Temptation (BWWM)

Chapter 21

"You never told me you're dating a famous coach." Jeremy said as he threw a magazine on the table.

I was currently in the dining hall at work and I was sitting by myself enjoying my chicken and mayo sandwich before he joined me.

I almost choked on my sandwich at the sight of me and Tony on the cover of the magazine.

"The coach is officially of the market ? They couldn't come up with a better title" I said as I stared at the cover.
It was surreal.
The gala had been two weeks ago and since then I'd avoided all magazines and celeb gossip shows , I didn't want to know what people were saying.

"He's the guy from that night right?" He asked as he sat down next to me.

"Yeah it's him." I said, not taking my eyes off the cover in front of me.

"You know what's worse than being rejected by a girl ? Finding out you don't have a chance with her via a magazine article." He said,  leaning back into his seat with a defeated look on his face.

"You don't like me though." I replied in shock.

"How do you know?" He said with a raised eyebrow.

I opened my mouth to answer but nothing came out. I eventually just kept quiet and looked at him.

"Don't worry , it wasn't anything serious. Just a baby crush." He said with a smile.

"I really didn't know." I said trying to think of any signs he may have shown , that would indicate that he was interested in me.

"I know. I know." He said , before reach over and taking the other piece of my sandwich.
I watched in shock as he finished it in four big bites.

"I was gonna eat that." I said.
I watched as a sinister grin spread across his face before he burst out laughing.

"I thought after the sob story you'd let me have it."

"Wait, were you joking ?" I asked.

"Yeah I was just pulling your leg." He said with a mischievous smile.

"That's the dumbest joke I've ever heard." I said as I playfully punched his arm.

He shrugged his shoulders before changing the subject , a little too fast for my liking. I wasn't convince that he was just joking.

"So is Lauren sick?" He then asked

"What , why?" I asked

"She isn't at work today." He said shocked that I hadn't noticed.

"Oh." I replied. I hadn't seen her today but I had just assumed she was avoiding me.

I quickly sent her a text asking if she was okay.
Before I said bye to Jeremy and went back to my office. It was one of those busy days where I wasn't sure what time I'd be leaving the office.

I was supposed to see Tony tonight but I wasn't sure if I'd make it with the amount of work I had today. I sent him a text explaining the situation before throwing myself into my chair and continuing with my work.

***

It was 6 pm and almost everyone had left to go home. I was one of the few people that were still in the office tryna finish some work. I had a deadline to meet and I had underestimated the workload.

I was in a state of deep concentration when I heard a soft knock on my door. It gave me a slight shock because I knew almost everyone had gone home already.
Whoever was at the door waited for a reply.