Broken {Completed}

Conditions

"I think I have the wrong place," I said as I turned to leave.

"Hey, wait!" Shannon rushed after me grabbing my arm.

"Don't touch me," I threatened. It was bad enough that I was standing here seeing the man that practically killed me.

"Okay, I'm sorry, but you're here for an interview right?" When I didn't respond he opened the door to his office and motioned me in.

I walked toward him cautiously not knowing what to expect. Actually that was a lie. Knowing Shannon his office was probably a pig stye covered in fast food bags and papers everywhere. I almost didn't believe that he owned this building or had anything to do with this company. I felt like this was one bad joke.

Upon entering his office I was taken aback. Nothing was out of place. Not even a pen. His office was themed like the coffee shop below with a beautiful ebony desk. On the left wall catty cornered to his desk was a homey looking lounge chair. He had bookshelves hanging from the back wall and a large cherry maple counter at the back complete with drawers and cabinets. There was a beautiful bonsai tree in the middle of counter and bamboo on the other sides.

"Please sit."

I hadn't noticed Shannon had walked around me and was now sitting at his desk. I pulled out the seat across from his and tried to avoid his gaze.

"How have you been, Jen?"

"I go by Kate now."

"But you hate that name."

"Apparently people change." I finally brought myself to look at him. His hair was a lot longer than I remembered, and he definitely gained more muscle. Time had been good to him. Real good. Shut up Jenna.

"You look amazing," he said as his eyes roamed over me. He bit his bottom lip, a seductive gesture that warmed my body.

"Shannon I came here for a job interview not to be gawked at."

"Jenna-"

"Kate."

He released a sigh. "Kate, I haven't seen you in 17 years. I missed you."

"If all you're going to talk about is our past together, then I think I should be leaving."

"No, I'm sorry. I'll get right down to business then. I looked over your resume and I was genuinely impressed, and I would like to hire you."

"You're not just hiring me because-"

"No, Je-Kate. I had no idea it was you when I was looking at your resume."

I looked deep into his hazel eyes to confirm he was speaking the truth. "I'll except the job, but I do have conditions."

"Anything."

"1. I don't talk about my personal life. 2. I don't like to be disturbed at home. 3. No personal calls during or off of business hours. 4. I don't run personal errands such as food, beverages, clothing, etc. 5. I would like to be home in a timely manor each day. 6. I do NOT want to talk about the past."

Shannon looked at me as if I stabbed him.

Good.

"Fine, I can do that." He looked crushed.

I extended my hand to him, but he stood to hug me instead. "I don't allow hugs or contact that brings us too close."

He nodded and took my hand. "Can I just say one thing?" He asked as he let go of my hand.

"Sure."

"I was stupid, and I'm sorry for hurting you like that."

"I'll see you later," I said turning to his door. He opened it for me and walked me out. I never thought I'd be in this situation. Working for the man that tore my heart apart. Not only was this going to be awkward but also hard. I needed to keep my personal life as far away from Shannon as possible.

"Can you come tomorrow? I'll be briefing everyone on what's to be expected and up coming events," Shannon said putting a key into the elevator. It opened shortly after and he allowed me in first.

"I have other meetings to go to tomorrow."

"Like other jobs?"

"That's personal, Shannon."

"I'm sorry, okay. I didn't mean to-"

"Shannon my decision to keep my personal life away from my job is my choice, and I would appreciate it if you would just honor that and stop bringing up what happened 17 years ago."

He nodded solemnly as the elevator door opened. "I'll see you Wednesday then."

I nodded and left the building. I could feel Shannon's gaze on my back all the way out the door causing me to shiver. I checked the time, that went so much quicker than I thought.

I got in a cab and headed back home. Gunnar was outside talking to a young blonde girl. I paid the man and hot out slowly.

Gunnar waved to me as I walked up to him. She was a pretty girl no doubt, but something didn't seem right.

"Mom this is Moxxi. She lives across the street and will be going to school with me."

I smiled kindly and extended my hand to her. "It's nice to meet you, Moxxi."

"You too Mrs. Rhodes."

"Please call me, Jenna." I looked at Gunnar who was intently staring at the young girl. "Gunnar did you finish unpacking?"

"Yeah I finished putting my clothes away and organizing my room the way I want it."

"Great! I was thinking pizza for dinner would you like to join us, Moxxi?"

"No thanks. I actually need to be going anyway. We're expecting company pretty soon."

"Well that's too bad! Maybe next time?"

"Maybe. Bye Gunnar." She gave him a flirtatious wink as she turned to leave.

"Bye Moxxi." Gunnar bit his lower lip the same way Shannon did earlier. Sometimes he was more like his father than I imagined.

"No sneaking out," I said the moment she was out of ear shot.

"Mom! You think I'm that irresponsible?"

"No but I just wanted to make sure you and I were on the same page here." I walked inside and placed my purse on the small table by the door.

"Suuure. Order me a meat lovers," Gunnar said before disappearing upstairs.