Reluctant Lovers ( COMPLETE)

Shift Work

Aleena's POV

I love my job! The last two days of training were incredible, I have have a much better grasp on what I should be doing. Thursday morning Marc came into training and spoke to everyone, he explained that he has a zero tolerance for anyone not following the new peer mediation guidelines. He told the whole group Danny and 7 others were fired for misconduct, and that no one was safe. That this is a place of growth and we can only do that together. To say I was shocked he fired 8 people is an understatement, I never wanted people to be canned. After his speech, he introduced the new hires and interns, he asked us all to say something about ourselves. I alway do the standard, "I'm Aleana Jordan, I love LA, I'm 29 with a masters in business and a doctorate in technology. Simple and sweet.

I haven't seen much of Marc since the almost kiss in his office, I'm not complaining. I've actually been  dodging him, like a teen in gym class, trying to miss getting hit by the ball. Its 4:30 now and I decide to start cleaning off my desk, Maggie from the Diner called and needs me to come in tonight and tomorrow night. I really need the money, so I'm quick to tell her yes. Im almost finished clearing the files off my desk, when Carol, the front desk lady, comes up and asks if I want to go grab drinks with her tonight.

"Oh I'm sorry I can't, I have another job I'm headed to right after I get through here, but maybe another time?" I offer

"What do you mean you have another job?!" she whines,"When do you get to have fun, I really was hoping to get to know you better. It's thirsty Thursday at The Wheel House, and the women drink half off!"

"Carol? Do you have those files on the Brandford deal?" A voice from behind Carol reverbs through my whole body and I'm stuck to the floor. So much for avoiding.

"Oh yes! Sorry Marc I almost forgot." Carol runs off to fetch the file, and I'm left standing there staring at this beautiful man, "Did you know Aleena has two jobs?!" She blurts out. Ugh! Never trust a woman who shares your business 22 seconds after meeting her.

"That doesn't surprise me at all, you seem like you can handle it." Marc replies, "So, Aleena, you like it here at Dilford, you think you'll be sticking around?" He asks with that sexy smirk.

"Don't rush me Mr. I have until Monday to decide whether or not I'm going to work here. It's been great so far, but honestly everyone is on their best behavior, scared you'll fire them if you get a wild hair across your ass." I say a little to forcefully.

"Slow down killer!" He laughs, "I was just asking how you were liking it. I don't need a written agreement."

"Well as fascinating as this all is, I have drunk girl dancing on a table, singing karaoke written in my future. See you tomorrow my boring friends." With that Carol struts her gorgeous self to the elevator. I wish I had her confidence. With a wide smile I watch her get into elevator and turn to see Mr. Abbot staring at me.

"So, alone again, come to dinner with me tomorrow?" He's not asking he's telling me.

I can't avoid it any more, I have to drop the mic and walk out of here, There is no way this can go any further. He isn't interested in more than a quick kiss or a fancy fuck, and I'm not waiting to find out if he is. I know how this ends, they see too much, they want to be my savior, and save me from my enemies. Sorry Charlie, you are the enemy. You all are.

"Look, I don't know what you think is happening here, but I can tell you it isn't going to happen again. What happened in your office, in the elevator, at the car, it's nothing. Shut it down. I'm not interested in any relationship, and even if I was. You're my boss, you're off limits. I also work tomorrow."

"So Saturday then?" He grins, full grin perfect teeth and everything. I want to lick those lips, shit get out of here Jordan, right now.

"Are you serious?! Didn't you not hear me, you may get whatever you want here in your little empire, but I don't give a shit about your money or your status. I don't need this job either (lie) I'm leaving now Mr. Abbot." I grab my purse and keys and turn to leave and he grabs my hand.

"I knew you felt it, just like you feel it now, Its just dinner Aleena. Let me take you to dinner, please."

"I have to go to work Marc. Please let me go, you don't want to get involved with me. I'm saving you the trouble, believe me. Please don't follow me," I whisper. I can feel my throat closing, tears are to follow very soon if I don't get out of here, why does this man have this pull on me, and why can't he just drop it?

15 minutes later and a good healthy cry, I'm at Maggie's Diner. I love this place so much. It's busy but not too busy you can't keep up. Maggie is the closest thing to a Momma I've had since, well, ever. She's a sixty year old widow with sarcasm flowing through her veins, matching is her quick wit, and even bigger heart. "Leena! Where have you been?!" She shouts. She then envelopes me in a bone crushing hug that makes everything strangely better.

"Maggie! You're killing me, let go."I gasp, "if you missed me so bad why don't you put me on the schedule more often?"

"Girl you know it isn't me, Betty won't let me anywhere near that fucking schedule. This is my damn diner and she runs it like its hers!"

"I heard that you old fart!" Betty chimes in. Betty is Maggie's 57 year old sister. Equally sarcatic sister, shes been helping out since Ben died 7 years ago. You would think they hated eachother, but banter is what they do best, the customers love it. "Ya know leena, if you wanted more hours you can just ask me."

"I'll remember that Betty." We go through this once a month, and every month Betty forgets to put me on. I don't mind much, I love it here, and now that I have the job at Dilford, I can finally save some money. Well, that's if Marc can keep it in his pants.

My shift flies by, I love chatting with the customers and hearing all there stories. Liam and Taylor stop in for dinner and I tell him I'll be working all weekend. I see the relief in Taylors face, I'm so glad Betty put me on the schedule, otherwise I'll be the third wheel for Liam and Taylor. I know they don't mind, but sometimes they need to be alone. I know I should meet new people, but it's such a hassle. I'm so scared I'll run into him, or someone he knows, and he will find me.

I finish up my shift and make it home, I quickly shower and grab myself a beer and head off to my room. I'm catching up on Scandal tonight, tomorrow is an early day, but I'm only two episodes behind. My phone pings that I have a message, I look down and it's a number I don't recognize,

Unknown # Hi Aleena its Marc. I got your number from your file, Creeper I know. I just wanted to apologize for being so forward earlier. I hope you had a good night at work.

oh my tits, now he's texting? What's with this man, he has to be dumb and blind. I couldn't be more clear, I practically told him to go fuck himself and here he is texting me at 11:30 at night! I decide to respond,

Me - I forgive you, see you tomorrow.

'Marc- I look forward to it.