Jealousy

Sam's POV

That damn man!

I have no idea how he knows, but he knows I'm desperate and he gave me the one thing in the world that will make me stay and listen to him. And he just used it like he knows I need that like a life raft. He's not stupid, I'll give him that. He's clever, but he's calculating, and that scares the hell outta me.

"Listen Sam. I know I've been an asshole to you," he swallows. He runs his fingers through his hair, messing it up slightly. I think I like it better like this. "I never meant for it to be like that... I just... You were... I mean..." He looks so flustered as he stumbles over his words.

I've never known Ares to stumble over his words like this, or look so unsure of himself. I almost want to laugh out loud. Just what exactly is he trying to say that has him acting like this? If I don't ask him, I guess I might never get a straight answer.

"You mean what?" I finally try to redirect the conversation. I am not sure I really want to know the answer to this, but it seems he has some point to this conversation, so I'll give him the benefit of the doubt. I still don't know if I believe him that he never meant for things to be like they were. It was all his fault we are like we are right now!

"Let me make up all my mistakes, Sammy. Please! I know you need this job. Your bills are overdue and you are in danger of losing your apartment," he says in a rush, trying to push me to accept his job offer. He has a point, but on the other hand, how does he know all this stuff?

A surge of anger rushes through me. "Did Ben tell you all this?" I demand. This is the only thing I could think when he said this. How else would he know I'm in danger of losing my apartment?

Ares swallows hard, then stares right at my face. "Yes. He's worried about you, and he said you really needed a job," he says taking my hand once again and giving a gentle squeeze.

I pull my hand away from him. I don't want his touch, even if it was soft and warm... I don't want anything to do with him!

"So you are only doing this for my brother?" I sigh. I should've known. Ares would never do something to help me out of the goodness of his heart. It was because his best friend's little sister needed a job so she doesn't get thrown out on the streets.

"NO! No, Sam. I want to help. Please, take the job. You are perfectly qualified for it," he rushes to assure me. "Really, you wont find another job that will pay you half as well as I will. I'll even give you an advance. And like I said, I will cover all of your bills," Ares pushes.

Suddenly our food is placed in front of us and the waiter smiles down at me. "Enjoy," he says with a wink.

I must say my pasta is mouth watering and I can't help but smile back at the waiter in appreciation. I know he didn't make it, but I'm sure it doesn't matter.

I blush, "Thanks." I kinda like being the one getting all the attention, and he isn't pushing anything in my face. He's just smiling at me! He is pretty cute... Maybe he can leave his number on the check with a heart?

I hear a curse from across the table and Ares is practically drilling holes in the waiter's head with lasers in his eyes. I'm not sure why the hell he is acting like a jealous boyfriend. After all he isn't even my boss yet.

I sigh and shake my head. I have no idea what has gotten into him. I know he brought me here with the purpose of persuading me to join his company. I'm guessing he wants all the attention on him. Maybe I should still think of this as part of the interview?

But I forget all about it the moment the pasta touches my tongue and I let out a satisfied hum. My tummy rumbled in happiness, and I let the moment of bliss release all my worries for a short period.

And then the table gets really still. I can hear Ares groan.