Questions

I open my eyes, surprised I'd closed them, only to find Ares giving me a look I've never seen before. He swallows hard and the movement catches my eye. I swear there is lust bursting from his eyes as he squeezes his fork.

Then he clears his throat and focuses on his own plate.. "It's been awhile since I've seen you. How was school?" he asks, trying to sound casual, but there is something off about it.

"It was fun," I smile thinking back to my years away.

We spend the next two hours talking about our separate lives. And I find myself asking him about his company. I know it's a tech company, but he started it right out of school. It's been growing ever since.

I asked him about his parents and he told me they were in Rome at the moment. They finally retired a year ago and they wanted to get reacquainted with each other... I guess they are on their second honeymoon.

I find that romantic. I wish someone would take me on a trip somewhere. I haven't been anywhere other than school. I would like to travel and see the world... Or more than just my home town.

He asked me about if I'd had any relationships while I was away. Of course I hadn't really. But I told him I did meet a nice guy, John, and he still texts me from time to time. He kept asking me out on dates, but I could never seem to accept them. Maybe if I had been planning on sticking around longer than college I would've said yes... I'll never know.

Ares didn't seem happy about the information. Did he expect me to not have a single guy ask me out? How is that even fair? I'm a young woman, and I'm pretty. I have the right to get asked out on dates as much as any other girl!

I didn't even bother asking him about his relationships. He's commitment-phobic. He only does one night stands. And I'd really rather not know what he does on his... escapades. I'll keep my innocent mind innocent if you don't mind!

Finally we finish our meal, and surprisingly I didn't hate it. I still don't think he isn't a complete pig... but maybe he could be a good boss. He really can be charming if he wants to be. But that doesn't mean I'm going to fall for him. I'll be careful, and I'll give it some serious thought. This is my first job offer, after all, and I really could use the cash.

I sigh as I stand up after Ares pays the check. "I'll think about it. I'll send you a text tonight," I promise.

For half a second I could see something that looked like excitement cross his face. But I really have no idea why. Is he really that in need of a good PA that he is desperate enough to hire me? The man could have any one he wants! Why the hell is he so determined to get me on his team?

"Great! I'll drop you home, Sam," he says, wrapping his arm around my waist and pulling him closer and leading me past the rude receptionist. I almost want to rub it in her face that Ares was here with me, but I'm not that petty.

I really hate to admit it... And I really do HATE to admit it, even to myself. But Ares arm feels really good around me. And his smell... well, it's drowning all my good senses. I need to get away from him as soon as possible or I might fall for some stupid trick. I really can't think straight when he is this close to me.

I want to argue and say I can take the bus, but I don't even have the money for that. So, reluctantly I nod. "That would be great, thanks," I whisper as I look up into his face... that somehow is way too close for my comfort.

He just smiles down at me and leads me back to his car.

As he weaves in and out of traffic, he asks, "Why did you have to go to school in Jersey?" He tries to sound like it's a casual question, but I can hear... something underneath that tugs at my heart. It almost sounds like hurt?