I Hate You, Mr. Boss-Man [18+]

014

My heartbeat slammed against my eardrums, my fist rising and falling as I contemplated knocking. I was seriously considering turning and leaving back to my place.

I inhale a deep breath, siking myself up, and I knock--firm and loud. I took a step back, skeptical as to which door would open since they were French doors. The right swings open in a flash, a waft of roasted chicken hitting my face. It smelled so fucking good.

"You made it," Jesse beams, stepping aside to let me through. I look at him, taking in the simple black tee, blue jeans, and Chuck Taylor's. My eyes cast down on my outfit, suddenly felt overdressed. "Come in," He insists, gesturing inside his condo. "Can I take your coat?"

I almost didn't want to take it off, now feeling self-conscious about what I chose to wear. "Did I overdress?" I mumble, undoing the buttons on my tan peacoat before shrugging it off my bare shoulders completely.

The silence that loomed over us was tortuous, his eyes dragging over me as he sized me up. I wore a tube-top, loose slacks, and a tan coat to match. The hem of my pants fell over my heels, only the tip viewable.

His teeth capture his bottom lip, a smirk pulling as he shakes his head. "Not even a little bit," He grunts, taking the coat from my outstretched hand. "You're gorgeous."

My eyes avert from his, a blush burning at my cheeks from his compliment. Damn me, and damn him for making me feel like a little girl with her first crush. Sure, Jacob was my first crush then would later be the man I loved but Jesse was different. The pull between us was undeniable, and as much as I didn't want it, fate went against me.

Maybe he was right, we were never meant to be just friends.

"Why don't you take a seat," He suggests, gesturing over to the large sectional facing what looked to be a fireplace. I nod, sauntering over to the living room. "Would you like a drink?"

I glance over my shoulder, his figure coming into view. It was now that I noticed how good he looked. His t-shirt hugged all the right places, seeming tighter around his arms to show off the obvious muscles he had. Tattoos covered the entirety of his left arm, realizing that I'd never seen him in a regular old tee, he was always dressed up, never a hair out of place. His jeans were even better, his thick thighs kept inside denim, and his...

"Katherine?"

"Hmm?" I hum, my eyes snapping to the smug look on his face, almost as if he knew I was checking him out.

"I asked if you wanted something to drink," He repeats, his muscles bulging as he folds his arms. I knew he found humor in my oblivious nature, the little smile on his lips told me everything I needed to know.

"Umm, yeah," I say before turning my sights to the fireplace, which was fake. Probably digital. "I'll take wine if you have it. Red, please."

His footsteps shuffle away, leaving me alone for just a moment. I exhale my nerves, quickly rising to my feet, battling with myself internally before making my way to the kitchen, grateful for the kitchen island driving a wedge between our distance. "So..." I trail, silently thanking him as he slides the glass over to me. "Are we going to talk about-"

"Can we eat first?" Jesse's expression twists as he asks the question, the ding of the timer going off right on queue. "I think better after a meal, don't you?" Taking the oven mitts from the counter, he slips them onto his hands, pulling the oven door open before reaching in to take out a whole chicken. I could almost drool at the sight, the sound of my stomach rumbling at the smell.

I purposely didn't eat for this moment because no matter how badly I wanted to deny the invitation, I knew better than to pass up his cooking, and I only got a small taste of what he was capable of back in Italy. "That looks incredible," I stare in amazement, picking up my glass of wine before taking a sip.