Losing Control

Chapter 1

She walked into her favorite café and glanced around to see every table taken. She caught the gaze of the woman behind the counter, who nodded and motioned for her to go ahead and take a seat. She looked around for someone that she might be able to join when she spotted him. He was relaxed in a soft leather chair and he was alone. She slowly made her way to the chair across from his and met his eyes when he looked up at her with a smile.

She looked around and then back at him "Looks like everything is taken. Are you expecting anyone? Could I possibly join you?"

He nodded and stood while she sank into the chair. He sat back down and smiled at her "I've never seen it this busy in here. I've seen you before."

She nodded and smiled back at him "I come in every few days. I'd probably come in every day but bills have to be paid, so I have to keep the coffee budget down."

He nodded and looked down at his cup "Did you order already? Can I get something for you?"

"I caught her eye when I got here. I'm sure it will make its way to me before too long. Thanks for the offer though." She slipped off her jacket while she talked, feeling his eyes travel down her body and then back up to her eyes when she looked at him.

He shook his head before reaching his hand across the table "Shit, my mom would kill me if she knew I was sitting here talking without introducing myself. I'm..."

"I know who you are, Shannon." She interrupted him and reached out to feel his hand engulf hers.

He raised his eyebrows and released her to sit back in his chair "Well then you have the advantage, don't you?"

She smiled at him and held his gaze before saying "I'm Jillian. It's a pleasure to meet you."

"Jillian" he made her name sound like a term of affection which made her shiver slightly "The pleasure is mine."

Her coffee cup appeared in front of her, drawing her attention from the man in front of her to the woman from the counter. She looked up into the woman's eyes and had to fight back the grin at the expression in her eyes. The woman mouthed I will need details later. Jillian just nodded and said "Thanks. I'll settle up with you before I leave."

Shannon spoke up "Just add it to mine."

"You don't need to do that Shannon." Jillian said as she reached for her cup.

"I want to." He said as he picked up his cup.

She nodded and just said "Thank you"

After they both set their cups down he looked at her with a spark in his eyes "So, you know me...why? Are you a fan?"

"Don't you guys call your fans the echelon?" she laughed.

"Yeah we do. Are you?" he chuckled.

"I've been called worse" she winked and reached for her cup again, just to have something to do with her hands.

"That's not an answer to the question." He smiled as he watched her.

"Yeah, I guess I am. I know all the songs." She smiled and then leaned forward to put the cup back on the table. "Does that make this weird?"

"Not at all. I just wanted to know how you knew me. You know, if it's good or bad." He said with a wink.

She laughed and took a sip from her cup before settling into the seat.

After covering a couple of other subjects he asked "Have you ever seen a show?"

She nodded after finishing her coffee "It's been a few years but yes I have."