AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Jay’s always been the laid-back one of this partnership. Donning gold hoop earrings, a full beard, and a silk kimono, they’re also the talented artist driving Ever Heart Digital to the top tier in the industry. Babies and dogs love them. Hell, the whole company loves them. When an employee wants something, they go to Jay. When they have a grievance, they go to Jay. When they want to pass a message onto me, they go through Jay.
I call it “good cop, bad cop”. Jay calls it Beauty and the Beast. I’m the beast in this scenario.
At 6’2’’ and two-hundred and 50 pounds, their size should be intimidating, but everyone knows they’re a big teddy bear.
Jay opens their arms. “Come to me, mija.” Whenever they call me “dear”, my anxiety loosens.
My shoulders fall with the tension in my chest. I can’t help the wry grin that cracks my worried face. Jay has always been like this. They’re the peacemaker, the calm in the storm, and my rock. They’re also the most innovative digital creator in the Midwest.
Walking over to my best friend, I slump on their chest, their spicy cologne tickling my nose and comforting me. In a world where children are taught to raise themselves, I’ve always had Jay to help me along. There were many nights I went to my best friend’s house after school.
When I was ten, Jay brought me home like a stray puppy. Their family adopted me on the spot and have been there for me ever since. Sometimes, I wouldn’t see my mom for days. She never questioned where I was, and I’m not sure she even cared.
“Come to dinner on Sunday. Let the family love up on that baby of ours.”
I give them a stink eye. Ever since Jay helped deliver Isabel, they’ve claimed her. They’ve been there for us, unwavering and unconditional, and have gotten me through some of the worst moments of my life.
I peer up at them. “Tres leches?”
“You know it.”
“Okay, I’ll think about it.”
Jay ruffles my perfectly coiffed hair, and I smack their hand with a chuckle. They know I’ll be there—Mamma M’s cooking is the best.
When there’s a knock on my door, Jay and I share a look. No one dares approach my office unless they absolutely have to. Jay’s the “people person” in this company, whereas I have no bark but my bite can be nasty. My resting bitch face isn’t just for show.
The door opens and my assistant, Elliot, advances a hesitant half-step into my office but no more than that. “I’m sorry, Ms. Keller, but Remington Arison is here for you.”
That was fast.
Tall, Dark, and a Killer Smile waltzes into the room like he owns the place.
I bristle. This kid is too cocky for his own good.
“Oh my, what do we have here?” Jay sizes up the nanny.
I palm my forehead. I’m never going to live this down. The nanny is hot—there’s no denying it—but now, I’m going to have to hear about it from my best friend putting all kinds of shit in my head. I don’t need any further inappropriate thoughts about Remi.
“Are you sure you’re here for her?” Jay crosses an arm over their chest while the other rests on it, pensively smoothing their beard. “She’s not normally … keen on visitors. We could—”
“Jay, this is Remington, Isabel’s nanny.” Flinging my hand Remi, I cut Jay off before their mouth gets away from them and embarrasses me.
“Oh, you don’t say?” Jay circles the poor kid as Elliot fidgets by the threshold, waiting for an out.
Remington winks at Jay. Winks!
I roll my eyes because it’s all a fucking scam. I know all about guys like him. Charmers. Lady lovers. Womanizers.
Con men.
Hell, I almost married one.
The only good thing that ever came from my last relationship is Isabel. Brad was just as charismatic as Remi. All sweet smiles and twinkling irises, disguising what he really was—a philandering coward. When things got complicated, he bailed, leaving me—us—high and dry. Regardless of what that asshole put me through, I wouldn’t trade her for the world.
I’m losing control of the room, which is unacceptable in my position. This man-boy needs to see me as an authority. I call the shots, not him.
I clear my throat obnoxiously. “Jay, I have some business with Remington, if you don’t mind.” I gesture to the door.
