Anxiety had been coursing through my veins since the start of the week. The project with the Gutierrez family was done and the final demonstration was scheduled today, in thirty minutes. If this turns out well, then this is a foot in the door for the rest of the CFG group, not to mention the huge paycheck.

Bart and Jacob had shown the final application two days ago, giving us a little time to review and give them feedback. Jaxx was busy yawning through the demo, though he managed to have some useful comments.

When I got to the conference room, the IT guys were already there setting up and ensuring that there would be no glitches during the presentation. Five minutes later, Jaxx arrived and sat on the chair closest to him while furiously typing on his phone, oblivious to everyone around.

My phone beeped with a message from Kendra. She and I have infrequently been texting since last Friday, and we planned to hang out tonight if we ended up in the same club. I looked forward to seeing her, but I was not convinced that it was because I was interested in her. It was more because I needed to prove something to myself. Instead of sending a text message, I called her.

I stood by the window, looking down the street and smiling. She was sweet and funny and, just as I guessed, more conservative. We already agreed to be just friends since she wasn't looking for a hookup or a boyfriend, and neither was I. Looking for a boyfriend, I mean.

When I heard the grating voice of one of the Gutierrez sisters, I excused myself but not before she said something funny which made me laugh.

"Bye, Kendra. Take care," I turned around to face the room, snickering. The moment I looked up from my phone, my eyes caught Jacob's icy glare as he sighed heavily.

I nodded at him then turned to welcome the guests. I pretended not to be affected by his stare, but damn, was I freezing. After the pleasantries, we all sat and Jacob stood up to start the demo.

During the presentation, my mind began to drift as I stared at him. Occasionally, I'd look away to check on the clients who were listening intently and busy trying the application on their phones or on the laptop that was set up. The other programmers offered technical assistance while Jacob spoke smoothly, answering questions and confidently explaining how it works. I closed my eyes, realizing his voice was soothing, despite how powerful it was.

Too bad he sang like a dissonant hyena, I chuckled inwardly, remembering our first ride together before everything went awkward.

"That's superb, Jacob! How about making a version of this for us women?" Lorena interrupted my thoughts.

It was the first time I saw him stumped. "I'm not sure what you mean. Aesthetically? Like, change the interface or the colors? This is supposed to work for men and women alike."

"No, although that is a good suggestion. What I meant was that it's a bit too complicated for a woman's brain, all these options and steps," she said while flipping her hair.

One of the female ITs in the room raised an eyebrow while the other gave her an incredulous look. I cleared my throat before any of them noticed, moving their attention to me.

"That would be possible if we separated the programs. However, data analysis would become more tedious, and there would be redundancy. Also, since the programs are separate, cross-checking would take more steps. I remember Mr. Gutierrez telling us in our fourth meeting to merge them, hence this," I pointed to the monitor.

"Did I remember correctly, sir?" I looked at their father.

"Yes, you did. Don't worry about this, Lorena. You will only need the shopping and inventory application. I think that can be installed separately?" he asked.

"Mr. Kingston?" I looked at him to see his eyes already on me, but they weren't on my eyes. They were somewhere on the lower half of my face and I did not know what to think. He licked his lips before answering Mr. Gutierrez.

I bit my lip and looked away, suddenly feeling uncomfortable. My phone vibrated in my pocket, but I didn't look at it out of courtesy since we were in a meeting. When I made no move to check it, Jaxx kicked my foot under the table and nodded.

Jaxx: Lorena is eye-raping you

Me: WTF. She'll be doing you in five.

I saw him glare at me from my periphery. I just shrugged my shoulder, not looking at him. Instead, my eyes involuntarily wandered to Lorena, who I caught doing what Jaxx said she was. She bit her lip and winked; I almost gagged. Returning my gaze on the presenter, he was not so subtly repressing an amused smile.

When the demo ended, Mr. Gutierrez congratulated the team and shook Jaxx's hand and mine. We impressed them. Mr. Gutierrez had nothing but wonderful things to say and mentioned that he would like to show it off to his comrades, meaning the rest of the CFG partners. I was more than elated, I could not stop smiling.

"Benedict, I'm glad I listened to my wife when she recommended your firm. To be honest, I usually don't. But I'm thankful I heeded her on this one," he said, chuckling.

"Mr. Kingston, I am delighted and more than satisfied with what you have created. This is a big step forward for us," he shook his hand firmly.

"Thank you, Mr. Gutierrez. I could not have done it with this team of exceptionally brilliant and hard-working men and women," he said, beaming at his team with pride.

Seeing him that way made me smile to myself. The weight and unease in my chest were lifted and replaced with a light feeling. I was happy for him. I was proud of him, and there was no way I could hide my silly smile.

Everyone's spirits were high the rest of the day. People were jolly, and everyone was more pleasant. Even Jaxx was less formidable than usual.

We ended up at The Englishman again, the same bar we were at the week before. This time I was cheerful and more willing to drink. After all, we were celebrating a victory. After an hour or two, Kendra walked in with some of her friends.

"Congratulations! I'm so glad you guys got that deal," she beamed and came up to me directly, giving me a cheek kiss and a tight hug.

"We already had the deal. We just impressed them with the outcome. But, thanks. Finally, we can all breathe," I smiled broadly, still holding her shoulders. When I looked at my friends, Chino's brow was once again cocked, but his wasn't the only one.

"Guys, you remember Kendra. You spent more time with her last week than I did." 

"Of course, we do. Any chance Melissa is with you?" Seb asked.

"Unfortunately, she has other plans tonight. But Sharon is," she gave Jacob a teasing smile. "She's been gushing about you all week. Don't tell her I told you."

Jacob chuckled and ran his hand through his hair, looking in Sharon's direction. He waved at her, and she smiled and waved demurely. 

How very pretentious, I internally rolled my eyes. The now-familiar vile heat started to burn in my chest. I still can't put my finger on what it was. However, I'm sure it had a name.

"I'm going to grab a drink," Kendra said, gaining my attention.

"I'll go with you," I offered. I wasn't looking for a hookup, but I needed the distraction. I didn't want to be alone with Jacob for more than five minutes, especially now that I'm suddenly very annoyed with his smug face.

I spent the rest of the night with her, talking and laughing, forgetting the earlier irritation I felt. I realized that she reminded me of Cara with the way she spoke and acted, and her modesty. And therefore, there was no way this would progress to anything more than friendship.

And even if she did not remind you of Cara, you're just not into her. Stop lying to yourself. Stupid brain.

"I need to go to the ladies' room," she stood up and I followed. She did a double-take when she saw me walking behind her.

"I'm not stalking you. I need to pee, too, you know," I explained when she looked at me suspiciously.

I waited for her outside, contemplating whether I should offer to drop her home or just leave ahead. Maybe she'd still want to hang out with her friends, but I was ready to call it a night. When she reappeared, she was flushed and giggled nervously.

"Whew! It was so hot in there," she said, fanning herself with her hand, her eyes wide with surprise. I cocked my head, not understanding. But a few moments later, my question was answered.

Sharon stepped out of the ladies' room with a wide, victorious smile as she fixed her dress and patted her hair. I stood frozen. The air was knocked out of my lungs and a burning hot rage built in my chest. I knew what was coming, or rather, who was coming out next.

Jacob Kingston.

Our eyes met, and he was momentarily shocked. The grin on his face dropped but quickly replaced it with a smirk as he passed by me, smugly patting my shoulder as he did.

♤  ♡  ♧  ♢