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

"A little extra in the middle?" Heat rose up the center of Jamie's chest. "Right. I'll have to call you back, Christine. Wreck up here and I need to pay attention. Best of luck on your issues. Bye, now!" She used a sugary-sweet voice and growled loudly after hitting the ‘end call’ button.

"That sorry bitch." Jamie hit the steering wheel. She had been working so hard to lose weight and feel better about herself, and she'd done it. How in the world did it only take mere minutes for her shitty sister to pull her back down to feeling horrible about herself? Not everyone had bones protruding from their hips and cheeks. Not all guys in the universe wanted a woman like that anyway.

"Sexy time," she mumbled and turned in to the parking garage. Having to talk with her mother and father about their failing marriage was more than enough drama for her. Having to help her sister with her sex life now, too? Hell no. That was completely out. She felt like she might soon end up on the Oprah show. The series would be called 'Keeping it in the family'.

Jamie parked and got out, still grumbling under her breath by the time she arrived in the office. She glanced toward Gina and then to Nicholas.

"Morning. Traffic was a bear. Just give me a minute and we can meet in my office, Nicholas."

"Of course. Good to see you, Jamie." He smiled and glanced back down at his phone.

"Morning. I put a cup of coffee on your desk just to save you the time." Gina winked.

"Thank you." Jamie walked into her office and realized she wouldn't be meeting with anyone in there. She had an officemate.

"Morning." Paul turned and let his gaze roam over her. "You look great today. There's a nice healthy glow about you."

"It's called starvation." Jamie gave a cheeky grin.

"I saw that someone was waiting for you out there. How about I go downstairs and grab us both something to eat? I'll take my time and wait in the breakroom if I get back early. That should give you time with him and something to eat when you're done." He stood and ran his fingers through his thick blond hair.

"Yeah. Wow. That would actually be amazing." Jamie dug in her purse as she continued, "Let me just get you some money."

"No. My treat. You want something healthy or something delicious?" The smirk that lifted his mouth caused her to chuckle.

"They have to be mutually exclusive? No good-tasting healthy stuff?"

"Not in my opinion." He shrugged. He was similar to Alex; a younger version with the same confidence.

She smiled. "Let's go healthy. I’ve a plane to catch in a few hours. I'd rather not feel too bad for the flight."

"Good call." He walked to the door. "Good luck with your meeting."

"Right. Tell Gina to send him in for me." Jamie moved to take a seat at the small round table by the window as Paul nodded and walked out.

Moments later Nicholas knocked on the doorframe and stuck his head in.

His dark hair was starting to turn gray, though he couldn't be more than forty. He was distinguished-looking, handsome, and beyond wealthy. Where Alex had made every penny he had, it would appear after looking through his portfolio that Nicholas had inherited most of his money and made more of it. The man knew how to invest it, which caused his wealth to expand far beyond anything he might have done otherwise.

"Now a good time?" He walked in and unbuttoned his suit jacket. He was tall and built like a basketball player, but what she liked most about him was the warmth of his smile. He might be a snake behind the kindness he exuded, but, if so, he hid it well.

"It sure is. Please come sit down and tell me what I can do for you." She motioned for him to take the seat near her.

"Thanks. I won't take much of your time." He sat down and leaned back, his eyes remaining on her face, which left her feeling respected – empowered.

"Take as long as you need. We appreciate you believing enough in what Mr. Reid is doing to invest with us. I'm here to make you comfortable and help address any questions or concerns you might have."

He nodded. "I'm thrilled with the company's performance over the last month… hell, the last year. I'm here on a more personal note."

"Oh." Jamie stiffened, but forced herself to remain open to whatever he was going to say, or offer.

"I owe you a more in-depth apology. Last time we spoke, perhaps I was a little too forward. Alex's personal business is just that. I'm not too fond of some of the things I've seen in the past with him and other women, but that gives me no right to judge. Heaven forbid someone decides to judge me based on my past." His eyes grew wide, and Jamie chuckled.

"Right? I'd not survive that either." She crossed her legs and kept her hands in her lap. "Apology accepted. I wasn't too offended, though I might have stated that I was."

"Yes, well. I was downright inappropriate. I haven't found a woman who caused my heart to flutter quite the way you did... the way you do." A blush warmed his cheeks, and she was a little surprised at how flattered she felt over the situation.

"I'm not sure how to respond to that." She pressed her hand to her chest as her heart began to beat faster.