Irresistible Bachelors: Books 1-5 by Landish, Lauren (bts books to read TXT) 📕

I grin at the happy, exuberant guy looking back at me in the mirror, stunned at the image. I can’t help myself and start humming Heartstopper, even dancing a little, popping my hips. The world seemed so dark a few days before, and now everything is looking up again.

“Oh. My. God.” Sophie laughs quietly behind me, and I turn around. “Next thing I know, you’re gonna pull out those hot pants and start doing the YMCA.”

For this first time in my life, I think I blush. Sophie comes over and pats me on my chest, grabbing my tie and pulling it around my neck. “Now you’re dressing me?”

“You always take forever with your tie,” Sophie teases. “And this is your special tie.”

I glance down at the cornflower blue tie and lift my eyebrow. “Really?”

“Sure is. You only seem to wear it when you’ve got stuff planned or you’re really happy. So which is it?” she asks as she starts wrapping the silk around itself. “I think I know.”

“What?” I ask, and Sophie laughs.

“My big brother is in loooove!” she teases, tugging on the knot that’s magically appeared. “Now, fix your collar, and you can fix me some eggs. And I don’t want to see that with your hips ever again!”

This is what being in love gets me, I think as I tug at my collar and find myself snapping my fingers as she walks out. Doing things I would never do. It’s pretty awesome.

I thread my belt, and as I adjust my fly, Sophie sticks her head in again. “Hey, eggs?”

I look up, glad I had things mostly done. “Don’t you ever knock?”

Sophie shakes her head. “You leave your door open all the time. Nothing to knock on.”

“Huh,” I think. Point, Sophie. “Okay, well, how’d you like some bacon in your eggs?”

“Always up for the fine swine,” Sophie says with a grin. “I’ll help.”

* * *

The first half of the day flies by, and as I get ready for the monthly meeting with the advisory board and corporate, I still feel like I’m walking on clouds. Elena knocks on my door, and I call her in. “Yes, Elena?”

“Miss Price has asked to see you,” she says, smiling a little. She knows, but she seems to actually be pleased by the whole thing. Maybe Elena’s a romantic at heart. “Shall I show her in?”

“Please,” I answer, but before Elena can, she’s practically pushed out of the way as Matt bursts into the room, along with Byron and Maria Bennett, the woman corporate sent down to talk face to face with the Franklin Consolidated board today. She’s from human resources and was going to talk about the changeover of retirement and health insurance plans next fiscal year.

“There he is!” Matt says, stabbing a finger at me. “I told you he’s been breaking Rule 34(b) of the Corporate Code of Conduct!”

I sigh, giving Maria a look. “What’s he talking about?”

“Don’t try to play innocent!” Matt says, his reedy voice grating on my ears. “They’ve been carrying on an affair. As the regional president, that’s a clear conflict of interest. I’ve watched them!”

“Watched me do what?” I ask as I see Roxy slide in the back of the office, her eyes blazing. I hold up a hand, and she nods, keeping her peace. “Have any of you seen me or Miss Price do anything unprofessional in the office?”

Sure, it’s a gamble—we did have the elevator . . . and the supply room—but nobody was there either time. Matt blusters, then points at Roxy. “She’s singing at your nightclub, and you two have been seen cavorting there!”

“Is this true, Jake?” Maria asks. “You know the rule applies regardless of time or place.”

Anger burns in me, but before I can respond, Roxy steps forward.

“It doesn’t matter,” she says, staring Matt in the eyes. “I was just asking to see Mr. Stone so I could personally turn in my resignation. This was my last day here. So you see, no conflict. On the other hand, I can think of some people in violation of Rule 72(f) . . .”

I don’t even know what the rule is, but Matt and Byron, who’s just been a spectator, both immediately look guilty. Maria gives them a once-over, then she shakes her head. “Matt, I think you and I need to have a talk later about wasting HR’s time with baseless accusations. Jake, I’ll see you in the boardroom in fifteen?”

“Sure,” I say, giving Matt and Byron a raised eyebrow as Maria turns on a heel and walks out. “You two . . . I suggest you both start polishing your resumes. I think Franklin Consolidated could use some manpower reductions. Now get out of my office.”

They leave, Elena laughing softly as she watches them. She gives me a nod and leaves as well, closing my door behind her. Roxy looks adorable as she shifts from side to side, giving me a shy smile. “Sorry, I hadn’t really planned on doing that. But since we talked about it, I figured I’d drop the bomb a little more dramatically.”

“Well, that’s how you divas are,” I tease, crossing my office to take her hand. “So, you get invited to move in, and now you’re going all Hollywood on me. What’s next, gonna want that condo in Beverly Hills?”

Roxy laughs, stepping in closer. “No, I want to sing for love. Jake, I’m gonna sing at Club Jasmine because I love it. You and my family are the number one priority in my life, and singing is number two. I don’t care if I get a Grammy or sell a single CD. I’m going to sing because I love it, make the music I like, and sing the music I want. Whatever happens, happens.”

“So, me and your family are tied at number one?” I tease, and she lifts my hand, kissing my knuckles.

“Mindy likes you, so yeah, you’re tied. She already asked me