Page 69

Chapter Twenty
Jonas bent forward and stretched, then pulled himself upright to jog in place. He looked to his stopwatch and set the timer when someone approached. Glancing over, a broad smile spread across his face.
“That was quite a disappearing act you did little brother and out of character might I add. What’s up with you?”
Jaden slapped hands with his brother and pulled him in for a man hug. The men were dressed down in their running gear, with shorts that hung to their knees, a thin t-shirt that framed their muscled physiques, and running shoes.
“I should’ve known I wouldn’t be able to slide that by you.”
“You got that right. Besides you forget, my wife is best friends with your… hmmm, what shall I call her little brother?”
Jaden’s smile was wide. “Her name is Claudia.”
Jonas laughed. “Yeah, that much I’m aware of. But what’s she to you?”
Jaden waited a beat before responding. “I told her she was my girlfriend.”
“You told her?”
“Hell yeah.”
Jonas threw his head back and howled. Jaden’s smile spread even further.
“You won’t be the only one around here getting some action.”
Jonas agreed, shaking his head up and down. “So that’s all it is then, you getting some action?”
“Nah, you know what I mean.”
“Yeah,” Jonas rubbed his chin. “I think I do.”
“Oh, I’m sure you do.”
“I’m happy for you man. There’s a first time for everything.”
Jaden frowned. “You act as if I’ve never dated before man, please.”
“Yeah, you’ve dated, but you’ve never singled out one woman over another.”
Jaden went to object but thought about Jonas’ words. It was true. He’d dated many women, but the last time he held a serious relationship, if you could even call it that, was in high school. And if Jaden was real with himself, no one was ever serious in high school.
“You’re right, and if I feel anything like you feel about Samiyah, then I think I might be in trouble.”
Jonas’ eyes widened. “Hold up, are you saying you’re in love with the girl?”
“Claudia,” Jaden reiterated. “Her name is Claudia.”
Jonas held his hands up in surrender. “My bad, you’re right, Claudia.” A broad smile covered Jonas’ lips. “Well I’ll be damned; my little brother is in love.”
Jaden didn’t reply. It had crossed his mind many times over the last few days, but hearing Jonas say it made it that much more authentic and he couldn’t deny it.
“Listen, let’s get through this run. I’ve got a few conference calls today that may take up most of my time, and I have other things on the agenda.”
“Let me guess. Those other things have to do with Claudia?”
Jaden smiled wide and winked. “Let’s go sucka,” he said taking off in a sprint.
After taking a quick shower and heading to the office, Jaden’s cell phone rang. Again, it was Cassie. Jaden thought about not answering then decided against it. If the call were personal, he’d politely tell her he wasn’t interested.