Who's the Boss Now (Managing the Bosses 3)

She understood the need to be discrete, but not acknowledging her at all left her feeling a little cold. She usually went to the meetings with him; now he preferred for her to stay at the office or manage something else. How long did he expect her to be his woman and yet not let anyone know about it? If she was good enough to flaunt in front of his family and hers as his girl, then why not do so at work?

"Will do," Gina responded to Alex before tapping the desk in front of Jamie. "You okay?"

"Just thinking about how crazy life can be at times."

"Yes, it can. I want to hear all about it tomorrow night over liquor. Especially the juicy parts."

Jamie chuckled and walked down the hall, calling over her shoulder. "I wish I had more of those to share."

"Oh, I'm sure you do, girl."

Between Gina's laughter and Alex's loving, the day was sure to be good. Needing more of both, but settling for what she got, Jamie turned on her laptop and dove into her to-do's.

Chapter 2

Alex had to work late and suggested she head home early, saying there was no use for both of them to be in the office. Still trying to adjust to this new work situation and how they were supposed to act, Jamie just nodded and headed back. She took a long swim in the pool, then ate the incredible dinner Murray had prepared before settling down with a romance novel she had in one of the boxes still unpacked in her bedroom closet. Funny how reading about love made it seem all the more possible to have.

She woke the next morning, disappointed to be on her own. She checked her phone but there were no messages from Alex. She hoped to see him in the main house, but doubted it seriously. His promise of a long night of teasing and love-making obviously had to be put on hold. The poor guy had probably bitten off almost more than he could chew at the office. If he wasn't finding time to eat, sleep, or exercise, he certainly didn't have time for her.

Some part of knowing that if they did get together, her life would resemble a lot of lonely nights, left her wondering if she was making the right decision. Maybe she should just let him go and find someone better-suited for his needs and she could find someone better suited for hers.

"Good luck with that," she mumbled under her breath as she walked out in the cool spring day. Summer was nearly here, and they lived in the perfect neighborhood for jogging. She'd have to see if Alex could spare an hour in the morning or late at night to join her. Exercise wasn't just to lose weight anymore, but more for an outlet for stress. She felt the need to still lose a few pounds, but between her job, her oddball relationship with Alex, and her family still nagging her when they promised not to, losing weight came in dead last for her attention. She shu

ddered at the thought of running with Alex. It would be a waste of his time. She’d never move fast enough for him.

She drove the long way to the office, not really having anything to do until nine that morning. Surely there would be a pile of messages to return and a few notes from Alex on items he wanted her to research or dig into, but her first meeting wasn't until later.

She swung into the local coffee shop and picked up something for herself, Alex, and Gina. The hope was to brighten everyone's day, and where Gina would enjoy the coffee, Alex was sure to be too busy to stop and have it while it was hot. Regardless, it didn’t stop her from getting him something.

The office was quiet when she walked in, which was a bit surprising. She set the coffee for Alex and Gina on their respective desks, and made her way to her own office.

A chorus of ‘Happy birthday’ caught her by surprise. Whose birthday was it?

She took a tentative sip of her drink, finding it perfect after the twenty-minute drive into the office. She hadn't remembered seeing anyone's name on the birthday list, but, knowing that she was the face of their CEO, she walked down the hall and moved into the breakroom.

"Jamie! This is Paul. He's going to be interning with us this summer. It's his first day, but it's also his birthday." Gina beamed as she touched the shoulder of the handsome young guy next to her.

"Fantastic!" Jamie walked toward him, extending her hand. "Nice to meet you, Paul. I'm Mr. Reid's PA, Jamie Connors."

"Lucky Mr. Reid." The intern smiled and shook her hand with a firm handshake.

"Yep. I work hard for my pay." She gave him a professional smile and moved back to stand beside Gina as the rest of the staff cut the cake and served it up. She held up her hand, refusing. Too much sugar in the morning would leave her feeling like shit for the rest of the day.

"He's insanely cute, right?" Gina whispered just beside her. Her dark hair brushed Jamie's shoulder, tickling her skin.

"Yeah, he's a looker, but blond hair and green eyes always seem a combination that grabs attention, especially here in New York where the Italians rule."

"Yes we do, girlie." Gina laughed and pushed her shoulder against Jamie's. "And don't you forget it."

"Never." Jamie stood in the kitchenette for a few more minutes before taking her leave. Paul seemed like a good guy, young and a little ballsy, but nice nonetheless. He had to be utterly brilliant at finance, or he would not have been given the intern position. Alex only brought in one each semester, from what Jamie understood. Thousands applied for the one position, which made for an interesting interview process. The poor kids outdid themselves trying to get their foot in the door.

"Kid?" she mumbled to herself. She wasn't but four or five years older than Paul, which left her with the realization that calling him a kid didn't fly.

Her phone rang as she approached her office, and she picked up her speed, grateful that she'd chosen to wear flats with her sleeveless blue dress that day.

"Alex Reid’s office. This is Jamie." She sat down and moved up, pressing her arms to the desk as she put the person on speaker.

"Jamie. Do you have a minute?" Her mother's voice was pinched, as if bad news was coming.