“Is that so?” I arched my brow at him. “And you’re sure I’ll be able to afford the rent?”
“Trust me. You will be able to more than afford it with what I’ll pay you in salary. It’s a 1769 square foot three bedroom and two and a half bath. It comes fully furnished with a fully stocked kitchen of cookware, plates, glasses, coffee maker, silverware, bakeware, etc.”
“Why didn’t you sell it when you bought this place?”
“Investment reasons. We can go down and take a look at it right now if you want. The Taylor’s are out of town but will be back tomorrow to start packing.”
“Fine. I’ll look at it.”
The corners of his mouth curved upward. “Great. I’ll go grab the key and we can go.”
I walked inside the apartment on the fiftieth floor and took a look around. Beige and gray were the color scheme, and it was elegantly done. Solid oak flooring was spread throughout the apartment, except the bathrooms that were done up with a custom white Italian marble. I wouldn’t lie. I really liked it.
“What do you think?” Lucas asked.
“I like it. It’s nice.”
“The views are great too.” He walked over to the large, tall windows. You also get plenty of light in here during the day. So, what do you say? The apartment is yours if you accept my job offer.”
“If I don’t accept, you won’t rent me the apartment?” I arched my brow.
“Nope. It’s a two for one special.” The corners of his mouth curved upward.
“Fine. I’ll come work for you. When can I move in here?”
“Excellent. Mr. Taylor said he’ll be out within the week. Then I need to get the painters and the cleaners in here. So, I’d say a couple weeks.”
“Okay. I have a request.”
“Of course. What is it?”
“I want new sheets. Preferably silk.” I grinned.
“Done.” He gave me a wink.
“When do I start work?”
“Tomorrow.” He grinned.
Chapter 14
Jenna
I was in my room lying in bed and browsing the internet when Lucas walked in.
“Do you need anything?” he asked.
“No. I’m good. Thanks for asking.” I gave him a small smile.
“Are you sure?” His eye steadily narrowed at me.
“Yeah. I’m sure.”
“You absolutely don’t need anything at all? Nothing? Not a thing?”
“No. I’m good.” My brows furrowed at him. “Ah, wait. You’re asking if I need sex.”
“Jenna, I was not asking that.”
“Yes, you were! Admit it!” I threw a pillow at him.
“Fine.” He grinned. “I just thought I’d check before I head to bed.”
“You’re sweet for thinking about my sexual needs, but I’m good.”
“Okay. Just so you know, I’m available if you have a sudden hormone surge or something.”
“Good to know. Thanks, friend.” I grinned.
“Friend, eh? Yeah. I guess we are friends.” He smiled as he went to his room. “Oh, by the way,” he said as he walked back and stood in the doorway. “You’re only working half days at the office until your foot is fully healed. The other half of the day you’ll be spending at home resting while you’re working.”
“You’re the boss.” I smiled.
Three Weeks Later
It was my first night alone in my new apartment, and I was feeling a little down. It reminded me of the first night when Bri moved out. Even though I hadn’t stayed with Lucas for very long, I grew used to him being around all the time. As much as I loved my alone time, it was still nice to know that someone would be walking through the door.
My job at Thorne Tech was going well. I liked it, and I liked the people I worked with. I even started to make friends with some of the men and women there. Everyone knew I was the one who saved the multi-million-dollar deal, but what they didn’t know was that I was pregnant. I hadn’t told anyone yet, and it wouldn’t be too long before I started showing.
The next morning, as I was sitting in my office, Lucas walked in and shut the door.
“Do you have a minute?” he asked.
“Sure. What’s up?”
He took a seat across from my desk.
“How was your first night in your new apartment?”
“It was good. Those sheets are amazing. Thank you.” I smiled.
“You’re welcome. Listen, Jenna, I’ve been thinking about something. You’re going to start showing soon and I was wondering what you’re going to tell everyone. I don’t think it’s a good—”
“If you’re worried I’m going to tell people you’re the father, don’t be. I’ll just tell them I had a few one-night stands, and I don’t know who the father is. Let them think I’m a whore.” I gave him a smirk.
“Jenna.” An unamused look crossed his face.
“I’m kidding. I’ll just say things didn’t work out with the baby daddy and leave it at that. Your secret is safe with me, Mr. Thorne.” I winked.
“Okay. I appreciate it.”
He got up from his seat and walked to the door. Before walking out, he stopped, turned his head and looked at me.
“It was strange not having you around last night or this morning.” He tapped on the doorframe and walked out.
A small smile crossed my lips as I looked down.
“Hey, Jenna.” Lindsey smiled as she stepped into my office. “A bunch of us are meeting tonight at Rudy’s for appetizers and drinks, and we want you to join us.”
“Sounds like fun. Count me in.”
“Great. We’re meeting around six-thirty.”
“I’ll be there.” I gave her a smile.
I wouldn’t be able to drink, but appetizers I could definitely do. Plus, tonight would be as good a time as any to tell them about the baby and get the rumor mill around the office started.
When I walked into Rudy’s, I saw my coworkers seated at a table.
“Jenna, over here!” Lindsey shouted as she waved her hand.
“Sorry I’m a little late. Traffic is horrible tonight.”
“I’m heading up to the bar,” Jake said. “What are you drinking?”
“Just water for me.” I gave him a smile.
“Water?” Lindsey cocked her head. “Are you a recovering alcoholic?” She laughed.
“Recovering never. I love a good scotch more than I should sometimes. But I need to stick with water because I’m pregnant.”
“You’re pregnant!” Amara shouted.
“Oh My God!” Lindsey exclaimed. “Did you just find out? You never mentioned you had a boyfriend.”
“I’m almost twelve weeks. I didn’t want to say anything just in case—”
“Totally understandable.” Amara grinned.
“Who’s the baby’s father?” Lindsey asked.
“This guy. Things didn’t work out with us and I’m moving on.”