Chapter 2

              “So….” Marc had just waiting a table and Jenny was taking a long gulp of much needed water. The morning had been hectic with people bustling in and out. Jenny had relished the distraction. She didn’t want her thoughts raking over Cole Sanders. Besides according to café gossip he was currently dating a model.

              “When do you think Mr Sander’s will read your manuscript? I bet he has already and that’s why he’s late down to lunch.” Marc looked like an excited puppy. His face lit up even more when he caught sight of Mr Sanders walking towards them. “Speak of the devil…”

Behind Mr Sanders walked Cole followed by Samantha who had her eyes glued to Cole’s behind. She bit her lip before realising she was being watched. Her cheeks went crimson, so she busied herself with the portfolio in her arms. Mr Sanders wasn’t his usual happy self. He looked weak and a little grey which made Jenny frown. Since starting to work here, she’d come to like the old CEO, who flirted and always looked happy, but for the first time she saw him as a frail old man.

              “Good afternoon Mr Sanders, what can I get you.” Jenny asked eyeing the old man.

He coughed a little before dabbing at his forehead. “Ah Jenny my dear. Table for four please.”

              “Are you alright?” Jenny asked placing a caring hand on his.

The caring gesture didn’t go unnoticed by Cole who glared at Jenny. She ignored him. She was too concerned for his father.

              “Yes, my dear. Just a little tired.” He smiled weakly at her and she reciprocated one back.

              “This way. I’ll put you in your favourite spot.” Jenny grinned. She walked over to a booth situated on the far corner near the kitchen. Mr Sanders had once confessed to her that he liked sitting there so he could watch people. He liked to observe people and their mannerisms. The three of them sat down and Jenny placed menu’s on the table. “Can I get you anything to start with?”

The old man coughed again and nodded. “Cold water would be lovely.”

Jenny smiled and went into the kitchen to retrieve a cold bottle of water and four glasses. She wondered who the mystery fourth guest would be, and it didn’t take long for her to find out. Walking out of the kitchen she saw a tall blonde wearing a skin-tight black dress that only just covered her bottom. She wore bright pink stiletto heels and large gold hoop earrings. Her clutch purse was the same shade of pink as her heels but edged in gold. She smiled at Mr Sanders before getting into the booth next to Cole. His hand slid up her non-existent skirt while his other hand reached around her shoulders. She giggled as he nibbled on her ear. Jenny had stopped and stared at the couple; her mouth wide open. Her shock had not gone unnoticed by Cole who locked eyes with Jenny and proceeded to kiss his companion with gusto. Jenny felt disgusted, her nose crinkled, and she looked away. Cole chuckled knowing he’d won.

Jenny focused on Mr Sanders who was fanning himself with the menu and trying to look anywhere but at his son. Samantha’s anger was visible as she ground down on the biro she had in her mouth. She couldn’t take her eyes off the passionate kiss that unfolded before her. Jenny approached cautiously and placed the water bottle and glasses down.

The blonde giggled. “That’s enough now C. We’re in public.”

              “Babe, if I could I’d have you right here.” Cole responded to her, but his eyes were locked on Jenny’s.

              “I’ll give a few more minutes to decide before I take your order.” Jenny mumbled as heat rose her neck. She slinked back towards the counter before exhaling a breath she didn’t know she was holding.

              “Mmm I wish I was his girlfriend.” Marc mused. He smirked towards Mr Sander’s table as Jenny began making a couple of takeaway cappuccinos.

              “I thought it was disgusting and tasteless. Especially in front of his dad.” Jenny bit back at him.

              “Easy tiger.” He held up his hands in front of him and chuckled. “Anyone would think he was cheating on you with those death stare you keep giving each other.”

              “What are you talking about?” Jenny nearly burnt her hand on the milk jug letting the milk and steam get to hot.

              “Honey, we’ve been friends since forever. I know my girl.” He placed a reassuring hand on my back and Jenny looked up and smiled at him. He was right, Jenny thought. She was a little hung up about him but who wouldn’t be. He had bad boy stamped all over him and that made him forbidden fruit.

              “How about some pay back?” Marc whispered in my ear. Jenny was a little confused. What did he mean payback? But it made perfect sense when Jeremy Rogers walked over to the counter.

“Well hello handsome.” Marc teased. Jeremy smirked.

Jeremy worked in Labyrinth Publishing House. He was a handsome man, tall and distinguished. Jenny had bever seen him out of a suit, but muscular bulges were visible in his sleeves which told her he liked to work out. He had dark chocolate brown eyes, auburn-brown hair, and soft plump lips.

              “Marc, how you been?” Jeremy extended a hand and Marc did a weird little curtsy. Jenny burst out laughing.

              “Marc, you’re killing me!” Jenny wheezed fighting for air through rumbles of laughter. Marc rolled his eyes and let go of Jeremy’s hand.

Once the laughter calmed down. Jeremy turned his attention to Jenny. “And you, Jenny, how have you been?”

Jeremy closed his hand over Jenny’s that rested on the bench. She looked down at it not sure what to make of it. A stupid grin plastered on her face from all her laughing. He had been one of the first people she noticed when she started working. He had been the person to introduce her to Mr Sanders. Although she never talked a lot about herself to anyone, with Jeremy she felt she could tell him anything. He was a good listener. The only thing that troubled her was he never gave away much about himself. In the beginning, Marc and Jenny spent time wondering if he was gay or bisexual. Marc had been excited at the prospect of Jeremy being Bi, telling Jenny it would be hot if they could share him. Jenny was still a little naive when it came to sex only have two sexual partners and the thought of getting naked in front of someone let alone two people, still had her cheeks flush with embarrassment.

Looking back up at Jeremy she smiled. “I’ve been well. Haven’t seen you in ages though. Where have you been?” She batted her eyelashes a little and saw from the corner of her eye she had peaked someone’s attention.

              “Miss me did you?” Jeremy joked, but gave nothing else away.

              “We always miss our favourite customers.” Marc piped in. Flashing his cheeky grin.

Jeremy smirked. “Can I have a table please?” He looked deep into Jenny’s eyes and she began to flush. She nodded, gabbed the menu and directed him over to a table. She refused to look around but could sense someone’s dark eyes were boring into her.

              “Thanks Jen.” Jeremy’s hand glided over her wrist and her stomach started doing flips. “Say, are you free on Saturday?” He drew little circles on the back of her hand while looking up at her with a devilish grin.

              “Um, this Saturday? I’m not doing anything. Why?” She said shyly.

              “Look I don’t normally ask colleagues out on a date but technically we’re not working in the same area. I was thinking we could go out for dinner.” His smile was captivating.

Jenny blushed some more. “Oh wow. Um, that would be nice.”

              “Great. Shall we meet at Joey’s across the road for a quick drink before dinner?” He held her hand in his now. Jenny couldn’t speak. Her stomach was flipping and churning so she nodded eagerly. He brought her hand to his lips and he kissed it gently. The sensation sent shivers down her spine and she giggled feeling a little embarrassed.

              “I’ll go get you some water, then take your order.” She grinned like a love-struck teenager as he released her hand.

Jenny felt lightheaded. She turned to look at Marc who was giving her a thumbs up and mouthing the word HOT. She glided towards the kitchen. Only stopping to push the door open did she notice Cole. He was seething with anger. Not even his blonde could distract him from glaring at Jenny. Jenny smirked. Serves him right for trying to make her jealous. The guy didn’t even know her so why did it bother him so much?

She decided for the rest of the afternoon she would focus on her date and not the irresistible bad boy glaring at her. Mr Sanders had come to pay for lunch. He still looked grey and tired, but Jenny didn’t press him. It wasn’t like he was her father. After the 3pm afternoon rush had dissipated did Jenny give herself time to think.

              “So, what you gonna wear on your date?” Marc teased.

Jenny rolled her eyes as she dried some coffee cups before stacking them. “I don’t know yet. Maybe a nice dress?” She shrugged her shoulder and started drying the next load of cups.

              “A nice dress? Please. You need to wear something hot.” Marc wiggled his eyebrows and he started putting away the pastries.

              “Why something hot?”

              “Because that man literally stripped your clothes off you with his eyes today.” Marc smirked as Jenny’s eyes widened.

              “Nobody has sex on the first date.” Jenny snapped.

Marc shook his head. “Cavalier men do. And our dear friend Jeremy wants to get in your pants.”

Jenny thought for a moment. She could tell by Jeremy’s mannerisms he wasn’t long term relationship material. He worked out a lot and their conversations were a little one sided. She knew he was just looking for sex and what was wrong with that? She needed to step outside her comfort zone. Perhaps Jeremy would be the one to do that with.

              ‘You’re considering just fucking him, aren’t you?” Marc buzzed.

Jenny rolled her eyes. “Well, I haven’t been with a guy for fun before. Why not?”

              “That’s my girl!” Marc mused. “We’ll make a woman out of you yet.”

              “Just not a promiscuous one.” Jenny giggled.

The rest of the afternoon they spent tidying up. By 5pm the workers in the publishing house were beginning to leave for home. Jenny locked the front doors and switched off the lights. She was always the last to leave because it was her responsibility to count the till and make sure the figures matched. She walked through the kitchen, making sure everything had been put away properly and that there was nothing left on. She made her way to the back door which led out onto the street from the other side of the building. It was the quickest way for Jenny to get home. Her bus stop was just a five-minute walk down the street.

She checked the back door rattling it before turning away and putting her keys in her bag. With a thud she nearly fell backwards as she walked into someone. Her bag fell to the ground. The man had grabbed her elbow and pulled her to him. Jenny gasped before looking up. She was shocked to see Cole with his arm now around her waist.

              “Sorry, I didn’t see you Mr Sanders.” Jenny blushed as she pulled down her rumpled top.

              “Mr Sanders is my father.” Cole said tersely. Jenny nodded she felt so embarrassed. She wanted the ground to swallow her up. “Are you alright?” He asked looking concerned.

              “Yes. Just wasn’t looking where I was going.” Jenny bent down and picked up her bag. She peaked inside to make sure nothing had fallen out.

              “Why are you going out with Jeremy?” His question was out of the blue and surprised Jenny.

              “How did you know that?”

              “He’s made it common knowledge. Just stay away from him.” Cole looked angry again. His hands balled into fists as he glared down at Jenny.

              “It’s none of your business if I want to go out with him or not so back off!” Jenny snapped. She surprised herself before embarrassment crept back into her mind.

She shoved her hands into Cole’s chest and took off towards her bus stop. The nerve of Cole Sanders!