Just One Inch

But I shook my head, mentally trying to rid myself of any misgivings. Today was the day I was going to Jake’s office to break the news, and I hoped the professional atmosphere would restrain him. Surely, he wouldn’t break into a rage in front of his employees? He would maintain his composure, maybe give me a tongue-lashing privately behind closed doors, but there would be no yelling or public scene … I hoped.

I did one last check in front of the mirror and sighed. It would have to be enough. Money was tight and I didn’t have the funds to splurge on a fancy outfit, so I’d gone with a khaki dress that was plain but appropriate. I tried to cinch the cloth belt a little tighter, but the canvas was snug against my burgeoning tummy and I sighed again. Well, at least today was a good hair day, my curls glossy and shiny.

Pulling into the parking lot of Manning Pharmaceuticals, there were a lot of fancy cars, but at least there wasn’t a sports car with the license plate “1 CEO 1” or anything like that. I would have died if Jake was that type of guy … the new money dude who buys flashy toys for himself right and left.

“Hi, I’m here to see Jake Manning,” I mumbled to the receptionist. But I stopped myself. The shy pansy act wasn’t going to cut it and I needed to display some courage, if only by speaking louder. “Ms. Walsh to see Mr. Manning please,” I announced assertively.

“Of course,” said the receptionist. “Please make yourself comfortable and I’ll see if he’s available.”

I took a seat in the lounge, prepared to wait ten or fifteen minutes if necessary. But to my surprise the receptionist called immediately.

“Ms. Walsh, Mr. Manning is ready to see you now, please follow me.”

I grabbed my purse and trailed her to a surprisingly nondescript set of doors. The paint was grey and there was nothing indicating that it might belong to a powerful executive. But once the doors swung open … I saw that the plain exterior was just a ruse.

The office inside was three times the size of my entire apartment. There were gadgets everywhere, plus an entire wall devoted to cabinets, the niches filled with knickknacks and multitudes of awards. But before I could get a closer look, Jake strode forward, his giant form intimidating, his blue eyes sweeping over me, not missing a detail.

“Thank you, Mary Beth, please bring some coffee for our guest,” he rumbled.

“No coffee, just water, thanks,” I interjected quickly. My quick response surprised the man.

“Can we offer you something else? Soda? Tea?” he asked, one eyebrow quirked.

“No thanks,” I replied faintly. Pregnant women can’t drink caffeine and I guess this was the perfect opening but somehow I couldn’t say anything. Instead, I waited until the receptionist left to turn back to the massive man, his big form now leaning casually against his desk.

“So Tina,” he said smoothly. “Here we are again.”

“Um yeah,” I mumbled, looking at the ground. Girl, this isn’t going to work, I reprimanded myself. Forcing my head back up, I met his eyes mischievously. “So were you able to handle those women coming into the bathroom at the restaurant?”

Something indescribable flashed through his eyes. “Was that your idea of a joke?” he rumbled. “Leaving me half-naked, not to mention in a compromising position, in the ladies’ room?”

“I knew you could take care of yourself,” I said breezily. “A guy like you knows women inside out, I’m sure you could handle yourself around a bunch of dowagers.” The women I’d passed coming out of the bathroom had been at least seventy, exactly the type to faint at the sight of a naked man.

“In fact, those dowagers, as you call them, are most appreciative of the nude male form,” Jake replied with a lascivious grin. “They’ve seen a lot and you’d be surprised at how difficult it is to startle the elderly.”

Hmm, I guess he had a point. I hadn’t heard a kerfuffle of screams upon my departure, and Jake had shown up intact minutes later, perfectly dressed, with no sign that he’d been naked doing the dirty just minutes ago. But then again, he was a master with women, right? I’d forgotten my opponent and mentally shook myself.

“So what was it you were here to talk about?” he said silkily, not moving from his desk. His long legs were crossed, seemingly relaxed, but something about his tone put me on alert. He had a brain like a steel trap, and I had to remind myself that this man was danger … someone whose savvy and intellect had launched him to the forefront of the business world.

“Umm, well, I just wanted to see how things were …” I trailed off. “And to get a look at your company,” I fibbed. “I haven’t had time to research Manning, and I thought I’d take a look for myself at the mighty pharma outfit that’s ruling the markets.”