Cassian

"You and Pen should oversee the meeting, Jake."

Those are the words I've been repeating since our small meeting began. We're in the conference room. A box of doughnuts sits in the middle of the table. Paper coffee cups are scattered across the table, some still full of steaming coffee. Some empty.

Four empty cups sit before me. I've consumed so much caffeine, my blood feels jittery. My knee won't stop bobbing up and down. Although Pen and I make a good team for important meetings, Jake and Pen knock shit out of the park. Together, they're a force to be reckoned with. Why they're pushing me to join is beyond my mental capacity.

I can discuss horticulture and the importance of sustainable coffee bean production, but I need weeks of preparation. Otherwise, my anxiety gets the best of me.

This fucking meeting with a fucking investor is tomorrow afternoon. They contacted us last night. Everyone is squirming, including Jake and Pen. Seeing them uneasy makes my nerves worse.

Nolan looks at me. "Cassian. We need to approach this meeting with forces. This company wants to invest in us. They want a coffee shop open in Alberta. In West Edmonton Mall. Do you understand how important that is? We're based in BC. Opening a location in Alberta, outside of BC, would propel us in new directions."

I bite my tongue. Telling Nolan to fuck off wouldn't be nice. Instead, I rub the back of my neck, my knee still bouncing.

Pen rests her hand on my thigh. "Nolan's right, Cassian. But if the pressure is too much, we can run through some notes tonight, and I can do your portion of the presentation. Does that work? I'll memorize whatever you write."

All I want to do is agree. But I don't want to appear too eager. While I try to make it look like I'm pondering her offer, Jake gives his two cents. "That might work. Gemma... she needs someone at the house. She's due any day. You could even do a call in, Cass. I'd stay home with Gem, but I pencilled in this meeting. The responsibility of it weighs on my shoulders."

"Asshole," I mutter.

Pen digs the heel of her shoe into my foot. It makes me cringe, but she's making a point. Jake isn't being irrational. He's being productive. Aside from my contributions, Jake's the proper businessman. The real reason our coffee company is doing so well. Pen would tell me otherwise, but I believe it. Jake's the real deal. 

Anyway, Jake has a point. Gemma and Callan's safety is a number one priority for anyone on this team. Births can have complications. You never know until it happens. At least, that's what research has told me. Gemma's been one of my best friends since high school, and I consider Jake my brother. Soon, they'll have a baby—my godson. Seeing any of them affected negatively would kill me.

Giving Pen's heel a nudge, I straighten my posture and nod. "That's an excellent idea. But don't don't get jealous if your wife's water breaks and I'm there for the birth."

Pen slams her heel against my toes. My flinch is like a knee-jerk reaction, and I almost knock over my cup of water. It's to remedy the excessive amount of coffee.

I exchange a glare with Pen, but quickly look away. You don't mess with Pen when she's glaring at you. Her glare is worse than daggers, and I can tell she'll be yelling at me later. It's both unnerving and exciting. These events usually occur like a chain reaction. We'll argue, make up, and then have intense sex.

Daring to glance at Pen again, I cock an eyebrow. She does the same, which makes a grin spread across my lips.

Oh yeah, we're fucking each other tonight.

Jake rolls his eyes, oblivious to Pen and I's silent exchange. "The office is five minutes from the hospital where Callan will be born, Cassian. If Gemma's water breaks, call me. I'm not missing my son's birth."

I lean back in my chair. "Dude, I know. Calm down. I'm teasing. Your plan is excellent, and I think we should go through with it. You know how I am if I haven't had weeks to prepare for a meeting. I'll teach Pen everything I know and set up a wicked presentation."

While public speaking isn't my strong suit, I'm damn good at presentations. Everyone on the team knows that.

Jake nods, rubbing his jaw. "Perfect. What do you think, Penelope?"

A crease forms between my brows. Why is Jake asking for Pen's input? She's the one who suggested I set up a presentation for her. But judging by the way her heel is digging into my toes, I decide to keep my mouth shut. One more comment and they'll kick me out—even if I am half of the CEO.

"It's optimal, Jake. Take a deep breath and don't induce more stress upon yourself. At the start of the meeting, we'll warn the guests you may have to leave. If they don't understand the importance of you being there for the birth of your son, they can take up their issues with me. Should you have to leave, I'll finish the presentation then join everyone at the hospital."

Jake expels a deep breath. "Thank you."

Penelope flashes him a dazzling smile. "We're family, Jake. No need to thank me."

Did I mention I'm a sucker for inclusive comments? Hearing Pen refer to Jake as a family member makes my heart mushy. Pen's always felt excluded to some extent. From being adopted to finding out Patrick is her twin brother. Her life hasn't been smooth. I hope that's changing. I hope she's realizing this is where she belongs. Her hard work is appreciated. People love and respect her. There's so much I hope she realizes.

Jake smiles at Pen and then turns to the rest of the team. "Well, now that we have a plan, I think we can officially end this meeting. Everyone's welcome to head home for a long weekend. There won't be much to do in-office tomorrow while Pen and I are in the meeting."

I raise my hand. "I second that. Great job today, everyone. We appreciate your input and your contributions to the team."

Our small business family lets out a few whoops and claps. No one is opposed to a long weekend, which is good. Otherwise, I might have to call them crazy.

While everyone is collecting their belongings, binders, pens and pencils, tablets and phones, I pull Penelope into my lap and press a kiss to her cheek.

Cupping my jaw, she smiles down at me and asks, "What was that for?"

I tuck a strand of blonde hair behind her ear. "We should go out for dinner tonight."

Her brows furrow. Then her face turns pale. "Oh my god. Is it your birthday? Did I forget our anniversary?"

I toss my head back and laugh, giving her hips a squeeze. "No special occasion, Pen. Just some time together to relax and enjoy some good food."

She draws her bottom lip between her teeth. There's a hint of blush across her cheeks as she toys with the first button of my dress shirt. "Dinner would be fantastic."

Although I'm not sure why she's blushing, I don't ask. Instead, I give her a quick peck on the lips, and then stand up, setting her on her feet. With her heels on, Pen is just as tall as me, so I wrap my arm around her shoulders, gazing at the mess before us. Empty paper coffee cups are strewn across the table, along with a box of half-eaten doughnuts from Tim Hortons. Gum wrappers and used napkins are part of the party, too.

An impish grin crosses my lips. "Quite the mess, eh? But nothing like the one we made." I end my sentence with a wink.

Penelope gasps and punches me in the arm. "Cassian!"

"For fuck's sake," Jake groans. "I'm still here."

Pen flashes Jake a wicked smile. Her eyebrows are raised. "You're one to talk," she teases. "I heard an interesting story this past weekend."

Jake's face turns red. "Goddamn Gemma." He shakes his head and slings his leather laptop bag over his shoulder. Then he saunters over to us, keeping his gaze locked with Pen's. When he stops, he hands Pen a folder. It contains all the papers for tomorrow's meeting. "You two need to stop having these conversations." Jake's gaze briefly flicks to mine before he makes eye contact with Pen again. "There are things that should be kept secret. You can blame your boasting boyfriend for scarring me. Do you think I wanted to know what happened in here?"

Jake's gaze inspects the room as he shudders.

I feel smug. Jake's too polite. He'll fuck Gemma wherever he can, but only in the confinement of their house or in a secure, private area. He's never willing to take a risk. Not like Pen and I do.

Penelope winks at Jake as she tucks the folder under her arm. "It was the chair you were sitting in."

I clamp a hand over my mouth, covering a snort as Jake's mouth drops open. "You're joking."

Penelope gives an innocent shrug. The sleeve of her blouse slides from her shoulder, revealing the soft curve of her shoulder. Later tonight, after our dinner outing, I'm going to kiss every goddamn inch of those shoulders.

Jake pinches the bridge of his nose. "You've spent too much time with Cassian."

Snorting, Penelope gives Jake a quick hug. "Loosen up, Jake."

With a sigh, Jake nods and runs a hand through his hair. "I will once Callan is born."

Even I have to flash him a sympathetic smile. Jake's stressed, and I feel like shit for not being capable of taking his spot in the meeting. Goddamn anxiety. It's like a disease. But as much as I hate it, I have to deal with it, and I'm thankful for Pen and Jake's willingness to assist me.

Pen gives Jake's bicep a squeeze. "It'll happen soon. Look toward to the positives. Once Callan is born, then you'll be able to help Gemma. Maybe not with feeding, but late nights and diapers and baths."

Some of the tension eases from Jake's shoulders. "That's true." He glances at his watch. "Speaking of Gemma, I should get going. Can I trust you and Cassian won't..."

Jake trails off when he makes eye contact with me. There are no plans to have sex once Jake steps into the hallway, but my smug grin makes him think of that.

He shakes his head. "Not even gonna ask. Not even."

Jake exits the room with Penelope and I's laughter following him. Sometimes, that dude can be so goddamn uptight. Not that I'm judging him. Jake's learned a lot of hard lessons throughout his life. Ones that have made him cautious and accountable. I'm proud of how far he's come. Of the way he's bettered himself.

"He's a good man," Penelope says, breaking the silence.

I stare at the empty doorway, encapsulated by emotions. All I can do is nod. I've grown up with Jake, and things are about to change again. The effects of time are funny. Sometimes it feels too fast. Other times, it feels too slow. Right now, it feels right. We're entering a new chapter in our lives. What Pen and I's next step is, I'm unsure. But I can't wait to experience it.

Penelope threads her fingers with mine. "Come on, Cass. Let's get this cleaned up. Then we'll go out for a nice dinner."

Tearing my gaze away from the doorway, I follow Penelope's lead.