Page 6 of Jacob

If I could slap some sense into myself right now, I would. Because he’s not just my ex’s best friend. He’s my boss.

And now it feels… awkward?

Plus, Jacob’s attitude to me this morning is making it worse.

“Okay. We are done. Thank you all. And Pete?” Jacob addresses our account manager. “Can we schedule a meeting with finance to discuss the JoJo and Crow account?”

Pete salutes Jacob. “On it. I’ll calendar that in for next week. That way, we are prepared, as I know you and Skye are going to London for that meeting next month.”

Are we?

I love London, but last year Jacob and I went to New York, and it was one of the most incredible business trips I’ve been on.

Once our meeting with our client was over, Jacob extended our visit by two days. It was a complete sightseeing whirlwind, but unforgettable. He took me to the Museum of the City of New York, where they were exhibiting David Carson’s work. I freaked out when our cab pulled up out the front of the museum. I mean, it was David Carson—only the most freaking well-known graphic designer in the world.

Jacob told me how cute my mini freak-out was, as he proceeded to hire a dedicated curator to show us around, and to top the trip off, he even took me to the theater to seeWicked.

I still can’t fathom out how he knew it was my favorite musical.

He’s so thoughtf?—

Shattered fragments of my thoughts begin piecing themselves together, and it suddenly dawns on me. The bicycle tire repair kit he bought me in case I got a puncture on the way to work, the secret Santa gift last year—a program ofWickedthe musical signed by Idina Menzel—his interest in the books I read, his texts to make sure I am safe when I cycle home from work…

I think Jacob likes me.

Not just as a friend. But more.

No, that can’t be right. Can it? I mean, it’s Jacob.

But everything he’s done for me… It all begins to make sense.

And he’s never said anything.

How long has he liked me? Did he like me in New York?

Or am I wrong? Am I overthinking the whole situation after Saturday night’s events?

Events?It was more than an event. He made me come. It doesn’t matter that it was my fingers. It was all him. And I wanted every second of it.

But was it more than a moment? Was it something bigger? Is it something he’s wanted for longer than I’ve realized?

I massage my fingertips into my temples, trying desperately to think of anything else that could prove I am on the right path.

Did it start at school? I mean, he spoke to me all the time at school andalwayswalked me home.

Oh. My. God.

No way. That’s impossible.

I flinch when Jacob says my name. “Skye. Are you listening?”

My fingers drop from my temples and I stutter, “Eh, yeah, no, sorry, what? I was thinking about the printing problems I needed to resolve today.”

“Printing problems?” Jacob questions me, his eyebrows rising.

“Not anymore, no. Sorry. We didhaveproblems. It’s all sorted.” I manage a tense smile as my heart beats uncontrollably. “Sorry, what were you saying?” I push my shoulders back, suddenly aware of my appearance.

Not one to become obsessional about boys or any boy for that matter, I have becomethatgirl. The girls at school I used to roll my eyes at. The giggling, flirting and planning what outfit to wear each day to impress the boy they had their heart set on that week.

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