “Read the note Tink.”
“I would love to be your date, but won’t the staff talk?”
“They’re already talking. I'm not exactly being discreet about my desire for you. And trust me, I’ve not heard one person say they have a problem with it.”
“Well, you wouldn’t. You’re the boss.”
“I’ve ears and eyes everywhere, Tink.” I look around for cameras comically, before he drops a soft kiss to my forehead and a sense of contentment washes over me. “You're pretty smooth, Mr. Stone.” Reluctantly I pull away from his touch.
“So I’ve been told. So it’s a date?” He squeezes my hips, his brows raised as he waits for my response. Those damn butterflies in my stomach won’t settle as I cup his cheek.
“It’s a date.”