Jake
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“Governor Andrews. It's a pleasure to meet you.” I shake his hand then point him to the chair across from me.
“The pleasure is all mine. I've heard great things of both you and your company. When the opportunity to build another parking lot in my city presented itself. I couldn't think of a better candidate.”
Just then Liam walks in. “I'm glad our reputation proceeds us. It's nice meeting you Governor.” he shakes his hand in greeting before starting the presentation.
By the end of it, the Governor seems to be impressed. I think we nailed that, If I do say so myself. Liam and I always make a great team.
“That was an amaizing proposal. You exceeded my expectations.”
“I'm glad you think so. I ment to ask earlier. Who exactly gave you the recommendation.” I ask him. I assumed he saw the proposal we submitted for the bid hence agreeing to the meeting.
An unreadable expression crosses his face before it's quickly gone. “An associate of mine. He only had good things to say.” He takes a step closer to me, then adds “If you don't mind me asking. Are you by any chance single?”
His question catches me off guard. I make eye contact with Liam across the room. He looks equally suprised. Having seen our expressions, he back tracks.
“I see I've frightened you. You see, I'm simply curious. Doing business with a family oriented company always puts me at ease.”
My brows draw together. I'm not sure I believe his reasoning. My relationship with Leslie isn't a secret. For some reason I feel the need to protect that information from him.
Before I can reply, Liam comes to the rescue. “We're all about family here at HADC. You've nothing to be concerned about.”
The governor doesn't look pleased with the reply but doesn't push further. After he leaves, I turn to Liam.
“That was wierd, right?”
He shrugs. “Kind of, but there are plenty of people who prefer doing business with family oriented companies. Some board members won't even allow an unmarried man to be the CEO.”
He's right, but I get the feeling that's not what happened here.
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“You know, you might as well move in with me. We usually end up either at your place or mine.” I tell Leslie as we enter my apartment.
“There's another way we can fix this. I can go back to my house and we can sleep separately.” she turns her head back and winks at me.
I pull her dress and she falls back on my chest with a shriek. “That was mean, take it back.” the thought of sleeping without her doesn't even make sense to me.
She giggles as I nuzzle her nape. “You're the one complaining about spending the nights at each others houses.”
I let her go as I throw the key on the table and plop of the couch. “You're putting words in my mouth.” I pout.
She sits on my lap, brushing my hair with her fingers. I love it when she does that. It feels so soothing. “It's too soon. I don't want to move too fast.” she murmurs.
I wrap my arms around her. “I know, doesn't mean it sucks any less.”
She looks deep in thought as she plays with my hair. It's not the first time I've seen that look on her face. It's like she wants to talk about something but tries to convince herself not to.
“Hey, what's on your mind?”
“Just thinking,” she shrugs.
“About what?”
She stares at me briefly before shifting her eyes, seeming nerves. I'm not letting her brush whatever it is under the rag again. I nudge her with my leg.
“Talk to me. You know you can tell me anything.”
She sighs. “It's not exactly telling. It's more like asking.”
I gesture for her to continue.
“Remember when you got shot?” she asks, her fingers trailing my arm. Exactly where the scar left behind by the bullet is.
I nod my head.
“The guy in your room. Who was he?”
'Shit,'
I knew this was coming. And I know I have to lie to her. The truth is just too dangerous. “I told you, just someone from my past.” I move her from my lap, placing her on the couch.
“But you guys resemble each other so much. That can't be just a coincidence.”
I stand heading to the mini bar for a drink. “They say there are two of each of us.” I shrug.
“Jake,” she starts.
“Can you drop this. I don't like talking about my past. It's better left buried.” My voice comes out sharper than I intended.
She looks down at the hands on her lap and starts figiting with them. I feel bad for talking to her in such a tone. I move back to the couch and sit next to her.
“I'm sorry, I didn't mean that. Some things I can't share with you. At least not yet. They have no bearing on our life together. Please, just let it be.”
She stares at for a couple of seconds and then finally gives in. “Okay,”
I pull her close to me and hug her. Someday I'm going to have to tell her the truth. I just hope she doesn't end up hating me.
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