Jonas bent forward and stretched, then pulled himself upright to jog in place. He looked to his stopwatch and set the timer when someone approached. Glancing over, a broad smile spread across his face.

“That was quite a disappearing act you did little brother and out of character might I add. What’s up with you?”

Jaden slapped hands with his brother and pulled him in for a man hug. The men were dressed down in their running gear, with shorts that hung to their knees, a thin t-shirt that framed their muscled physiques, and running shoes.

“I should’ve known I wouldn’t be able to slide that by you.”

“You got that right. Besides you forget, my wife is best friends with your… hmmm, what shall I call her little brother?”

Jaden’s smile was wide. “Her name is Claudia.”

Jonas laughed. “Yeah, that much I’m aware of. But what’s she to you?”

Jaden waited a beat before responding. “I told her she was my girlfriend.”

“You told her?”

“Hell yeah.”

Jonas threw his head back and howled. Jaden’s smile spread even further.

“You won’t be the only one around here getting some action.”

Jonas agreed, shaking his head up and down. “So that’s all it is then, you getting some action?”

“Nah, you know what I mean.”

“Yeah,” Jonas rubbed his chin. “I think I do.”

“Oh, I’m sure you do.”

“I’m happy for you man. There’s a first time for everything.”

Jaden frowned. “You act as if I’ve never dated before man, please.”

“Yeah, you’ve dated, but you’ve never singled out one woman over another.”

Jaden went to object but thought about Jonas’ words. It was true. He’d dated many women, but the last time he held a serious relationship, if you could even call it that, was in high school. And if Jaden was real with himself, no one was ever serious in high school.

“You’re right, and if I feel anything like you feel about Samiyah, then I think I might be in trouble.”

Jonas’ eyes widened. “Hold up, are you saying you’re in love with the girl?”

“Claudia,” Jaden reiterated. “Her name is Claudia.”

Jonas held his hands up in surrender. “My bad, you’re right, Claudia.” A broad smile covered Jonas’ lips. “Well I’ll be damned; my little brother is in love.”

Jaden didn’t reply. It had crossed his mind many times over the last few days, but hearing Jonas say it made it that much more authentic and he couldn’t deny it.

“Listen, let’s get through this run. I’ve got a few conference calls today that may take up most of my time, and I have other things on the agenda.”

“Let me guess. Those other things have to do with Claudia?”

Jaden smiled wide and winked. “Let’s go sucka,” he said taking off in a sprint.

 

After taking a quick shower and heading to the office, Jaden’s cell phone rang. Again, it was Cassie. Jaden thought about not answering then decided against it. If the call were personal, he’d politely tell her he wasn’t interested.

“What can I do you for Ms. Singapore,” his smooth voice seeped through the phone.

“Are we formal now Jaden? Should I call you, Mr. Rose?”

“Nah, Jaden’s fine. What’s up?”

“I wanted to talk with you about something important. Is your lunch schedule free?”

“Actually, it’s not. Why don’t you tell me what it’s about while you have me on the phone?”

Cassie hesitated. “I want to invest in your hedge fund, and I’ve been reading some material on how to go about doing that. I figured since you’re the man with the master plan, you can assist me.”

Jaden thought about Claudia. He didn’t want to cancel his lunch date with her, but being that this was a business call, he would need to. He slid his tongue across his teeth and thought about it a bit more. Jaden knew he had to be careful with Cassie. She was interested in more than investments, but she had donated to his mother’s charity for the last five years.

“Meet me at Jasper’s at one. We’ll talk about it then,” Jaden acquiesced.

“Great, I look forward to it. See you soon.”

Jaden disconnected the call and pulled into Rose Bank and Trust Credit Union. Before going inside, he dialed Claudia’s number and waited patiently for her to answer. Her cell rang three times before going to voicemail. Jaden disconnected. She must have been busy. He opened his messages and sent, her a text.

Chérie, unfortunately, I need to cancel our lunch date. It looks like I’ll be working throughout the day. When you get a chance call me back.

Jaden dropped the phone in his pocket and exited the vehicle with thoughts of Claudia dancing around his head.

 

Lunch time didn’t come soon enough. Jaden had three conference calls today and the first one lasted most of his morning. He pulled out his cell feeling a bit disappointed with no missed calls or text messages from Claudia. Her day must be just as busy as his. Revving his engine, Jaden pulled out of the parking lot heading for Jasper’s. Besides Chicago being its usual windy day, the sun sat high and suddenly, Jaden wished he was in his drop top.

It was a good day to let the top down and ride with the wind breezing about. His mind went to Claudia and what her hair would look like flowing in the wind.

“You’ve got it bad son,” he spoke to himself. “Especially now that you’re driving down the street, talking to yourself.” Jaden grinned and shook his head. He was tempted to blow off the meeting with Cassie and pop in on Claudia. If she hadn’t gotten his message, she would think he’d stood her up. Jaden went to call her again but decided against it. If she was truly busy, he didn’t want to disturb her.

 

“It’s no problem at all Mr. Ralphshire, thank you for your business.”

Claudia shook the older gentleman’s hand, and he left her office. She blew out a heavy sighed and strolled back to her desk. Because her schedule was made weeks in advance, sometimes Claudia would forget when she was double-booked. She took a glance at the time; it was 1:45 pm. She’d skipped out on lunch since Jaden had other plans come up. It was too bad because she was looking forward to seeing him again. A small smile flickered across her lips. Every time Claudia had a free moment, her thoughts would venture to Jaden.

She pulled her cell phone out and sent him a text;

Hey you, it seems we both have a busy day ahead of us. Maybe we can get lunch tomorrow? Call me when you get a chance.

There was a knock at her door, and Claudia turned her attention to it.

“You getting lunch?” Octavia asked, peeking her head in the door.

“I should since I haven’t had anything.”

“I’m going to the grill downstairs you’re more than welcomed to join me.”

Claudia rose to her feet and grabbed her purse. “I couldn’t refuse if I wanted to. My stomach would surely be upset with me.”

Octavia laughed, and they left the office.

“We probably should’ve asked Samiyah if she wanted anything.”

Claudia side eyed her. “Girl if you think Samiyah is in that office during lunch time you’re crazy. She has her hands full with Jonas.”

“Her door was closed, and I heard voices,” Octavia said perplexed.

“That means Jonas is inside and trust me you don’t want to disturb them.”

Octavia crinkled her nose. “Ew, I’ve sat in those chairs in her office and that sofa.”

“The seats may be safe, but the sofa…” Claudia tilted her head as if to say, ‘I can’t help you there.’

“Wow.”

“Oh, girl when you get a hunk of a man, trust me, he’ll have you upside down in your office, too. Just make sure it’s lunch time and were closed.”

Octavia gasped her hand flying over her chest. Claudia waved her off. “Don’t be such a prude; you know you’d like it.”

Octavia opened her mouth then closed it.

“That’s what I thought,” Claudia said.

Later that night Claudia stretched out in her bed. One leg was thrown off the side. It was after midnight, and she hadn’t heard a peep from Jaden. Unfortunately for her, thoughts of him were perpetual, and she’d wondered about his whereabouts all day. Every time she went to call she would back out, reasoning that if he could spare the time, he’d call. Right?

But the incessant voice in the back of her head reminded Claudia of Jaden’s lifestyle and his promiscuous ways. She’d waved the thoughts off, but they would come back to haunt her the longer the day went on with no sign of him. They had a wonderful weekend in Vegas and going into it, Claudia told herself not to get wrapped up in his charm. But, Claudia did, and she hoped it wasn’t a mistake.

“I’m bugging,” she said to herself, “It hasn’t even been twenty-four hours. A dry laugh left her, and she was determined to put her mind to rest and sleep, but she continued to toss and turn throughout the night with sleep evading her.

The next day, Claudia received an email from the Mayor of Chicago. At first glance, she thought it was a mistake, but a closer look at the correspondence revealed it was truly the Mayor with his official logo attached at the bottom. It appeared he received some information about her nonprofit organization and wanted to attend her benefit with a few friends. Claudia’s eyes widened. There was no way he’d found out about Caregivers Organization through her efforts. Claudia knew her reach didn’t range that far. But Jaden? That was an entirely different story in itself.

“Of course,” she’d said to herself as she squealed.

Having the mayor attend her event with a few friends could mean one thousand people give or take. This was big news. Claudia squealed again and hit reply just as her phone rang. Jaden was calling.

“Good morning.” The smile on her face could be heard in her voice.

“The morning would’ve been better with you by my side. But I’ll take what I can get, for now.”

Claudia’s smile grew brighter. All those thoughts that haunted her last night went out the window.

“I missed you yesterday,” she said trying not to sound too desperate.

“Did you?”

Claudia scoffed and rolled her eyes. “Of course.”

Jaden chuckled. “I missed you as well, chérie.”

Claudia’s stomach was in knots. Just the sound of his warm, inviting voice would soak her panties. It was amazing that he didn’t even have to try to get her wound up.

“Did you get my text message yesterday afternoon?”

“I did, and unfortunately, I was on my phone most of the day with one conference call after another.”

Claudia understood. Jaden worked with investments and people always needed to be reassured that their money was in the right hands.

“Well, what do you think about lunch, today?”

“I’m game if you are.”

“How about I pick you up for lunch,” Claudia said.

A deep laugh rumbled from him. “I don’t think so. What kind of man do you take me for?”

“The traditional one, it seems.”

“You would be right, chérie. I’ll pick you up.”

“Fine, I guess.”

Jaden chuckled.

“Oh, I received, an email from the Mayor and I’d just like to say, Oh, my God and thank you very much.”

“I can’t take the credit,” he said.

Claudia frowned. “What do you mean?”

“I had nothing to do with the Mayor contacting you. Is it about your Caregivers Organization?”

“Yes.”

“Well if you’ve received the attention of the mayor, you’re doing something right.”

Claudia was in shock, her mouth hanging wide open, but then she pursed her lips. Jaden was lying to her. There was no way he didn’t have anything to do with the mayor contacting her, but if he wanted to pretend like she’d pulled this correspondence off by herself, she’d let him.

Jaden’s phone beeped, and he glanced at his screen.

“Sweetheart I need to take this other line, do you mind?”

“No not at all, handle your business, and I’ll wait for more info about lunch.”

“I’ll get back to you soon.”

They disconnected the call, and Claudia sat; still over the moon. Throughout the day she’d made calls to hire caterers, interior designers and party planners for her upcoming event. It was last minute considering she’d set the date of the benefit three months away. Nobody puts together an event that fast, Samiyah had told her, but Claudia would. For years now Claudia had had the idea floating around her brain. It was an intensive outline that she added to up until today. All she needed to do was execute it and with Jaden on her side and now the Mayor, Claudia could pull off this gathering in weeks if need be.

When an email came through from Jaden’s assistant asking for her bank account info, Claudia froze. She sent Jaden a text to confirm it was him and he shot back a quick text explaining that he needed an account to send over funds that would go towards her benefit. Breathing a sigh of relief, Claudia sent the information over to his assistant and thanked him but not without telling Jaden she was still paying him back.

I don’t think so. Jaden had responded, and Claudia had only giggled and rolled her eyes.

When lunch time came, she sat composed and ready for their time together but again, Jaden was a no show. This time, she didn’t even receive a text message or a phone call. The hour passed and Claudia reasoned that he must’ve gotten caught up at work again. She left the office deciding to pick up something quick from the sandwich shop across the street. She entered and placed her order, but on the way to the pickup line, Claudia did a double take, reaching down to remove a newspaper from a nearby stand. A picture of Jaden coming out of Jasper’s restaurant with Cassie was splashed across the front. The headline read;

Jaden Alexander Rose with a new love interest?

Claudia’s stomach churned, her immediate response a punitive oath. Her eyes roamed across the words as the article deliberated about the mystery woman he’d been seen with the week before. In the photo, Jaden was helping Cassie Singapore, Owner of Dance Studios into the passenger seat of his Lexus and Cassie was staring at him with dreamy eyes. Anger flared in Claudia before she caught herself. But then she remembered where she was. Claudia put the paper back in its stand and went out the door; her sandwich all but forgotten.

Outside she took a deep breath as a thousand thoughts poured through her. Wasn’t Claudia his girlfriend? They made that official before returning to Chicago. So why was she feeling played already? Claudia crossed the street, and a horn blew forcing her to take a step back.

“Focus,” she said needing to make it across the street in one piece.

Back inside her building, Claudia held up against a wall needing to calm herself. Why would Jaden pretend he was working all day when clearly he had other intentions? Didn’t he know his popularity in the city made it impossible to pull off such a thing?

“Calm down,” Claudia spoke to herself, “looks can be deceiving, I’m sure whatever was going on, there is a good reason for it.”

Claudia wanted to believe it, but leaving out any mention of a lunch date with Cassie didn’t sit well with her. In the back of Claudia’s mind, she knew Jaden was most likely exercising his playboy ways. Claudia sighed and went back to her office; her day all but ruined.