Page 11 of Hooked on Lane (Hooked #1)

Chapter Eleven

Lane

I should’ve left when I saw Laura and Jennifer but…

I stayed. Over the next couple of hours, I learned a lot about her.

Jennifer had grown up in Dallas, Texas, with her parents and two sisters.

She'd spent her childhood in the city, with all the advantages.

She was a self-confessed city girl who wanted to experience the hustle and bustle of life in a bigger city.

After she graduated college, she moved to New York City, much to her parents' dismay.

They weren't happy with her decision, but she did it anyway.

I knew I couldn’t act on my feelings, but it didn’t make them subside.

The more I got to know Jennifer, the more I wanted to show her how a woman should be treated.

Yet I knew once Mr. Longford left, my life was going to be chaotic, and we would spend a lot of time together at the office.

Maybe for now, I’d bide my time, have her as a friend, and one day when all was right with the world, maybe I could ask her out…

but she was looking for her happily ever after.

“You got any plans for Thanksgiving?” Laura asked.

“No, I can’t make it home to see my mother, so I’ll probably just order in.”

“I’m having a Friendsgiving with Laura. You should come. No one should be alone.”

I hesitated for a second. “Are you sure?”

She waved her hand. "We'd love to have you. Besides, it's always more fun with more people.”

I smiled. “Well, in that case, I'd love to join you guys. Thanks.”

It was safe to assume why she wasn't going home for the holiday if she and her family didn't get along. No matter what, I was making it out to see my mom for Christmas. I talked the center into letting me take her home to Amesbury for the holidays. The small town wasn’t for everyone, but she was a small-town gal and always would be. It was a surprise, so my mother doesn’t know, but I had to clear it with the director before I planned anything.

I stood up slowly and brushed down my shirt. “Well, it’s time for me to head home. My ride is here.”

“Alright, see you at work.”

As I opened the door, I glanced back at Jennifer one last time, who was smiling. Tonight was amazing and getting to know her on a better level would indeed help our professional and personal relationship. But the problem was, I wished that the personal relationship could come first.