Page 30 of Fresh Tracks
“You’re welcome to use either if you want. That’s what I actually came to talk to you about.”
“You came to tell me I could use your gym and hot tub? Is that part of my benefits package?”
An amused smile crosses his face. “Yeah, sure. What I actually came to say was that you can use this office as long as you want, whether I’m here or not. Like I said, make yourself at home. Come by whenever you want, work whatever hours you want. It’s fine with me. And if you get tired of this place, you’re welcome to work remote too, if you prefer. You don’t have to always come here. I know you like to travel. I really don’t care what schedule you keep or where you work from as long as the work gets done.”
“Oh,” my voice rises up in surprise. He clearly has thought more about this than I have. I’ve barely had time to start this job and he’s already thinking about where I’ll want to work from in the future. It’s endearing that he’s already so trusting of me. “I appreciate that. You sure you don’t mind if I’m popping in and out? I’m normally a morning person, but I can be a night owl every now and then. I don’t want to intrude.”
He shakes his head. “Nope, not a problem at all. Shoot.”
I roll my neck, taking an exaggerated glance around the room before looking back at him. “Well if you really don’t mind, I think I’ll plan on working here. I like the views.”
Oh no. Did I really just say that? A pleased grin crosses his face and a muffled laugh rumbles in his chest.
I quickly tilt my head to the window. “The views of the mountains, I mean. It reminds me of growing up down the road.”
He nods. “Yeah. I can’t get enough of the views around here.” I notice that his eyes stay fixed on me though and don’t even hint at looking out the windows. A moment passes before he curls one hand into a fist and rasps his knuckles on the desk. “Still, I get it. I lived in a van once and loved the freedom. So if you change your mind, it’s totally fine.”
I turn my chair to face him head on now. “You lived in a van?”
The look on his face is a mix of pride and nostalgia. “Back in the early days of Teal Tigers. We were driving all over the Pacific Northwest from gig to gig. It was a blast being that free.”
I hum thoughtfully and he watches me, his eyes brightening. “You’re full of surprises,Mr. Jacob. I love van life, even with its drawbacks.”
“Drawbacks?”
I nod. “Yep. Seems like there’s always something to fix.”
“What’s wrong with your van?” His tone is short and hetenses.
“Oh, it’s not that bad. The diesel heater’s fan has been struggling lately. I’ve dealt with worse. It’d help if I could charge my batteries and run my backup electric heater though.” He still gives me the same, intense look, like he doesn’t believe me.
“Seriously, it’s not a big deal.” This time, I hold his gaze until he blinks and I can see his posture relax. He nods once, but I can see the hint of concern there when the corners of his eyes crease. Still, I see the understanding in his eyes and there’s something refreshing about it. My brothers and Dad wouldn’t back off, no matter how many times I tell them I can take care of myself. I love them for caring so much, but I’m strong and I don’t need to be treated like a broken, frail little girl.
I’m about to ask him what their band’s van was like, but a notification crosses the top of my laptop screen, pulling my attention away. My eyes widen in horror when I see the message from Josie sitting there on full display.
Josie: Is Hot Daddy Boss there? Please tell me he’s still shirtless. Send a pic. Your girl is lonely and needs spank bank material.
My whole body goes rigid and I want to crawl under the desk. Definitely regretting telling her about seeing him in the gym now while I frantically try to clear the notification. I feel like I’m going to crush my mouse, clicking it over and over hoping that it will actually make the message go away faster, but he had to have seen that.
He shifts on the desk next to me, catching my attention. I look up and to his credit, he looks cool as a cucumber. Maybe he didn’t actually see it?
He hops off the desk, brushing the tops of his quads with his hands. “Anyway, I’m glad you’re here. Let me know if you need anything.”
He strides toward the door and I look back at my laptop, trying to focus on work instead of my boss’s body and that smile.
“Oh, and Rainbow,” he calls from across the room. I look up just in time to see him smirk. “Next time, I’ll keep a shirt on in the gym.”
I wish he wouldn’tis the first thought that goes through my mind, almost drowning out whatever embarrassment I should be feeling.
CHAPTER 13
TJ
GYM LIFE
I takeone last long stroke before letting out a long breath. The water runs over my bare skin when I reach out to grab the side of the pool and finish my lap.
Two sets down, one to go.
