She stayed at his house when he was out of town. He never took his key back after the night of his sister's party. Jenny was welcome at his house anytime, and he made sure she knew that. He knew the times he wasn't around gave her a little space and time to herself.
During the week, all he could think about was being with her on Friday. It was what got him through some of the most boring meetings. Some of them were absolutely ridiculous. He was so busy that he was actually considering hiring an assistant just so he could have a minute to himself during the day. Kyle hadn't realized just how much Ethan was still doing until he stopped.
Jenny taught him how to make some delicious dishes, and he taught her a few of his own tricks. They did a great job cooking together.
Gavin seemed to back off of her a bit, but he still gave Kyle dirty looks if he'd even speak to her in front of him.
Kyle had bought an additional laptop and had it set up for Jenny. He had some of her favorite games from the company and his personal ones on it. He also had a development environment set up as well. She took the laptop with her and brought it back each weekend. He was surprised at how much she was getting done during the week while they weren't together. She'd come back and show him everything she learned during the week. He noticed she'd bought a few books and was doing things he hadn't even shown her. Kyle made sure to tell her how great she was doing and how proud he was of everything she was getting done. She genuinely seemed to have fun coding. He'd joke with her that she better not take any of his tricks to the competition. She laughed and offered to sign a non-disclosure agreement.
Everything was perfect.
Kyle had to attend a formal dinner. He'd thought about asking her to go as his date but was so afraid to take that next step. They were running a few mornings before the event. He was just about to ask her when she told him she couldn't come over that Friday. It happened to be the same day as the event. When he asked her why, she told him that Gavin had invited her to something that night for the company. He didn't ask her what it was, and she didn't offer up any information. Kyle was bummed that she wouldn't be with him. He knew when he went, ladies would be hanging on his every word and pretending to be interested in him. He would be there as the owner of the company. Ethan wasn't going. The women that went to some of those things weren't real. They wouldn't want him for who he was, they would want him for what he had.
He got ready for the event and couldn't wait to get it over with. All he wanted was to get back home. Jenny told him she'd be over after her thing with Gavin, and he wanted to be home when she got there. It was ridiculous. He was a grown man. There was no reason for him not to tell her how he felt. Kyle made decisions worth millions of dollars with no problem, but he was scared to death to tell Jenny he cared about her. Nothing made sense about the situation, and he knew it.
Kyle walked through the doors of the event alone. He was used to going with Ethan. It was a charity event that their company had given a huge amount of money to. Not long after he walked in, there were three women around him. They were telling him how wonderful he was and asking questions about his company and his life. It was the same shit that always happened, and he couldn't wait to get out of there. The event itself was awesome. There was dancing, drinking, and a great dinner. He just didn't like the company. If he had been able to bring Jenny, he knew he would've had a great time.
One of the three women kept pulling him to get up and dance with her. He'd been able to keep her busy talking and was getting tired of dealing with her. When he looked up, he thought his mind was playing tricks on him. Then their eyes connected, and he was lost. Jenny stood with her dark hair around her shoulders in the most beautiful purple dress. It was long and clung perfectly to her body. Kyle could hear the woman in front of him talking, but he couldn't take his eyes off of Jenny. There was something in her eyes, but he couldn't tell what it was. She didn't look happy to see him. He moved to stand, but the woman talking pulled him back down. Just then, Gavin walked up and said something to Jenny. Then he pulled her away and across the room. Kyle had no idea she was going to be there. It made sense once he thought about it. Gavin gave to the same charity. He watched her disappear with Gavin into the crowd of people. Kyle pulled his phone out quickly.
Kyle: I can't believe you're here.
He sat listening to the woman next to him go on and on about something while he looked down at his phone. It seemed like forever before the screen lit up.
Jenny: I am.
Kyle: I was going to see if you wanted to come with me. I thought you'd like it. You told me you were busy, so I didn't ask you.
Jenny: I bet.
Kyle: Is everything okay?
Jenny: Perfect.
Everyone sat down for dinner. Kyle had been at his spot for a bit while everyone else walked around. He was at the front table. The woman next to Kyle never moved. He kept scanning the tables for Jenny. The woman at the front of the room started talking about the event and why everyone was there. It was for a group that worked to help abused women who needed help moving on. Gavin started supporting the group after he found out about what Julie had gone through. She was actually the one that found the group and got Ethan involved in supporting it before Gavin even knew. It was a great group. They did a lot of good to help so many women.
The woman at the front would announce a person or company and give them credit for their contribution. Kyle didn't like that with each name came a dollar amount. He thought everyone should be acknowledged for their help no matter how much it was. When the woman called the name of Gavin's company, he stood and pulled Jenny up with him. Then she announced that he'd given one million dollars. When she came to the name of Kyle and Ethan's company, Kyle stood. Then she announced their five million dollar donation. The woman next to him clapped and cheered like it was actually important to her. He knew better. He'd been through the same thing many times before. Kyle's eyes connected with Jenny's. She smiled, but it wasn't the same happy smile he'd gotten used to those last two months. As soon as he sat back down, he was on his phone.
Kyle: I wish you were sitting with me.
Jenny: You seem to be doing just fine over there.
Kyle: Dance with me.
Jenny: I can't.
Kyle: Why?
Jenny: I'm here for the company.
Kyle: Are you sure that's the reason?
Jenny: Yep.
Kyle: Fine.
Dinner seemed to drag on forever. The woman next to Kyle wouldn't close her mouth. As soon as Kyle could, he got up from the table and walked around to talk to people. The annoying woman was right there. Kyle looked around but couldn't see Gavin and Jenny anywhere. When he couldn't take it anymore, he left.
When he got home, she wasn't there. Maybe she was still at the event, he thought. It was very busy. He could have missed her. He went to his room to change and then sent her a message.
Kyle: Are you still there? I didn't see you when I left. Maybe I missed you.
Jenny: No. We left right after dinner. Neither of us felt like being there.
Kyle: Where are you now?
Jenny: At home in bed.
Kyle: Aren't you coming over?
Jenny: No.
Kyle called her number, but she didn't answer. His phone buzzed right away.
Jenny: Don't feel like talking. Going to bed. Have a great night.
Kyle: What's wrong?
Jenny: Tired. I'm sleeping in tomorrow. Have a nice run.
Kyle: Why wouldn't you dance with me?
Jenny: I was there for the company.
Kyle: Nevermind. I think I get it.
Jenny: What exactly is that?
Kyle: I'm good enough to spend time with but not good enough to be seen with. Have a great night.
Kyle set his phone down next to his bed, changed into running clothes, and took off out the door. He needed to get her out of his head. There was no reason for her to dance with him. They'd both said it more times than he remembered. Th
ey were just friends.
His feet hit the pavement and he knew he wouldn't stop until he was exhausted.
Chapter 24
Jenny
She was so upset when she saw that woman hanging on his every word. Of course she couldn't blame him, the woman was beautiful and she had no claim to him. They were friends. That was all. Jenny couldn't help but watch them. The way that woman would slide her fingers down his arm or touch him every chance she could made Jenny's stomach turn. Why would he want someone like Jenny? She was normal and quiet. She wasn't flirty and definitely didn't have a body anywhere close to that woman's.
Jenny was surprised when she heard that Kyle and Ethan's company had donated five million to the charity. She'd never really thought about Kyle being loaded like that. To her he'd always been just a normal guy. He had money. That she knew. She knew that Ethan had signed over half of the company to him. Five million dollars was a lot. That was when it really hit her that Kyle was way out of her league. She was an assistant. He was half owner in a huge company. The two did not go together.
As soon as Gavin mentioned leaving, Jenny was out the door. She couldn't sit there a second longer. If she saw that woman touch Kyle one more time, she knew her head would blow. She had no right to be jealous. Kyle had mentioned many times that they were friends. Her feelings for him ran much deeper. She knew she needed to put some distance between them. There was no way she was getting hurt. He'd eventually find someone he wanted to be with, and it wasn't going to be her.
It made Jenny laugh when she thought about him asking her to dance. What the fuck was that, she wondered? Did he feel bad that she was there alone? Of course she had Gavin, but he was her boss. She didn't need Kyle's pity.
She went straight home, changed her clothes, and crawled into bed. She didn't belong at that event or any others. It just wasn't for her. She knew she'd never agree to let Gavin take her again.
When her phone buzzed, she was shocked. Jenny thought for sure that Kyle had gone home with that woman. There was no way she wanted to walk into whatever they could possibly be doing. Jenny was giving him his key back as soon as she could, and she knew she needed to get her stuff out of his house. Being around him wasn't going to work. She was setting herself up for devastation, and it needed to stop.
Jenny was so hurt that he was acting as if there hadn't been anything that could have upset her. He had a woman all over him. She'd seen it with her own eyes. How could he act like she should have still come over, she wondered? What if they had been together? What would she have done? There was no way she could see that. It would crush her. When he turned the entire thing on her, she was pissed. “Why wouldn't you dance with me?” What the hell was that? What was he going to do with his woman while Jenny danced with him? She'd spent two months with him. He never seemed like an ass or someone that would jerk women around. How could he ask her to dance when he was with someone else? She didn't get it. When his last message came, she felt like her world was falling down around her.
Kyle: I'm good enough to spend time with but not good enough to be seen with. Have a great night.
What kind of game was he playing, she thought? Jenny would have loved to have spent time with him at that event. She would have proudly stood beside him the entire time. He was the one that had someone with him. She was with her boss. Her blood was boiling. She literally could have spit fire at any moment. Who did he think he was? What the hell was his problem? Why was he making it look like she was the one that was embarrassed? What an asshole.
Jenny: That is total bullshit. How could you even say that to me? After two months, I guess you know nothing about me. I thought you were different, Kyle. How could I have been so stupid? That fucking hurt. I wasn't the one that had someone hanging all over me. I'm surprised she wasn't fucking you at the table. You think I wanted to show up at your house and risk walking in on the two of you? I think you're the one embarrassed of me. I can't even say anything to you around family and friends. You get all weird and act like you don't know me. I don't believe for one second that you were going to ask me to go with you today. I get it. Why would you? That woman belonged there. I didn't. I'm glad I went. It taught me a few things. I've never thought of you the way I saw you tonight. I always thought of you as just a normal guy. I always thought of us as equals. I was wrong. We are so far from being equals. I'm an assistant. You're half owner of a very big and wealthy company. I don't fit into your world, Kyle. People like that woman do. I'd never belong. I'm not that girl. I don't care about money and material things. I gave my damn house away just to be free. I just want to be happy. I don't know why I ever thought you would want me in your life. That was so stupid of me. I hope you find what you're looking for. You've done so well for yourself. You should be very proud of everything you've accomplished. I'm sorry. Thank you for everything you've taught me. I'm going to miss you, Kyle.
Kyle didn't answer her. Each second that passed made her realize more and more that she didn't belong in his life. She never had, and she never would.
Jenny shoved her feet into her running shoes. Then she grabbed her phone, purse, keys, and Kyle's laptop before heading out the door. She didn't care what time it was, she needed to be done. Her stomach felt sick the entire drive to his house. When she got there, she knocked on the door. There were lights on, but he didn't answer. She used the key he'd given her to let herself in but couldn't help be nervous about what she was walking into.
When she walked in, she saw his jacket, tie, and pants thrown over a chair in the living room. The television was off. The basement was dark. She walked to the kitchen, but he wasn't there. Jenny put the laptop and Kyle's key on the dining room table. Then she went upstairs to get the things she had left in the guest room during the two months of their friendship. All of the lights were off. He wasn't up there. She quickly put all of her things in the bag she'd taken the laptop out of. When she walked out of the room, there wasn't a sign of her left. She turned the lock on his door and pulled it shut behind her. Tears poured down her cheeks as she walked to her car and drove down his driveway. She really was going to miss him.
Her feelings for him had grown so much in those two months. She knew she was going to feel it for a very long time. Walking in on her husband fucking someone else in their bed didn't even come close to what she felt over losing Kyle. She never had him really, but she'd always hoped that his feelings would change for her. Jenny honestly thought he'd learn to care about her. That was the problem. She'd learned with her ex that it didn't work that way. Kyle didn't feel for her the way she felt for him. She needed to face it and move on.
When she got home, she went to her room and fell onto her bed. There was no way she was getting up early to go running. Maybe she wouldn't get out of bed until Monday. Her face felt puffy and her eyes were swollen. She dried her tears and finally fell asleep knowing she'd never have the man she wanted.
Chapter 25
Kyle
Kyle ran for almost two hours. He ran until he was more exhausted than he had been in a long time. As soon as he opened the front door, he looked around his quiet house. His entire week was spent waiting for the weekend. The weekend was there, and he was alone. She brought happiness and laughter into his home. Walking into the silence made him shiver. He walked into the kitchen and grabbed a water from the fridge. On his way to the stairs, he saw it on the dining room table, and his heart broke. She'd brought back the laptop he'd given her. Then he felt his world crash down around him. On top of the laptop was the key to his house.
Kyle took off up the stairs and down the hall. He flipped the light on in her room and looked around. It was gone. Everything was gone. She'd taken it all with her. Every reminder of her being there had vanished.
He felt in his pocket for his phone, but it wasn't there. When he got to his room, he saw it on the stand next to his bed. He was so hurt when he left that he'd forgotten to grab it. Kyle picked it up to find one text. He read it over and over until his tears blurred
his vision and he couldn't read it anymore. He wasn't sure how long she'd been gone from his house. Kyle wanted to go after her, but he couldn't just show up at Gavin's house in the middle of the night. He called her phone but it went to her message. Then he started typing.
Kyle: That woman does not belong anywhere near my world. She's just like the rest of them. I didn't want her around me, but she wouldn't go away. You do belong in my world. I never said you didn't. I was going to ask you to go with me. You told me you were busy with Gavin for work. You are a million times the woman she was. I swear that I didn't want her anywhere near me. That was Ethan's seat. We are equals, Jenny. I would never put myself above you. I don't give a shit about money or material things. Family comes first in my life. I can't believe you'd say that I act like I don't know you. The only reason I ever kept my distance was so that Gavin didn't give you shit for talking to me. Do you know he told me to stay away from you the very first time I saw you? I wanted to dance with you tonight. I was ready to put it all out there in front of him and everyone else. You turned me down. I care about you, Jenny. I don't want to lose our friendship. I don't know what your problem was tonight being there. I didn't see anyone there that was better than you. Everyone that was there was donating money to that charity. You were there with Gavin and his company. I would have loved having you there with me. I will be waiting Sunday morning at your running spot. I hope you'll be there.
He went to bed and finally fell asleep as light was shining through the window. It was going to be a rough day. When he finally woke up, he stayed in bed and only got up to grab food and take a shower. He checked his phone here and there, but there was never a response. When he heard his doorbell ring, he jumped out of bed and took off down the stairs. He opened the door and was shocked when Becky pushed by him and walked into his house.
“What the hell is going on?” she asked.
“What?” he asked.
“Okay,” she said. “I'm not an idiot. I know damn well you're the friend she's been practically living with. She won't leave her room after the super nice function she was at last night. Her face is a puffy mess. I know you were there last night. Your company donates way more than ours to that charity. Seeing you looking like shit just confirms what I already thought. You are the cause of the mess in my spare room. I didn't expect you to look like this though. Start talking, Kyle.”
The Future of Love (Bachelor Billionaire #6) Page 11