Free Waking Up With You by Sofie Hartwell

men like him,” he says in a somewhat regretful way.
    “I know what you mean. I am lucky enough to live in this house, and I admire his handiwork, for sure.”
    “The concept of the pool running through the inside and surrounding the outside – that’s really neat. It’s a harmonious blend of…” He suddenly stops, as if embarrassed by his admiration. “I talk too much, don’t I? You must think I’m some dweeb,” he says with a laugh.
    “Hey, I am still awe-struck every time I go up the driveway and enter the premises. It’s nice to hear from a fellow fan. So, no judgment on my part.” I like Matt. It’s unusual for a good-looking man not to be arrogant or full of himself. Jake is an exception. And, Matthew, I would guess, is probably really good at his job and has a personality that sits well with Jake.
    “Did you know that this was originally built for the owner of Takahashi Electronics? He suffered a huge financial downturn when new regulations were instituted by the Japanese. Jake, apparently, didn’t want anyone else to own it, so he bought the property for himself. The rest is history. The design won the firm dozens of awards from all over the world.”
    “Oh. I always thought it was odd that he would want such a big house for himself.”
    “Well, at the office they say that he bought it because he and Christina Sawyer were preparing for their nuptials.”
    “Christina Sawyer?” I ask blankly.
    “You’ve never met her? I thought that because you’ve been friends for the longest time…” he pauses.
    “No, we didn’t run in the same social circles. I’m sure my brother would have known her, but I’ve never had a chance to meet her. Anyway, does she work with him?” I ask, my curiosity piqued.
    “Christina is a top attorney at Shaw and Robertson. Their practice represents architects and other design professionals all over the country. Harvard class of 2006, I think. A litigation expert. She once represented Jake in a breach of contract case. Needless to say, Jake won.”
    “Were they ever engaged then?” Tell me now .
    “I have no idea. There have been no formal announcements, but I kind of get the impression that they have a committed relationship. I mean, she’s in and out of the office almost every week. And you say you’ve never met her?” He looks intrigued, though, of course, he doesn’t say anything.
    “Nope, never had the pleasure. I guess I will meet her one day. After all, I am temporarily living at his residence. We’re bound to run into each other.” I say this almost with malicious glee.
    “Definitely. So, if you’re not working at the office, will you be working from here, then?”
    “Yes. I go back to school in two weeks so it’s really more convenient for me to work from here. Why, didn’t Jake say anything about that?”
    “No. It’s just that when I asked him if you’ll be occupying Elise’s office, he said no, so I just assumed that you’re working from home.”
    “I am very lucky to be able to do the work from here. I get to work in my pajamas, raid the fridge for snacks, and pretty much play hooky any time I want,” I say with a laugh.
    “You’re right. I’m in the wrong profession. I should have just majored in internet marketing or something like that. Problem is, my home is not anywhere as grand as this.” He throws back his head to laugh.
    “Matt, I’m sure you are very good at what you do. Otherwise, Jake would never have hired you.”
    “I think I got hired mostly because I have a background in architecture. What about you? What’s your major in college?”
    “I’m actually only in my first year. But I would very much like to become a doctor.”
    “I’m sure you will. And your part-time job will help with the tuition fee.”
    “Believe me, I am incredibly grateful Jake is letting me do this.”
    “Well, you already know that he’s an astute businessman. He wouldn’t have given you the job if he thought for one minute that you