Chapter 10
Chapter Ten
Jenna
Since I had fallen asleep so early, I was up at five a.m. Scooting my way to the kitchen, I was shocked when I saw it was completely cleaned up.
I had expected to do it this morning, but Lucas pleasantly surprised me.
I made a cup of coffee and set it on the island while I returned to my room and grabbed my laptop.
I couldn’t stay here much longer and needed to find a job and a place.
The more I thought about things, I knew what I had to do.
Maybe I was just being rebellious to my parents.
But now, I was going to have a baby, and I needed to grow up and start adulting the right way.
“You’re up early?” Lucas said as he walked into the kitchen.
“I couldn’t sleep anymore. Why are you up?”
“I need to get ready and go to the office. Are you going to be okay here by yourself?”
“I’m fine. Do you think I’m this weak, fragile little girl who can’t take care of herself with a broken foot?”
“No. In fact, I think the complete opposite, but I just wanted to ask. Listen, I’m sorry about last night and for how I spoke to you. It’s just that I’m under so much stress and pressure.”
“What is up with this project you’re working on?” I asked.
“You wouldn’t understand.” He sighed as he held his coffee cup in his hand.
“Try me.”
“We signed a contract with a major company promising them something we can’t deliver.
When I proposed it, I thought we could. Now, multi-millions of dollars are at stake, and I have four days left to fix it, or else I’m screwed.
I honestly don’t know what’s wrong, and neither does my team.
We’ve been working on this for six months and thought we had it right.
My father threatens me with consequences and puts more pressure on me. ”
“Then I come along with my news, which adds even more pressure.”
“Yeah. I’m not going to lie to you.”
“I’m sorry, Lucas. I’m looking for a job today, and I promise I’ll be out of your hair soon.”
“I can give you money, Jenna. I want to give you money to help you out.”
“That’s sweet, but I won’t accept it. I don’t take handouts. That’s not why I told you about the baby.”
“It doesn’t matter. That’s my kid, and I’m responsible.”
I looked at him as a small smile crossed my lips. “Technically, yes, but to me, you’re not.”
“I have to get ready for work. We still need to discuss all of this,” he spoke as he walked out of the kitchen.
I felt for him. I really did. His eyes and face showed me that he was exhausted and mentally drained.
After he showered and dressed, he said goodbye and left for the office.
After a couple of rounds of morning sickness, I placed my hand on the knob of his office and opened the door.
Stepping inside, I stared at the large whiteboard on the wall that was filled with coding and formulas.
Making my way to his desk, I sat down, hit a key on the keyboard, and the lock screen appeared.
“Shit.”
Grabbing the notepad and pen on his desk, I stood before the whiteboard and studied his coding.
My knee and the excruciating pain in my foot from kneeling on the scooter were starting to hurt, so I turned it around, sat down, and propped my leg up on the sofa.
Two hours later, I’d finally found something that didn’t make sense to me.
Scribbling formulas and codes on the notepad, I stared at it, and something finally clicked.
A wide grin crossed my face as I scooted my way to the bedroom, got dressed, grabbed my purse, and took the elevator down to the lobby.
“Good afternoon, Miss Larson.” Russell smiled.
“Hi, Russell. Please, call me Jenna. Can you get me a cab?”
“Of course,” he spoke as he flagged one down.
“Where to, Miss?” he asked.
“This address, please.” I handed him one of Lucas’s business cards I found on his desk.
When the cab driver dropped me off at the building, I scooted inside and looked around.
“May I help you, Miss?” A burly security guard asked.
“I’m looking for Thorne Technology.” I handed him the business card.
“Fifteenth floor.”
“Thank you.” I smiled.
When I stepped off the elevator, I looked around at the hustle and bustle of people and was instantly stopped by another security guard who stood in front of me with his arms crossed. He was tall, overly muscular, and bald.
“Can I help you?” His voice was deep.
“I’m here to see Lucas Thorne.”
“Is he expecting you?”
“Um, no. But I have something I need to show him.”
“Sorry, Miss, not happening today. Mr. Thorne is very busy and doesn’t have time for random people who show up at his office.”
“I’m not a random person, buddy. I happen to live with him!” I got up in his face.
“Come on, lady. Enough is enough. Step back into the elevator and go home.”
“I’m afraid I can’t do that. So please call him and tell him that Jenna is here.”
“He gave strict instructions not to be disturbed.”
I closed my eyes for a moment and took a deep breath, for I would lose my shit. Pulling my phone from my purse, I dialed his number and put it on speaker.
“Jenna? What’s wrong?” he answered.
“Will you please call off your security dog and tell him to let me see you.”
“What are you talking about? I really don’t have time for this.”
“I’m at your office, you idiot, and I need to see you. It’s very important. The problem is this big guy won’t let me through!” I spoke with gritted teeth.
“Why are you at my office?”
“I’ll explain when I see you!” I spoke with irritation.
“Tell Andy I said it’s okay and to bring you to the conference room.”
I looked at Andy and smirked as I raised my brow at him.
“Follow me,” he spoke.
I followed him to the conference room, and when Andy opened the door, I went inside.
“Thank you, Andy.”
“No problem, boss.”
“For fuck’s sake, it’s like a damn fortress in here,” I spoke as I set my purse down on the table.
“What the hell are you doing here? You shouldn’t even be out of the house. You need to be home resting!”
“I have plenty of time for that.” I pulled the notepad from my purse and handed it to him.
“What is this? Is this the notepad from my desk?”
“Yes. I found the error as to why your coding isn’t working. I rewrote it, and I’m ninety-nine percent positive this will work.”
“What?” His brows furrowed at me. “Jenna, this makes no sense,” he said as he studied the notepad.
“It makes perfect sense, Lucas. Just put the coding in.”
He took a seat at the end of the table where a large computer sat and began typing. After A few moments, his eyes widened.
“What the fuck!” he exclaimed. “It worked, Jenna!” A happy grin crossed his face. “Oh, my God. It works! I can’t believe this!” He placed his hands on his head. “How—” he looked at me from across the table.
“Long story for another time.”
He walked over to me and gripped my shoulders. “I can’t believe this. I just can’t. I have a ton of calls to make, and I have to bring my team in.”
“And I’m going home to lay down. I’m exhausted.”
“I don’t know what to say, but thank you. I’m at a loss for words, but we will discuss this when I get home.” He kissed my forehead. “I’m going to walk you down to the lobby and have Thaddeus drive you back to the penthouse.”
“I can get down to the lobby by myself. You go do what you have to do.”
“Are you sure? I can have Andy walk you down.”
“Oh, hell no. I’ve had enough of him for one day. I’m fine, Lucas. Just go take care of business.” I smiled.
He pressed his lips against my forehead before we walked out of the conference room.
“Be careful. I’m calling Thaddeus now. You go down and wait for him.”
“I will. Good luck.” I grinned.
He gave me a wink as he ran down the hall.”