Total pages in book: 31
Estimated words: 29062 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 145(@200wpm)___ 116(@250wpm)___ 97(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 29062 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 145(@200wpm)___ 116(@250wpm)___ 97(@300wpm)
This feels… intrusive, I realize and suddenly feel bad for my halfhearted efforts at snooping. I turn away from the tiger guiltily and look around the room, but nothing else catches my eye, so I plop down on one of the sofas.
I can’t believe that of all the people for me to end up working for, it’s the same man from last night! Ugh, what are the chances?
I look for a pillow to groan into, or maybe even smother myself with. That would be apt. After all, I’ve always joked about what a small world it is, but now the joke’s on me. I have no idea what the rules are for navigating such an unusual situation. I mean, seriously, Sanctum and babysitting? These are two planets in different solar systems. They were never supposed to meet in a collision. Not to mention, I don’t know if there are going to be any repercussions if Sanctum management finds out. We’re allowed to spend time with clients outside of the club of course, but it’s strictly voluntary and certainly pre-planned. So what happens when the meeting is accidental and the client finds the whole thing distasteful?
God, Jared thought I was stalking him too, I think in a morose tone. How awful and embarrassing.
Okay, I have to get my mind off these morbid thoughts, so I flick on a small TV in the corner and begin scrolling mindlessly through the channels. I pause here and there when something catches my eye, but it’s all just for show because when Jared gets home, I don’t want it to look like I’ve just been obsessing over him. Instead, I want to appear carefree and easygoing, as if I haven’t wasted one brain cell on him at all, although of course, it’s the opposite.
I’ll be as cool as a cucumber, I think in a somewhat grim tone. Yeah right, he won’t be fooled at all.
Because the second I hear the key in the lock at the front door, my plan goes out the window. I bounce off the couch quickly, suddenly feeling sweaty and nervous. I swipe at my wild hair, but it’s no use because my curls are wild and woolly thanks to the humidity. Ugh, it’s probably smashed flat in the weirdest way too because I was wearing one of Vivi’s princess crowns for well over an hour.
I run-walk over to the door and meet Jared just as he comes inside.
“Hi,” I say breathlessly.
“Hi yourself,” he growls, those blue eyes assessing my form. “How were things with Vivi?” His eyes flit toward the stairs then back to me.
“Oh um, good. We had a lot of fun, and we played a lot of that princess and knights game. She’s sound asleep now, and snoozing like a baby.” I tuck my hands into my pockets, feeling horrifically awkward. Is my face red? I bet it is.
Meanwhile, Jared chuckles softly. “Let me guess, she made you be the princess, right?”
I giggle. “Yeah, she insisted I wear a crown and everything.” Then, I take a deep breath and summon my courage before looking at the huge man. God, he’s so gorgeous in a dark suit, but I have to get this over and done with. “Look, I know this was a huge surprise, me showing up here and everything. I know you were uncomfortable and I totally get why. But everything worked out, right? So let’s just call it even and forget about this, okay? I’ll leave and there’s no need to pay me or anything because this never happened,” I say with a quick smile while bending over to get my stuff.
But Jared shakes his head slowly, his big body blocking the door. “No, that’s not going to work, sweetheart.”
“No, really it’s fine,” I insist, hauling my bag over one shoulder. But one sharp look from Jared makes me go quiet.
“You worked, so you get paid. Isn’t that how this goes?” he drawls while handing me a stack of cash.
My eyes go wide as the money lands in my fist because this looks like a roll of hundred dollar bills.
“No, no, this is too much,” I stammer, trying to hand the money back to him. “Seriously, I don’t mind working for free tonight. This was just a misunderstanding and you know how these things are. It’s just between friends.”
He cocks his head.
“We’re friends? Is that how you’d describe us?”
I stammer, my cheeks flaming.
“Um, sort of?” I choke out. “We’re kind-of friends?”
With that, Jared throws his black head back and laughs, showing off a movie star smile.
“We can be friends if you want to be friends, Marcy. But first, come back to the living room so that we can chat.” Without waiting for a response, Jared strolls into the living room before turning back to shoot me an expectant look.