Chapter 265

• Maybe Jake’s come to the realization too, that going back to how it was just isn’t going to be an option for me, for us. Jake is happier not bringing work between us, knowing the stress and arguments it could cause again. His taking over work and leaving me alone is almost a sign that, deep down, he doesn’t want me to go back down that path either.
• He’s taken a back seat compared to how he used to work, allowing Margo and her team to do our jobs. I know she now has six people under her control, all taking various positions and responsibilities, allowing Jake to wander in and out freely and deal with only the most important things. Jake’s head is no longer embroiled in the Carrero Corporation. It’s here with me, most of the time, and our future family. He engineered his work routine to dissipate as it gets closer to the baby coming, and I know he fully intends to stay put and go nowhere in the last month of my pregnancy or the first six months of our baby’s life. That’s why he spends so much time sorting and organizing things in Manhattan. There would be no real place for me in that role, even if he wanted there to be.
• “I want to do this on my own, Jake, whatever it is. I don’t want you throwing money at me in a bid to make it happen for me. I don’t need your money.” I gaze up at that expressive face and sense the protest from the slight tension in his jawline. He shifts around to face me, bringing a knee between us on the bed, letting me go so he can sit full-on and lock eyes. Mr. Let’s talk business. Mode.