I climbed into the limo and instructed Tony to take me to Bloomingdale’s. As I was in the men’s section, looking at their sweater line, I heard a voice next to me.

“Well, if it isn’t Mr. Jack Sutton.”

“Hello, Stella.” I smiled. “What brings you to Bloomingdale’s this afternoon?”

“Just doing a little shopping for my boyfriend. You?”

“Picking up a new suit.”

“I’m surprised you didn’t make Lorelei do it for you.”

“The thought crossed my mind, but I decided to do it myself.”

“Listen, Jack, I want to thank you for looking after Hope while Lorelei was in the hospital. That was very kind of you.”

“You’re welcome. Hope is a great kid.”

“She is. Isn’t she? And so is her mother.” A small smile crossed her lips.

“Yeah. Lorelei is great. Hey, do you have some time to grab a coffee? I want to talk to you about something.”

She gave me an odd look. “Umm. Sure. I guess so.”

****

Lorelei

The next morning, as I was walking towards Jack’s office, I noticed there was a bouquet of yellow roses perfectly arranged in a vase sitting on the edge of my desk. I set my things down and walked into Jack’s office with his coffee.

“Do you know where those flowers came from?” I asked as I set his cup down.

“They’re from me. Do you like them?”

“They’re beautiful. What’s the occasion?” I narrowed my eye.

“Again, they’re apology flowers.”

“For what?” I asked.

“I want to apologize to you for the way I spoke yesterday about the whole dating site thing. I was way out of line and I’m sorry. Of course what you do on your own time is none of my business. It’s your life and I had no right.”

“Thank you, Jack. I appreciate it.”

“You’re welcome.”

He walked over to where I was standing and clasped my shoulders.

“Listen, Lorelei, I’ve been giving my behavior and actions a lot of thought. I know I’ve hurt you in the past and I’m sorry. We’re friends and that’s how I want things to stay between us. So as a friend, I’m going to be honest with you. I think you should start dating again. You’re an amazing woman and I know you would have no problem finding your Prince Charming if you just let yourself. In fact, I know a couple of great guys who would love to go out with you.”

Suddenly, it felt like I was gasping for air. Was he being serious? I gulped.

“Thanks, Jack, but I can find my own dates.”

“Okay. If you change your mind, let me know. Another thing, if you wouldn’t mind, I would like you to give some of your sketches to the sewing department.”

“Why?”

“Because I think you have a real talent and I’m thinking that maybe we should feature some of your designs in our January issue.”

I couldn’t help but laugh. “Yeah, right, Jack.”

“Lorelei, I’m not kidding. Now get your ass to the sewing department and tell them I said they are to get working on your designs immediately. Wait,” he said as he walked over to his phone.

“This is Jack Sutton. I’m sending my PA, Lorelei, up to give you some designs I want started immediately. When you’re finished with the outfits, I want them brought straight to my office.”

He looked at me and smiled. “You’re all set.”

“I don’t know what to say, Jack. Thank you!” I impulsively threw my arms around his neck and gave him a hug. He wrapped his arms around me.

“You’re welcome. Now go.”

Feeling his arms around me again felt good. But what didn’t feel good was my heart. Hearing him say that he only wanted a friendship did something to me. It made me feel sad and alone. I couldn’t explain it if I tried. There was a time when he wanted me and I pushed him away. I pushed him so far that now he was no longer interested in me and that hurt like a bitch.

Later that evening as I lay in bed, I thought about Jack. I knew Hope missed him because she expressed it during dinner. My heart still hurt because I was in love with him. I was stupid for pushing him away that night he kissed me at his house, but I wanted him to know that it wasn’t going to be that easy. I was playing a game, making him pay for the things he’d said to me. But in the end, I wound up the loser. A tear fell from my eye the more I thought about it. Tomorrow would be a new day and a new start on my quest to try and get Jack to see that he was the one for me and I was the one for him.

Chapter Forty-Six

Lorelei

“Good morning, Jack.” I smiled as I set his coffee cup on his desk.

“Good morning. You seem in a chipper mood.”

“It’s Halloween. Speaking of which, I know this is really random, but Hope asked me to ask you if you would like to come to my parents’ house with us tonight. She has this crazy idea that maybe you would like to go trick or treating with us.”

He arched his brow. “Really? Hope would like me to come?”

“Yeah. But if you have plans, don’t worry about it. I already explained to her that it was such short notice and that you were probably busy.”

“I don’t have any plans tonight. Besides, if she invited me, how could I say no?”

“Okay. Oh, another thing. I’m sorry to spring this on you at the last minute, but would it be okay if I got off early to attend Hope’s Halloween party at school? It starts at two o’clock.”

“Of course.” He smiled. “I’ll tell Tony to drop you off.”

I was going out on a limb here, but I couldn’t help but ask.

“You know, I think Hope would be thrilled if you came.”

“To her school Halloween party?” he asked in surprise.

“Yeah. Just an idea. Don’t worry about it.” I waved my hand.

“Okay. I’ll go.”

I stood there in shock that he actually said yes. On the inside, I was dancing.

“Okay. Great. Thank you. She’s going to be so surprised.”

****

We arrived at Hope’s classroom and the look on her face when she saw Jack and me walk into the room was priceless. She ran over and hugged us both.

“Jack! What are you doing here?”

“Your mom invited me. Look at you. You’re such a beautiful Cinderella.” He smiled.

“Thank you, Jack. Come meet my teacher.” She took hold of his hand and led him over to Miss. Strong.

“Miss. Strong, this is my friend, Jack. He’s my mom’s boss.”

“I see. It’s nice to meet you, Jack.” She smiled.

“My pleasure, Miss. Strong.” He smiled back with his charming smile and I wanted to vomit.

As the children were playing games and running around the classroom, Jack looked over at me.

“Hope’s teacher is really hot. I wonder what my chances are of getting her to go out with me.”

A wave of jealousy crashed over me. “She’s not that hot and I think she’s seeing someone.”

“What a shame and I think she’s very hot.” He smirked.

As I stood there and stewed over his comments, Addison’s mom walked over to us.

“Hello, Lorelei. I would like you to meet my boyfriend, Curtis.”

“Hello, Jane.” I gave a fake smile. “Nice to meet you, Curtis. This is my boss, Jack Sutton. Jack, this is Jane, Addison’s mom.”

“Ah, nice to meet you, Jane. Curtis.” They all shook hands and I rolled my eyes.

“Hope tells us that Addison is switching schools.”

“Yes. This wonderful man is inviting us into his home and, to be honest, the school district over there is way better.”

I couldn’t help myself and I couldn’t resist. “How long have you two known each other?”

“A couple of months. But it was love at first sight. We met on Match.com. He’s my soulmate.”

“Really?” Jack spoke up. “Lorelei just joined Match.”

“You did?” Jane asked with a surprised tone.

Fuck you, Jack.

“Yes, I did.”

“Anyone special yet?”

“No. Not yet. Hopefully, soon. I’m still weeding through the prospects.”

“Well, good luck to you. I hope you have the same luck I did.”

“Thank you.” My fake smile grew wider.

The two of them walked away and Jack began to laugh.