Read Online Waking Up With You by Sofie Hartwell - Free Book Online Page A

photograph and a couple of paragraphs about his education, principles of design, and awards. It’s clear from the site that the company has a comprehensive mode of design and that it lives by the concept of connecting the environment with interior space.
    Their social media specialist has obviously received instructions from the boss to keep disclosures to a minimum. I think it’s a mistake because the competition is more aggressive in its approach. Other firms publicize their projects on every front. Their news coverage is extensive, and their major accounts are updated on a daily basis. I make a note to discuss changing the strategy for maximum exposure. I just hope it won’t be the hard sell I anticipate it to be.
    Before I know it, it’s nine in the evening and the non-stop browsing has given me a whale of a headache. I try massaging my temples but nothing comes of it. I put away my notes, turn off the laptop, and then go to get a glass of milk since I’m not hungry yet.
    I am actually tired, even though the day’s work wasn’t physical in nature. I call it a day and prepare for bed. As I go to sleep, my thoughts turn again to Jake, but I manage to cease and desist.
    ***
    My room is bathed in sunlight, and I wake up to the sound of water splashing. I check my bedside clock and it’s seven o’clock. I put on my fluffy robe and go to the center of the house where the indoor pool is located, and see Jake there having a morning swim.
    “Good morning. No gym today?” I say loudly so he can hear me.
    “Hi. I thought I’d skip the weight training and do some swimming instead. How about you?”
    “No, too early for me. Go ahead. I’ll make some breakfast.” I don’t think it’s a good idea to be half naked in the pool with him.
    I clean and slice my Portobello mushrooms, and then make an omelet. Whole wheat bread popped in the toaster and mango juice served in frosted glasses.
    Jake comes out of the pool in time to enjoy the spread. I want to turn away, but I am mesmerized by the way he looks. He’s lean and sculpted with broad shoulders and muscular arms. He spreads a dry towel on the chair and then asks, “Do you mind that I’m all wet and haven’t bothered to change?” Yes, I mind . I don’t want to see you like this.
    “Of course not. I’m sure you’re just trying to save time. It’s Monday and you probably have a full plate at work.”
    “That’s true. I’ll be talking to Elise about the social media thing. Matthew will drop by later with some paperwork for you to fill out. It’s a mere formality, but we are very strict with Human Resources stuff.”
    “I don’t mind. I actually did some research work yesterday, and there are a couple of things I want to run by you,” I say timidly, half-afraid he’ll veto anything without listening.
    “Em, I’m sure you know what you’re doing. The young are very savvy about social media,” he says with a wink. “Just don’t highlight anything to do with my private life. That’s all I ask,” he says in a slightly warning tone.
    “I get it. Only the firm. Not you.” He nods in acquiescence.
    “This mushroom omelet is good, but I’ve got to go,” he says apologetically as he stands up.
    “Thanks. Now, go. You wouldn’t want to be late.”
    He skips to the room for a shower and I pile the dishes in the sink. I figure I have time to do them later. In the meantime, I can traipse to the garden and bask in the sun. I lay in one of the lounge chairs, and I feel so much peace just cozily being here. It’s a beautiful morning, and I look up to the sky with arms outstretched. I do absolutely nothing for the next half hour. Once in a while, my mind veers towards dangerous ground and I mentally slap myself for going there.
    I do my chores and dress up for company. I don’t know Jake’s staff, but I certainly don’t want to give them the wrong first impression. I speculate that Jake will give them the vaguest details, but it will be his problem to