Manfax (Winter Brothers #2) - Jacob Chance Page 0,36

doesn’t offer his hand, and neither do I.

“You too, Jerry.”

“Adam is working on renovating our building,” Roxanne explains.

“Oh, right. I remember hearing that they’re updating the bathrooms. What else are you doing?” Jerry asks.

“Some painting, some window replacements, and some other stuff.”

“How long will it take to be done?” he persists.

I smirk. “As long as it takes.” Why should I let him know how long I’ll be around for?

My order number gets called out. “If you’ll excuse me, I’m going to grab my grub. I’ll see you later.” I tell Roxanne.

“Not if I see you first.” She smiles to lessen the impertinence of her reply.

“Oh, I’ll be seeing you, Rocky. You can bank on that.” I wink.

15

Roxanne

“Is there any romantic history with you two? Jerry asks, his stare on Adam as he approaches the counter.

My lips curve in bemusement. “Am I being investigated now? Take off your work hat. We’re at lunch.”

He shrugs. “I didn’t care for his attitude. He acted like he had a claim on you.”

I snort. “He did no such thing. You don’t have to play the protective big brother. I’m a big girl.”

His brows dip, giving me the impression he doesn’t like me calling him that.

“Yeah, big brother. That’s me.” The sarcasm coating his reply confirms the dislike.

Uh oh. This isn’t good. Jerry’s my employee and someone I consider a friend. Suddenly he’s giving off vibes that he wants more. Where did this come from?

“Jerry, you’re my employee.”

“I am.”

One of my brows climbs. “You know what that means.”

“It doesn’t have to mean anything. We’re adults—there are no rules beyond what we decide.”

“Yes, there are. Maybe they’re not written in stone, but common sense has to kick in. I won’t mix business and pleasure.”

“I can always stop working for you. Then it won’t be a concern. There are plenty of other P.I.s you can hire.”

Shit. He’s not giving in.

“You’re irreplaceable to me.”

“As a P.I.,” he grouses.

Maybe he does understand. But I don’t want to hurt his feelings.

Bracing my arms on the table, I lean forward. “As a friend.”

“Friendship is a great base for a relationship to be built on,” he shoots back, looking hopeful.

“I’m sure it is, but that doesn’t negate the fact that I don’t do relationships.”

He leans toward me. “Maybe you should give it a shot with me.”

“Jerry, don’t push this. We have a great working relationship, and that’s all we’ll have. I hope you can accept that.” I leave off the or you won't be working for me anymore, but the implication is there.

He nods. “I understand.”

Returning to my office, I fall into my chair with a groan. Laying my head back, I stare at the white ceiling. Lunch with Jerry was so freaking awkward. He’s been working for me since I started Manfax. Why he’s trying to change our dynamic now, I don’t understand. Has he always had feelings for me? God, I hope not.

“What’s going on, Rox?” Lisa bustles into my office, stopping next to my chair.

“Don’t ask.”

“Well, now I have to know.” She laughs.

Rolling my head to the side, I meet her curious gaze. “Oh, Jerry basically said he’s interested in me.”

“And this comes as a surprise to you?” Lisa’s brown eyes pop wide open. “It’s so obvious that he likes you. How have you missed this?”

I release a long, drawn-out sigh. “I don’t know.”

“I joke about it with Kirk all the time,” she mentions the other P.I. I employ.

“Excellent,” I droll.

“So what are you going to do about his massive crush?”

“I told him it’ll never happen and made it clear if he can’t accept that, then he won’t be working for me anymore.”

Lisa shakes her head. “Poor heartbroken Jerry.”

“He’ll get over it,” I state.

“Maybe not. He’s always had a thing for you,” Lisa replies.

“Really?” She nods. “God, how did I not notice?”

“I’m not sure. It’s not like he hid his attraction. He’s always touching you in some way,” she points out.

“I just assumed he’s an affectionate guy.”

Lost in thought, Lisa’s head tips to the side. “I wonder what made him finally get the courage to bring it up to you.”

I groan. “Funny you should mention that. Adam walked into the cafe while we were there.” Lisa knows all about Adam. When I returned from New Hampshire, I filled her in on everything that happened.

Her face lights with excitement. “Ooh, what’s Mr. Manfax doing around here?”

“He’s working on the renovations in this building.”

“And you didn’t tell me?” she mocks outrage.

“I didn’t get a chance to fill you in this morning. Work