Both the girls laugh, and my stomach clenches. I don’t like this conversation at all.
“Jeez, he’s always so broody. I think if I ever saw that man smile, I’d burst into flames. I’m not sure he’s even capable of it.” Holly rolls her eyes and takes a sip of her drink.
I don’t even need to look around to know Jared is coming over with my drink.
“He’s capable,” I confirm, smiling awkwardly as she looks at me quizzically.
I see the moment the penny drops. Her eyes widen in horror, and I smile sympathetically before turning just as Jared stops behind me, holding out my glass of wine.
“Hey, there you are. Thank you,” I greet.
His eyes meet mine, and I see how tense he is as he nods politely in greeting to the people I’m standing with.
“Good evening, everyone. I see you’ve met my girlfriend already.”
I hear some barely concealed gasps behind me, and I fight the urge to laugh. It’s not my fault they didn’t let me say who I was before they started bashing my tyrant boyfriend right in front of me.
“Good evening, Jared,” Paul says eventually.
Gus doesn’t speak, just gives a polite nod with tight features, but it doesn’t seem to bother Jared in the slightest as his arm slips around my waist, pulling me against his side.
The girls offer a stunted greeting, but Holly is staring at me with horrified eyes, just waiting for the moment I drop them into trouble, I’m guessing.
I clear my throat. “So, apparently, I’ve met some of your team,” I say brightly. “The gang was just telling me that we’re not sitting with them tonight; we’re on a different table, apparently.”
Jared raises his chin, and his lips press into a thin line. “Ah, shame.”
The atmosphere is so thick that it’s almost cloying, but thankfully, Wendy—the chicken skewer waitress from earlier—suddenly comes over, grinning at me as she offers me a tray of baked cheese balls. She chuckles as I rub my hands together and greedily choose three.
“Thanks, Wendy!”
I grin sheepishly and look up to see Jared shaking his head, grinning down at me—the crinkled-eyes grin that makes my heart stutter.
“I see you’ve made friends with the bearer of food already,” he says.
“Of course. Rule number one.”
“Cheese is life,” he adds, nodding.
“Exactly.” I reach up and pop a cheese melt into his mouth.
He playfully rolls his eyes and loops his arm around my shoulders as all five of his co-workers watch the exchange with barely concealed shock on their faces. When someone clinks a glass and asks us to take our seats in preparation for dinner, Jared catches my eye and sends me an apologetic smile.
Dinner is awkward at first, but after a while (and a few glasses of vino), everyone loosens up, even Jared. He doesn’t talk much, and I get the distinct impression that he’s decidedly more reserved, shy even, than he is when it’s just the two of us. I don’t mind too much; I chat enough for both of us.
There’s a total of twelve people on our table, ranging in ages and backgrounds. Some of them work for Jared’s company, some for the merger company, some are plus-ones like me, and some are clients. Dinner is punctuated with polite chitchat.
Between courses, Jared holds my hand under the table as I laugh at their jokes, exchanging ridiculous banter with them and hearing their work stories. They devour the free wine, but I, smartly, switch to water while I eat because I don’t want to get drunk tonight and do or say something I shouldn’t.
The food is scrumptious—though small! Even though I gorged on the appetisers and then proceed to eat all four of the tiny courses on offer (and Jared’s dessert as well as my own), I will likely need to eat again before bed.
Almost as soon as dessert is done and it’s socially acceptable, Jared stands and holds down a hand to help me from my chair. “Amy, let’s go make the rounds. There are a few people I should say hello to.” He looks around the table. “Excuse us.”
I place my hand in his and let him lead me away from the table, as eager to make my escape as he is. Jared’s first stop is to an older couple standing at the bar. The man turns as we approach and grins over at us, affectionately clapping Jared on the shoulder.
Jared tugs me to his side. “Michael, I’d like to introduce you to my girlfriend, Amy. Amy, my boss, Michael Briggs and his wife, Marnie.”
Jared’s introductions are polite and very formal. He’s every inch the professional around these people; it’s actually a real turn-on for me.
Michael’s eyes land on me, and his grin grows larger. “Amy!” His hand engulfs mine and gives it a hearty shake. “How wonderful to meet you.” He sends Jared a wink and then turns back to me. “Do you know what a genius you’re dating? This guy!” He claps his hand on Jared’s shoulder again. “Absolute whiz. Never seen anyone as hardworking and conscientious. Absolute gem he is.”
“Easy, Michael. Have you had too much to drink already?” Jared jokes, raising both eyebrows at Marnie, who shrugs and nods, smiling guiltily.
Michael waves him off and leans in closer to me. “Did he tell you how he got the job here?”
I smile proudly at Jared, loving all these compliments being thrown around about him. “No, he hasn’t said.”
Michael laughs. “Okay, so picture this. Two years ago, I was pitching for an ad account for a well-known condiment company who wanted to branch out of their market and into making tins of baked beans. All very highbrow,” he jokes, chuckling. “Anyway, I was pitching to them, my best and most well-laid-out plans. I thought I was a shoo-in. That account was practically in the bag. Trouble was, this arsehole was pitching from the company he was working for at the time.” He hikes a thumb at Jared and rolls his eyes. “I wasn’t worried; the other company was small and didn’t have much experience. Plus, Jared was barely out of nappies and only had small accounts under his belt. I figured the best guy would win in the end. Turns out, he did.” He winks at Jared. “I lost the pitch to him. Then, over the next five months, I watched in awe and fascination as this guy and his marketing plan singlehandedly turned that company into a household name. Spectacular vision and ingenuity. I went to the board of directors immediately and told them if they didn’t hire Jared Stone, I was resigning and setting up my own company, and I would hire him instead.”
Jared is looking at his shoes, a frown lining his forehead, clearly uncomfortable with all the attention.
I squeeze his hand and beam over at him. “I didn’t know that.”
Michael nods. “Best hire of my life. The guy is a genius and has an aptitude for getting market trends exactly right. It’s a talent. He’ll be running this place soon.” He sends Jared another playful wink that makes my stomach clench with pride and happiness. “Anyway, don’t stand here talking to us old fogies. Go mingle and get some contacts.” He gives us a gentle push away and turns back to the bar, ordering more champagne.
“Embarrassing,” Jared mutters, shaking his head as he leads me away.
“Well, someone is a fan of yours here at least, Iceman,” I joke, which earns me a laugh.
We slowly make our way around the room, engaging in polite chitchat with everyone but not lingering too long with any one person. I get the impression Jared is happier just to hover on the outskirts rather than really engaging properly with his colleagues and clients. I notice he doesn’t smile. He’s polite and friendly but a little stern-looking and totally professional. It’s interesting, watching him be work Jared. I can see now why Holly said she would burst into flames if she saw him smile. The knowledge that he is stingy with his smiles makes me even happier because it makes the ones I’ve garnered feel more special.