A Love Uncondemned

Chapter 7 -The Unexpected Lunch Offer

As the clock struck lunchtime at The Danville Times, Jonathan glanced at Jacob, who was busy typing away on his computer. "It's almost lunch," Jonathan said, hoping to persuade Jacob to join him for a meal outside the office.

But Jacob had other plans. "No, why?" he replied, not looking up from his screen.

Jonathan explained that he had overslept and didn't have time to prepare lunch. Jacob suggested joining him on a trip to a construction site for a story, but Jonathan declined, not wanting to risk getting on the wrong side of their demanding editor, Mr. Graham.

As they chatted, Joden walked in with takeaways in hand, heading towards Jonathan's desk. Jacob bid them farewell, leaving Jonathan to face Joden's unexpected lunch offer.

"What are you doing?" Jonathan asked, taken aback by Joden's sudden appearance.

"Hello to you too," Joden replied with a smile. "Nice to see you today."

Jonathan's unease grew as Joden placed a takeaway on his desk, his eyes locked on Jonathan's. "You're feisty," Joden said, his voice low and smooth. "My parents will love you."

The tension between them was palpable, and Jonathan's discomfort only intensified as Joden continued to flirt shamelessly. Despite his protests, Joden persisted, his words laced with a confidence that left Jonathan feeling uneasy.

As the exchange escalated, Christine, a colleague, walked over to Jonathan's desk, drawn in by the commotion. "What a hot guy!" she exclaimed, eyeing Joden appreciatively.

Jonathan's response was terse, his irritation evident. "He's rude."

Christine's curiosity lingered, her eyes fixed on Joden's abandoned lunch. "Is he single?" she asked, her tone playful. "I wouldn't mind having him to myself."

Jonathan's response was swift and teasing. "He's somebody else's sloppy seconds! Have some self-respect, Christy."

Christine chuckled. "Who isn't? You're right, though. But seriously, virgins are scarce. I'm starting to think there isn't a single virgin in this whole building!"

Jonathan raised an eyebrow. "It's wrong to draw conclusions without research."

Christine winked. "It's true, though! So, is he single?"

Jonathan hesitated, before delivering the verdict. "Sorry to burst your bubble, but he has someone in his life."

Christine's face fell, her expression exaggerated. "Pain to my heart! What a pity. I was going to show him the goods on our first date!"

As she turned to leave, her eyes landed on the uneaten lunch. "Hey, he didn't eat?" she asked, her interest piqued.

Jonathan confirmed, "Yes, his appetite suddenly died."

Without hesitation, Christine asked, "Can I take it? I mean – it would be a waste to let food rot."

Jonathan gestured, "Help yourself."

Christine's eyes lit up as she claimed the lunch. “What a man! He knows what his stomach wants — a healthy and balanced diet! Why can't I find a man like him?”

Jonathan offered a reassuring smile. “Youʼll find one. Just be patient.”

With her prize in hand, Christine returned to her desk, leaving Jonathan to ponder the unexpected turn of events.

As the scene unfolded, Jonathan couldn't help but wonder what had possessed Joden to behave so brazenly, and why he seemed so determined to push Jonathan's boundaries. Little did he know that this encounter was only the beginning of a complicated and intriguing dance between them.