Broken {Completed}

Strawberry Milkshake

Things at work were going better than I expected. Other than the occasional nostalgic moment, Shannon was very easy to work with. He took his job seriously and often wanted to be hands on with everything. He would even disguise himself and work downstairs serving customers and cooking.

"Kate, can you help me with something?" Shannon called from his office. I stood up from my computer and walked in. The smell of cinnamon and vanilla filled my lungs and calmed me instantly.

"So I wanted to do something with the extra space we have up here. There's only 2 offices and then nothing. What do you think? I need ideas from that pretty brain of yours."

I shrugged. "Ask around and see what your employees need. I think that's the best way to go about it."

Shannon was silent for a while just staring at me. "Well?" He asked leaning forward on his desk locking his thick hands together.

" 'well' what?"

"You're one of my employees, so what do you need?"

I looked into his hazel eyes trying to decipher whether or not he was being serious. To my surprise there was nothing mocking in his expression.

He bit his lower lip and raised an eyebrow causing my heart to flutter a little.

I missed him. I wanted him, but I don't know if I'm ready to tell him. I should. I need to just get it over with.

I let out a deep sigh. Here goes nothing. "Shannon," I began and his body tensed as if anticipating me to say something he didn't want to hear. I'm sure he was use to that by now. He has realized that every time he feel like he gets close I shut him down.

"What is it?" He pressed.

"You... You're a great boss Shannon. I'm sure you'll think of something."

Coward.

"Oh. Thank you." He looked somewhat crushed. Was he waiting for a love confession?

"If you don't mind, I have papers to-"

"Right, of course. I'm sorry for holding you up." He looked back down at some papers on his desk as I took my leave.

I looked back just before walking out the door. He had his head buried in his hands, and he looked utterly defeated.

"Would you like to go get a drink tonight?" Once the words were out I was shocked at myself.  The last thing I needed was to mix Shannon, alcohol, and me together.

He smiled sweetly. "I don't drink anymore, but I'd still be glad to accompany you."

The look he gave me sent butterflies in my stomach. It reminded me of when we first met. I was with some friends, and he was promoting his band. He walked right up to us and the moment his eyes met mine, there was an instant connection.

"Great," I said before leaving his office and shutting the door behind me. The rest of the day he didn't call me for anything nor did he leave his office. I began to get nervous. I thought he would be jumping for joy and wouldn't leave me alone, but it was the exact opposite.

When it time to go he walked out of his office with an unreadable expression. "Is everything okay?" I questioned approaching him.

"Yeah everything is fine. Why?"

"Well you locked yourself in your office all day."

"It's just--nothing never mind."

"What?" I pressed stepping closer to him. You're treading on dangerous territory, Jen.