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

026

"Katherine...baby, are you okay?"

Jesse's soft tone was barely audible through the door, his knock lighter than a feather. My back was to the door, leaning the back of my head against the grain, hot tears undulating down my cheeks, I just knew that the mascara was staining my face.

"Y...yeah," I sniffle, covering my mouth to muffle my sobs. I wasn't crying because of Amber or Jacob, it was the realization that I was falling in love with Jesse and it hasn't been that long. Was that even possible? It took me a full year before I ever said I loved Jacob. What made Jesse so special? It wasn't the gifts, his words, or the dates, not even the sex. It was pure knowledge that he was willing to put in an effort, even when it came to pursuing me. He gave me the space when I needed it, and said all the right things when I needed to hear them. He was perfect, too perfect...there had to be something wrong with him. "I, uh...plane rides, ya know?" I choke out a laugh, trying to keep my tone light.

"We land in half an hour," He speaks softly. "Do you need anything? I could make you tea or...?"

I take a few breaths, inhaling the oxygen I needed to calm myself down. I take my hands, dragging them under my eyes and cheeks to get rid of the tears. I push off the door, glossy pupils zeroing in on the reflection in the mirror. My face profusely warming, cheeks skidded with remnants of mascara and eyeliner. I hardly recognized the person staring back at me. I take the washcloth the stewardess had given me, running the corner under hot water to wash away the stains of makeup.

My own words rang in my ears while I wiped away, terrifying and unknowing what would come from it. I love him in ways I've never loved anyone else. The look in Jacob's eyes was almost haunting, the realization that I never looked at him the way I looked at Jesse. My bottom lip quivers, the steaming cloth dragging my hot and salty tears across my face. The cloth tumbles into the basin as I grab the edges, gripping tightly from the buckle of my knees. Breathe, Katherine. I whisper to myself, eyes fluttering shut as I try to bind myself to something good.

The door rattles and a few grunts emit from behind before I hear Jesse again. "I'm not leaving you alone, you don't have to talk. Just...know that I'm here."

"Jesse," I exhale, pushing off the basin. "I'm fine, I promise."

"Sweetheart," His voice was taut and I figured he knew it was a lie. "I've known you for five years, even if you think I don't. I know your attitude, your moods, the way you talk to me—mannerisms...the sounds you make," He mentions, my cheeks heating up. "I've picked up on it over the years and, I know that when you tell me you're fine, you're not. I know we've been dating for a short time but, I know you."

I turn to look at the door, debating on whether or not I should get out and face him. Should I tell him how I felt? Was it way too early to say anything at all? I hated being an overthinker. Was Amber right? Would Jesse stick by my side? I shook my head, burying my face in my palms. Bitch had gotten under my skin, and the things I would do to be able to clock her. I didn't answer him, my palms dropping as I leaned my forehead against the door's grain. "Can I ask you a question?"

"Anything."

I glance down at the lock of the bathroom door, my fingers inserting before I twist, making it go from red to green. Shuffling sounds could be heard from the other side and I pull the door open, coming face to face with Jesse. "Why did you..." I begin, hesitating as I pondered the next words that come out of my mouth. I stared at him, my face pink and puffy for sure. He keeps his distance, brows furrowed in concern. "What are we?" I mumble, nibbling on the inside of my cheek. "I mean, I know you said we were dating but, I don't know if it was a spur-of-the-moment type of thing or if I'm just someone you're sleeping with. Am...am I more than that?" Fuck, if I knew this was all Amber talking. "Am I more to you than just a screw?"

"So, that's what you think you are to me?" Jesse spits, his expression screwing up once he crossed his arms tightly, fists clenching as well. "A good fuck?" And I hoped to god that he sent the stewardess with the pilot to the far end of the plane. "Where the hell is this coming from?"

I didn't know what to tell him, I couldn't let him know that Amber got to me, I felt he already knew. But, it wasn't just her that got into my head. I was my own worst enemy. "I...nowhere," I whisper, tearing my eyes away from him to look to the floor. "I just..." I sigh, shaking my head before I push past him to exit the stall.

He grips my wrist in a flash, spinning me around until my chest collided with his. "You're my girl," He assures, pupils, dilating as he meets my eyes. "I've never wanted anyone as much as I wanted you. The first day you waltzed into my office." Jesse reaches for my face, cupping my cheeks in his palms—thumb wiping away at the missed mascara. "Fuck what that Amber bitch said, I'm not leaving you, sweetheart. You mean more to me than you'll ever know. Sex is just a bonus. Please don't ever think you are anything less. I'm yours, baby. All yours."

More tears brim my waterline, Jesse's words resonating so deeply that I couldn't help but cry. His thumbs clean up my tears before he pulls me in against his soft and warm lips. Gliding against my own, my body relaxed in his presence. He tasted of whiskey and strawberry lip balm, his tongue tracing over to request access between my lips which I granted. I hummed inside his mouth, my heart drumming out of my chest. I try to pull away, soft whispers as he coaxes me back, head moving to the left—my hands beginning to work at his bowtie.

Jesse leans back, frowning softly, eyes cast down on me. "As badly as I want that," He pries my fingers off his tie, holding my hands in his clutch. "I don't want you to think I'm taking advantage of the situation. I meant what I said," He hooks his fingers on the straps of my dress, hiking them back up to sit on my shoulders. "You mean a lot to me."

I swallow hard, chest heaving and I nod my head, peering up at him through my lashes, his lips stained red and swollen. "You mean a lot to me, too."