Jamie reached over and rubbed the top of his back. “See if you can get your stuff done and go study at home.”
“No way. There's too much going on in the office already. I could hear Alex yelling down the hall this morning before the sun came up. I have enough issues in my life. Getting fired isn't something I want added to the list. I'm steering clear today.” He smirked. “Thanks for caring.”
“Of course.” They walked to the front and he plucked her apple from her hand.
“My treat.”
“Good thing I'm a cheap date.” She picked up the apple and took a bite of it as they walked to the elevator.
“A date? What's that?” He snorted as they got into the elevator. “I swear I haven't been on a real date in months.”
“You and Kristen went on a few dates, didn't you?” Jamie pressed the button and leaned against the wall nearest her, grateful that no one else got in with them.
“Not really. I tried to get her to go on a real date with me, but she was too torn with upsetting you guys, heading back home, dealing with stuff from her past. Too much baggage.” He shrugged and lifted the small white container he'd gotten downstairs to his nose, breathing in deeply. “Did you know that Jessie down there in the cafeteria makes the best eggs in the world?”
Jamie laughed and got out of the elevator, holding it for him. “No, but I'm thinking a date might be a good thing.”
“Date? With you?” Alex stopped at his door and lifted his eyebrow as Jamie walked in with Paul.
“Be serious.” She gave him a silly smile.
Alex turned his attention toward Paul and narrowed his eyes just slightly. “Ten mistakes on the last file you gave me. Get more sleep. You're slipping.”
Jamie followed Alex into his office, closing the door with the back of her foot just after giving Paul a quick apologetic look. By the stiff position of Alex's broad shoulders, she could tell that something was off. It usually was.
“Hi, baby.” She set her stuff down and walked over as he dropped down in his chair with a loud sigh.
“Hey.” He ran his fingers down his face as she gripped his shoulders and worked her fingers into the firm muscles, trying to help ease the tension in him.
“What's going on and how can I help?” She leaned down and kissed the side of his face.
He ran his hands over hers, squeezing tightly and then releasing her to stand up. He walked to the windows and slipped his hands into his pockets.
“Telco Investments is looking to take a large share of the market this year.” He glanced over his shoulder. “And my company is at the top of their list.”
“And?” She walked over and wrapped her arms around him, leaning in to press her cheek to his strong back. “You say no.”
“It doesn't exactly work like that, Jamie.” He turned in her arms and wrapped his around her. “It's going to turn into a hostile takeover if I don't fix a few things that have unraveled due to the scandal with Nicholas.”
“So we fix them.” She glanced up at him, trying to keep things simple. He had a way of turning everything into something complex, but it was part of his charm.
“I wish it were that easy.” He glanced down the table before giving her a look. “Please tell me that you're not feeding Lilliana an apple for breakfast. She needs far more than that, Jamie.”
“I had a huge breakfast with your brother, silly. Benton loved the omelet I made him. He's a happy boy this morning.” She lifted up and captured his face in her hands before dotting his lips with kisses. “St
op worrying about me. You have enough to worry about.”
“This coming from the woman who has a death wish lately.” He kissed her again a few times. “Paul's slipping. I don't know what's up with that guy, but I need to sit down and have a long conversation with him.”
“Just do it when you're in a better mood.” She kissed him again and pulled out of his hold. “I have a few things to catch up on, but is there something I can do that might help you with the takeover stuff?”
“Yeah, actually, I need you to work with me this afternoon and evening to clean up a few journals and get a report together that details our strengths and weaknesses.” He turned back to the window. “If you get tired later, you can go home and rest, but I'd like to have you stay with me as long as you can manage without overdoing it.”
“I'm here for you.” She picked up her stuff and slipped out the main door to walk down the hall to her office, instead of going through Alex’s door that lead to hers. She waved at the secretary as she passed, letting him know she was in her office. After closing her door, she sat down to get working on the list of things she needed to do. Being in the hospital for a few days hadn't done her any favors.
*
“Hey. You wanna grab some lunch?” Mark stuck his head into her office just before two.