Page 9

9

JACOB

Stepping out into the bustling street outside the JoJo and Crow offices, I take a moment to inhale a deep breath, glad that our first meeting is finished. Deal done.

I still can’t believe she pulled off that proposal and tricked them into wanting a brand that doesn’t even exist. It was a genius and bold move. Although it’s Skye, and everything she touches turns to gold.

“You played a really risky game back there.” I try sounding like her boss but it comes out more awe-inspired and playful.

“I know. Worth it though.” I expected her to be ecstatic, but instead, she sighs, looking sad as her eyes skim the busy dockside. She continues to avoid eye contact with me as she slips her backpack onto her shoulders.

“Are you not excited? You did a phenomenal job back there, Skye. I am honored to have you on my team.”

“Thank you.”

“When did you pull that proposal together?”

“A few weeks ago, but I didn’t finish it until late last night.”

“You need to put in overtime for those hours. Email me and I will approve them with people operations.”

She whispers a small, “Thanks.”

Yet again, awkward silence stretches between us.

“Look, Sk?—”

“Oh great, I’m glad I caught you both.” An out-of-breath Austin, our new client, flies out of the entrance of the building we’ve just left. “We want to take you out for a drink to celebrate. We are so excited.” He clutches his chest, smiling. He’s almost wheezing. Poor guy needs to work on his cardio.

“We would love to,” Skye answers for us both.

Fuck that, she’s not going out with him and his business partner. Austin was overly flirty with her throughout the meeting, making me want to rearrange his face.

She adds, “But it will just be me. Jacob has a date .”

My heart sinks. Why the fuck did I say that earlier? I now have to stand by my lie. I rock on my heels. “I can easily cancel.”

He holds up his hand. “Oh no, don’t let me stop you from finding love,” he chuckles. “Come on, Skye. We’re going to take you to our flagship restaurant, where everything is sustainably sourced and tastes divine.” Austin ushers her back toward the doors. “Next time, Jacob.” He lifts his eyebrows. “And I’ll have those papers signed for you tomorrow.”

They both disappear and I’m left standing on the curbside.

This is the way it’s meant to be.

I pull my phone from my jacket pocket and scroll down my contacts to find the name I am looking for and hit call.

It rings for a few seconds before the familiar English accent drifts down the phone. “Jacob, darling.” Joanna almost purrs down the phone. “Am I getting to see you, after all?”

A wicked smile curves my lips. “Yes, you are.”