Total pages in book: 68
Estimated words: 67711 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 339(@200wpm)___ 271(@250wpm)___ 226(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 67711 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 339(@200wpm)___ 271(@250wpm)___ 226(@300wpm)
“Because you’ve been an asshole to him?”
“No. Yes, but—”
“So stop doing that.”
I meant to insist that I wasn’t interested in making Ford like me, but what came out was, “I don’t know how.”
“Jesus, you’re not twelve years old. You don’t have to show you like him by being mean to him. What do you do when you like a woman?”
“Ask her to if she wants to go back to my place.”
“And then….”
“You know what happens then.”
She wrinkled her nose. “Right. No details on that, but what about after?”
“There is no after. She leaves and that’s that.”
Emily rolled her eyes. “How can you be so relationship challenged? No wonder you don’t know how to approach Ford.”
“There’s not going to be any approaching, and why aren’t you a little more surprised by this?”
“Because you’ve told me so much about him. I’ve never known you to be that interested in anyone.”
“What? I don’t talk about him a lot.”
She ignored me. “You’ve been flirting with him, haven’t you? To try and get your way.”
I wished she’d gone straight to see Gran, I did not need this interrogation. “How did you know?”
“I know you. That’s your go-to.”
“Not with men.”
She shrugged. “You know he’s gay, so that’s your tactic, right?”
“Maybe.”
“Then let him know it’s real.”
“He’s the counsel for the defense. He’s not going to buy it, and he could get me charged with misconduct. I’m trying to get a promotion.”
She studied me for a moment, seeming to carefully consider her words. “Do you really need more money and more stress?”
“No, but you do—the money, not the stress.”
“Jay, I appreciate you wanting to help me, but I can get a business loan or keep going without the extra space. You don’t even like your job. Don’t take on even more for me.”
“Not an option.”
“Then work nicely with Ford on this lawsuit, and once it’s over, tell him how you feel.”
I shook my head. “That’s not how this business works. I have to win. I’m not going to do that by being nice.”
“If what you want is a compromise….”
I held up a hand. “Miles Montgomery doesn’t compromise.”
Her eyes widened. “That’s who he’s representing? The nation’s former most eligible billionaire.”
“Not just that. They’re best friends.”
“No way.”
“Rumor has it Ford is just as rich as he is.”
“Then why the hell is he working?” Emily asked.
“He handles business for Miles to give himself something to do.”
“He also plays tennis with you.”
I blew out a long breath. “Why the hell did I get involved in this stupid tennis league?”
“Because you enjoy it, and you need to do something besides work.”
“If I’d never met Ford….”
“You would have missed out on learning something about yourself.”
“I don’t even know if—”
Emily glared at me. “Look me in the eyes and tell me you’re not interested in him.”
“Just go see Gran.”
She sighed. “You’re going to fuck this up, aren’t you?”
“I’m going to do what I need to do to win this suit and get my promotion.”
“Jay, please think about what’s really important to you.”
“I already have.” Knowing I could support myself and my family was my top priority.
“We’re going to talk about this again.”
I knew there was no point arguing with her. She’d gotten her teeth into it now, and she wasn’t going to let it go.
“Come see Gran with me.”
I glanced at my watch. “I should already be in the office.”
“At seven thirty?”
“If I don’t appear dedicated—”
“Your grandmother could be dying. I think it’s okay if you go in a few hours late. I really don’t want to go by myself.”
I reached out and took her hand. She was right. Going in late wasn’t going to make or break things. I wasn’t going to make her go alone. I knew how hard it would be for her to see Gran doing so poorly. “Okay, I’ll go with you.”
“Thanks, Jay, and seriously you need to—”
“No more. Not today.”
She nodded, and I could tell from her expression she understood I was serious.
If only I could get Ford out of my head as easily as I could end a conversation about him. Throughout the morning, I was reminded of him constantly.
Gran wished she felt well enough to knit, and I immediately thought about learning that Ford knitted. He probably expected me to tease him, but in truth, I admired his ability.
Emily offered to read to Gran, and that made me think about how much Ford loved books. The first time we’d met, he’d tried to convince me to read some absurdly pretentious book he was reading. The way he dressed, he looked like he belonged in some nineteenth century manor library filled with books.
He was definitely not my type. Except, somehow, apparently, he was.
Emily could only be in New York for a day, so she stayed with Gran when I left for the office. I talked to Ms. Jenkins to see if she was willing to compromise. I needed her to come out of this happy, but if she would make some concessions, I could at least approach Ford with an offer.