Richard checked the calendar on his cell. Damn. “I’ve got to work late,” he grumbled before lightly pressing a kiss to her lips.
Jaclyn pouted her lips, murmuring, “Me too.”
“Are you sure you’re up for it? How about you take some time for yourself?”
“I need the distraction. And Jean’s grabbing me for coffee.”
“Good.” He pulled out his wallet and handed her a key card. “Here. That lets you in, and I’ve already added you to the room. Remember, all work and no lunch makes Jaclyn a grumpy COO.”
He pulled her close for another taste of her lips. “See you tonight, baby.”
After one last peck, he headed out.
* * *
Jaclyn’s day flew by fast as she dealt with a mountain of emails from just a few missed days of work. When a loud knock came from her door, she barely looked up from her laptop to acknowledge it. “Come in.”
Everett strolled in. “Back from your ‘vacation’?” He winked, using his fingers as air quotes.
“Yes,” she said, forcing a smile.
Jean had planted the seed, telling everyone that Jaclyn couldn’t be reached and was taking a little time away from the office.
“Were you with Richard?” her father asked.
Amused, she let her coy smile answer for her.
He pulled a tiny box of Godiva from his blazer pocket. “Here.” He slid it across her desk.
Suspicion pursed her lips. She stopped reading, closed her laptop, and clasped her hands on the desk. “Okay, go on. Out with it.”
“Out with what?” His lifted brow spoke volumes.
She tore open the wrapping and held up a truffle. “Whatever it is you feel guilty about.” She popped the morsel in her mouth.
“I’m not guilty. I’m concerned.” He plopped into one of the buttery-soft leather chairs across from her desk. “You, taking over this business . . . I’m worried you’re making a terrible mistake.”
“Dad,” she said with a sigh. “You have nothing to worry about. This company is a well-oiled machine. And I am letting go. Jean and I are interviewing some people for me to bring on.”
“Admin support?” he asked, sounding impressed by the decision.
“Not exactly,” she said, beaming. “I’m bringing on some interns. Seniors at Texas A&M. They’re the future. And I can learn as much from them as they can learn from me.”
“Ha!” Everett snickered. “I seriously doubt that. And until the day I join your mother, it’s my job to worry. You deserve to be happy.”
“Dad, look at me. I am happy,” she said, certain she was positively glowing.
“Hmm . . . might the new guy in your life be putting that twinkle in your eye?”
“Maybe,” she playfully sang.
“Good. Don’t mess this up by working too hard. Get out of here at a decent hour.”
“Hey, I’m not the only one. He’s working late too.” She scrutinized another chocolate, nibbling off the end to check the suitability of the flavor. “And what about you? Are you taking it easy this evening? Maybe a nice cup of tea and some Turner Classic Movies?”
Her father shrugged.
“Oh, so the penchant for obsessive overworking runs in the family.” She popped the second piece of chocolate-covered goodness in her mouth, chewing it with an exaggerated smile.
“Just one meeting over dinner. I never get out much, and Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse is a particularly strong weakness of mine.”
Jaclyn eyed him with wild speculation. “Is she pretty?”
“Oh, Jaclyn.” Her dad shook his head as he stood up and headed toward her door.
“And even if she says she’s paying her half, pay for it all. And compliment her,” Jaclyn shouted as he headed down the hall. To herself, she muttered, “It’s good advice,” as she set the chocolates to the side.
* * *
Toward the end of that very long day, Jaclyn figured it was time to head out as the remnants of glowing daylight were quickly fading on the horizon. She closed up shop and headed for the elevator, catching Jean on her way out as well.
“You haven’t tried getting a hold of Everett, have you,” Jean asked.
“No, why?”
She held up a phone, waving it. “He forgot his cell. I was going to take it to his house.”
Jaclyn held out her hand. “I’ll take it. He’s not home, and I’m dying to have an excuse to spy on his date.”
“Date?” Jean’s eyes popped with delight. “Is she nice? Will you call her Auntie such-and-such, or will you be on a first-name basis?”
“I have no idea. Historically, it’s been first names all the way. He’s swanking it up at Del Frisco’s, so it must be serious.”
Jean slapped the phone into her hand. “See if you can discreetly snap a shot. Or not so discreetly take a selfie with her. Maybe use a hot Snapchat filter with the eyelashes and makeup.”
Jaclyn laughed. “I’ll see what I can do. I’m always up for a good photobomb.”