THE BILLIONAIRE'S DANCE(Billionaire Bachelors #2)(24)

Jessica didn’t know how long she sat in the garden daydreaming but soon Julia was walking towards her with a fussy Jacob in her arms. “Your son’s ready for his lunch,” Julia said with a smile.

“I’m so sorry, I didn’t realize how long I’d been sitting out here,” Jessica quickly said. She immediately got up and headed towards Julia and her son.

“You deserve some time to yourself. Don’t feel guilty for enjoying a few moments of peace in an otherwise hectic day,” Julia chastised her gently. “Your son can wait long enough for you to clean up,” she added.

Jessica looked down at her hands and noticed they were covered with dirt. She looked up and smiled sheepishly. “I guess I should wash my hands before taking him,” she replied. She bent down and kissed Jacob’s soft head before they headed inside.

Jessica cleaned up and took Jacob. It was really nice to have Julia’s help but holding her son was the most relaxing thing in the world to her.

“Tell me about your last family,” Jessica asked once her son was settled down and eating.

“They’re a wonderful family. I worked for them for twenty years. I was there for the births of the youngest two children and their oldest child Justin was only a year old. Their mom was a lot like you.

She wanted to do everything on her own but found having some help gave her the extra energy to be a great mother,” Julia replied.

“It’s really nice to have someone around. I’ve always thought doing things on my own was the only way to do something but my mother’s told me many times it’s okay to ask for help,” Jessica said.

“I couldn’t imagine my life any other way. I wasn’t blessed to have a family of my own. I do appreciate you sharing the joy of being there for Jacob with me,” she said with sincerity.

Jessica knew they were going to have a great relationship. “We’re really glad you’ve come into our lives,” she said.

They both chatted while Jacob ate, then Jessica excused herself and took him to bed. She was comfortable enough in her home to take another nap, knowing everything would be okay. She felt at peace in her home.

The next couple of months flew by in a blur. With Julia there to help Jessica she was able to focus on her writing and felt like she was accomplishing something. She still spent most of her time home but when she ran errands or worked on her book she didn’t feel like Jacob was being neglected.

Her nights were regularly filled with passion. She and Alex didn’t spend much time together during the days, with him gone for work. But when they climbed into bed together it was like they were there for the first time, every time. It was magical and she knew if it were to end suddenly her world would be destroyed. She was too dependent on Alex’s attention.

Jessica started to become restless around the big house. There didn’t seem to be a lot for her to do.

When she received a call from an old college friend, informing her about a part-time job at the local newspaper for a writer she jumped at the chance. She’d already been weaning Jacob and it would be great to get out of the house.

She was so afraid of losing her sense of self and she could work part-time without guilt. Her child was in more than capable hands and the staff ran the house. It would be good for her to do something simply about her.

“Now Jessica, I want to remind you this isn’t exciting news. It will be covering city meetings and school events but it’s still an important part of the paper.” Jessica was in Marcia’s office, her editor, discussing her new job details.

“I understand Marcia. I’m not out to change the world. It’ll be nice to be writing and get out of the house,” Jessica reassured her new boss.

“Good. I’m glad we’re on the same page. Your first assignment is at the city hall. They have a meeting this afternoon at two. Do a short article on the topics of discussion and of any issues that arise.”

“I’ll be there. Thank you for this opportunity Marcia. I really appreciate it.”

“I have to admit I was a little surprised you wanted to work a job like this. You have a very impressive resume and could work for any major publication you wanted,” Marcia stated.

“I’m a full time mother now and the kind of careers I’m qualified for require sixty plus hours a week.

I’m not willing to be away from my son too much. I plan on eventually writing novels but would like to stay out in the workforce as well.” Many people assumed just because Jessica had access to money beyond what most people ever dreamed of having she’d be a spoiled heiress. It never took her long to prove herself though and she knew she would gain the respect of her co-workers at the paper.

“Well, we’re happy to have you join our team. The article is due by noon tomorrow. I’ll see you then.” Marcia went back to work and Jessica headed outside to her car. She had about an hour to kill before the city hall meeting so she headed to the mall for a smoothie and some light shopping.

The meeting was a bore, as she knew it would be. It was difficult but she managed to place a good spin on the article and her editor was more than happy with her work. She found it amusing she was taking so much pride in her small job but she felt useful and good about herself. It was the first time in a while she felt needed.

She drove home, still feeling great. When she stepped through the doors, she could smell the wonderful aroma of dinner cooking and hear Jacob giggling somewhere. She followed the sound.