Chapter Twenty
NATALIE
"Do you need anything more to drink, miss?" the waiter asked me.
"No, thank you. I'm good. I'm just waiting for my client.
" I was at the restaurant where Jeannie’s party would take place.
After some back and forth, I convinced her to come see the location for herself.
There was always the tiny prospect of her simply not connecting with the place, and I didn't want to risk that. She’d finally agreed.
One of her grandsons was staying at the house with Abe while she was out with me.
She told me on the phone that he liked to drink three types of plant teas throughout the day, and she had to make sure he took them at the right time.
I looked at my iPad, checking my notes. I had several questions for Jeannie and wondered if I was missing anything.
The day was gorgeous. It was sunny and a bit too hot for my taste, but I’d dressed in a long summery dress, ready for the heat and blinding sun.
I was a summer girl through and through, and I waited the whole year for it.
To be fair, I was extra happy today for no reason at all.
My job search wasn't going anywhere. One of Jeannie’s friends did call me, but her party wasn't for another few months.
Until then, I had to find a way to keep myself afloat.
I could take up waitressing, perhaps. I'd done it several times in between jobs and in college.
No, things weren't looking up for me, but I was more optimistic than usual, even for my standards. I thought that might have something to do with Jake. After our Saturday together, my energy level simply shot through the roof.
I hadn't seen him since, but we texted throughout the day.
I wondered when I was going to see him next, and my answer arrived ten minutes later, as Jeannie didn't come alone.
Jake was with her, and my body buzzed as I watched him walk.
He was wearing a suit, but that was nothing new.
How did the man not overheat? Didn't he need to take a cold shower every hour or so?
I could guide him to the nearest shower, perhaps jump in it with him, or just take off that shirt of his.
Natalie, focus. Jeannie is your client.
Oh God, does she know about us?
Jake and I hadn't spoken at all about any of this. I didn't want to disappoint Jeannie, or for her to think I wasn't professional.
I rose to my feet when they approached. "Jeannie, Jake. Hi." My voice sounded like I’d swallowed an egg. Holy shit, I'd never sounded like that before.
"Natalie, darling, what a wonderful day," Jeannie said as she and Jake sat down.
"I thought you were coming alone."
Jake cocked a brow. A smile was playing on his lips.
Jeannie patted him on the arm. "I thought so too. But then out of the blue, Jake offered to come with me. Such a surprise. I didn't think he’d take such an interest in my party.”
Jake was now looking straight at me. I simmered in my seat, then spread my arms around, indicating the venue. "So, what do you think about this place? Do you like the vibe?"
"Definitely. I love the entryway too. It's very romantic and very festive. But the party will be here in the garden, correct?"
"Yes. As long as you like it. I was thinking of asking them to group our tables back there, between the trees.” There wasn’t any natural shade where we currently sat, only umbrellas, but they weren’t enough.
It could get really hot under them, and it was an unseasonably hot summer for Boston. The natural shade was always cooler.
Jeannie nodded. "It does look lovely back there.”
"We can walk around, if you'd like. Unless you want to drink something before?"
"No, I'm good. Let's go see it."
"How is Abe feeling?" I asked as the three of us walked toward the trees. I had a soft spot for the yard. I always felt like trees had their own soul. The older they were, the more they spoke to me. Bottom line, I was just a lover of nature.
“He’s fine, his occasional ornery self,” Jeannie replied.
Jake was still holding Jeannie's arm. I was on her other side, but even with her as a buffer between us, my body still buzzed every time I caught his eye.
I hadn't counted on that. I figured my body only reacted to him like that when we were alone.
Apparently not. I was learning new things about myself every day.
When we reached the spot where I was thinking of putting the tables, we all stepped into the shadow of a huge fir tree.
"This is heaven," Jeannie said.
"I know, right? It feels like an actual temperature drop.”
"You’re very smart, my dear." Jeannie looked around. "Let's put the tables here. It'll be particularly good for Abe. He's not good with heat.”
"Okay, let me tell you real quick how I'm thinking of arranging the tables and also defining the perimeter with decorations so the rest of the guests don't accidentally walk in on us."
"They're going to keep the restaurant open for other guests?" Jake asked, frowning.
"Yes. I didn't even try suggesting to them to close it down. We don't have enough guests to warrant that. I'm sure they won’t agree to it."
"I'll talk to them."
He had his alpha business voice on. My panties shifted down my hips a couple inches. I was surprised they didn't drop altogether.
"No, you won't," Jeannie said. "I don't mind if there are other people around. Let them do the best for their business."
"Grandmother—” Jake began.
"My birthday, my rules, remember?"
I tried very hard to suppress my laughter as Jake looked positively perplexed.
Clearly this wasn't something he usually heard from other people.
But he didn't argue with his grandmother.
Oh, I was enjoying this side of him very much.
I found it absolutely endearing that he liked to indulge her in all things.
I felt Jake's gaze on me as I moved around, showing them where the tables would be as well as the buffet. With so many people, it was easier to have a set menu. The restaurant agreed to having chafing dishes and the staff managing them.
"And here, I'm going to set up a huge table for you and Abe and all your grandchildren.
" I pressed my lips together. I specifically didn't mention which brothers.
Jeannie told me to put everyone at the same table.
After my weekend with Jake, I wasn't sure that was the best idea, but still, Jeannie was my client.
Jake’s eyes turned hard. "All five of us."
"Oh, don't be such a spoilsport," Jeannie said. "It's my birthday. I want you boys to chat with each other a bit."
"Grandmother!" His voice sounded dangerous. I had a hunch that there was a limit to his indulging Jeannie, but I just wasn't sure where that was. Sitting with his half brothers? Talking to them? Being civil? I guess I was going to find out.
"Natalie, be a dear and help me here."
Jake moved his gaze to me. It was hard but also smoldering, like he was practically imagining me naked.
Oh no! He couldn’t do this to me in full view of Jeannie… or anyone else. I was prepared to act professional and be on her side, but he was disarming me with his gaze and charming smile.
Wait a second! One corner of his lips was up in a half smile. He knew exactly what he was doing.
Oh really? He thinks he can convince me to take his side just because he’s been in my pants? Because he somehow looks even hotter today? He has another thing coming.
“I think Jeannie has a point,” I cut in. “Besides, parties are social events. It's a great opportunity to mingle with all the guests.”
"Thank you, Natalie. You're a darling. You'll bring their spirited minds together.”
I was about to ask what she meant by that when she abruptly added, “I'm going to the restroom. You two carry on."
"Do you need me to show you where it is?" I asked. I wasn't sure if being alone with Jake was such a good idea.
"No, I saw it on my way in."
As soon as Jeannie was out of earshot, Jake stepped closer. Now it wasn't just my panties sliding down. My knees went weak, first the right one, then the left.
"What are you playing at?" he asked.
"What do you mean?"
"I told you I'm not a fan of my half brothers."
"Yes, but Jeannie is my client, and you’re playing dirty."
His eyes flashed. "I always do."
"You can't use your smoldering glare to convince me to take your side."
"Why not? You said I can talk you into anything when I do that."
"Yes, precisely."
I looked around. There was no one anywhere near us, but I still lowered my voice.
"I meant in private, not in full view of everyone, and especially not with a client."
"There is something you should know about me, Natalie. I don't pick and choose the moments to play dirty. I play so I get what I want."
I smirked, taking a step back and crossing my arms over my chest. For some insane reason, my body found that tone attractive. My nipples were hard. I didn't think anyone could see that through my bra, but better safe than sorry.
"You can't boss me around, Jake."
"Let's go somewhere, just the two of us, and I'll prove different."
He stepped closer again. It was like we were doing our own private dance right here in the middle of the garden. I hoped no one was watching because only a blind person couldn't see what was going on between us.
"I've missed you these past couple days," he murmured.
His admission took me by surprise. His voice was softer. I licked my lips, pushing a strand of hair behind my ear.
"I missed you too," I admitted, swallowing hard.
"Let's go somewhere after we finish here with my grandmother, just the two of us."
"Aren't you supposed to drive her home?" I asked, but I was thrilled at the thought of spending more time with him.
"Cal is here. He can take her home."
"I don't know. Won't she put two and two together?"
He smirked. My God, how was it that when I first met him, I wanted to smack that smirk off him, and now I found it incredibly sexy?
"Knowing my grandmother, she's probably already up-to-date with everything."
"What? Really? How come?"