CHAPTER89
I don’t actually know what it’s just.
“Just?” he presses moodily.
I’m lost for words, and he sees me flounder.
“It’s agreed then.” He looks smug at my hesitation, progressing as if he’s won his argument.
“What is?” My voice is tight, knowing him only too well and how overbearing he can be.
“We go on a trip,” he shrugs oh so casually.
“I didn’t say ‘yes’,” I grind out, but Jake is in steam-rolling mode; he always does this to me. I’ve never known anyone with this ability to maneuver me into his way of thinking. Or just bullying me into it.
“You didn’t have a reason to say no either. I’ll just make you come with me and call it a business trip. I’ll fire you if you refuse.” He drinks some of his champagne, his eyes never leaving mine, that look goading me to challenge him.
“That’s not fair,” I sigh, knowing I’m losing because this is how he is.
“You’re the only girl I know who would turn down two weeks in the sun, Emma. I’ll still be paying you, regardless.” He shrugs at me as if that’s answers all my concerns. I could scream.
“I’m not worried about the money,” I glare at him haughtily, queen of insulted, but it only gets me a smile in return.
“You’re worried about being alone with me? Worried I’ll get you naked and you can’t refuse me? We’re alone most of the time; we’ve shared a million hotel rooms; you’ve stayed in my apartment too.”
“It’s not that, it’s just …” I falter and sigh, not even sure how to verbalize it.
“It’s not work, and you’re unsure how to navigate it?” he guesses, cocking his brow at me, a softness encompassing his expression.
“Maybe,” I shrug, perplexed at this whole thing.
“Relax and trust me for once in your life, woman,” he sighs, irritation in his eyes, because he’s starting to get annoyed with my persistent refusals.
“I do trust you, and stop calling me that.” I shove his foot with mine, hard. It’s in its usual close position, almost welded next to mine, and an easy target.
“Do you?” He considers me seriously, and I can’t ignore the hint of hurt.
Wow, when did that happen? When did Jake start doubting that I trust him?
A wave of guilt runs through me; impulsively, I want to smooth away his frown on his flawless face, as it causes me all kinds of guilty pangs.
“Yes, I do. I don’t know why you’re looking at me that way. Who else would get away with half the crap you say and do to me?” I try a softer tone, but he just looks across the crowded room sulkily. He sighs and indicates we should go. Deflated.
My sulky Jake .
I glance at my watch and smile tightly; it’s not late, but he’s right. I’m tired and I don’t like the way this is going. It’s no fun here anymore. We only needed to show our faces, and we have done.
I sigh and look away from him, knowing he’s right; he’s never mentioned what he did to Ray after we walked away from his lifeless body, but I know he’s been thinking about it. We do need a break. We need to clear the air, to reset the button on all this irritation and tension between us lately. Maybe he has a point; I don’t want this to be something we bicker over endlessly.
What harm could it do?
“When do you want to go?” I finally breathe out.
“You’re serious?” He catches my chin with his fingers and forces me to look at him. I shrug in answer, knowing when I’m defeated, and his face breaks into adolescent happiness. He swoops down with a kiss on my head, and I can’t help but smile as he beams at me. He’s like a kid who’s found a lollipop.
This is the man worth billions of dollars; who runs an empire. Yes. This childish pain-in-my-ass is supposed to be my boss!"
