Relaxation

It was Friday, finally. I couldn't help but feel excited for the first weekend off from my new job. It had been one heck of a week!

After Monday, I tried to avoid any type of confrontation with Nolan. Until I could understand what his intentions were, I don't think I can be around him. What was wrong with him anyway?

"You should have fucked him in the break room", my roommate said shamelessly Monday night when I came home and told her what happened.

"You're crazy!" I retorted.

Sara laughed and perched herself on the edge of the couch, wearing just a t-shirt and underwear, no bra.

"C'mon now. Doing it with your boss would give you the ultimate power play." She winked at me mischievously.

I rolled my eyes. "Again, you're crazy!"

I would never do something so impulsive, so..pathetic. Sleep with my boss? I couldn't even imagine the embarrassment!

I tapped on my desk with my neutrally painted nails and looked at the stack of papers on my desk.

Sam had me preoccupied with an entirely large stack of stories to edit for the newspaper next week. I'm pretty sure they were all either fake or really old.

He would totally screw me that way instead of give me the real work of a future editor.

I sighed heavily and started peeling the papers down in front of me, one by one. I skimmed over the pages, laughed at the terrible writing quality and marked them up profusely.

This was kind of fun actually.

Once I got into a groove, I didn't even realize I skipped lunch and five o'clock was on my desk clock already.

"Hey you. Done yet?" Sam stepped into my small nook.

"Um. I think so."

He raised his brows. "So what did you think of them?"

I couldn't help but laugh, "I mean. They are amusing but I definitely wouldn't recommend them for the paper."

His expression quickly turned into a frown. "Those are my works through the years since I was eleven."

I immediately felt remorseful but Sam only chuckled.

"It's nice to know what you think of me. Besides, my writing is muuuch better now." He pulled his supple lips into a smile and reached over me, torso within inches of my face, and grabbed the stacks of papers.

"But remind me to not let you edit anymore." He teased.

I widened my eyes. I knew it! Wait, was this a test?

"Hold up, were you testing me?" I questioned.

His eyes narrowed down at me before he stood back up. "Maybe."

He turned around. "Maybe not.." He began to walk out of the room.

"Wait!" I grabbed my bag and coat and went after him.

He seemed to enjoy the chase and pretended to ignore me.

"I can write real work too you know. If you give me a chance." I pleaded.

His lips were still in a smile and he clicked his tongue.

"Mhm."

My brows furrowed. "I can." I continued. "That's why I'm here right?"

"Who knows." He looked at me while we headed for the elevator. He clicked the down arrow button and we both stepped in, just the two of us.

"You could be here 'cause I thought you were hot." He shrugged.

I blinked my eyes twice. What..did he just say?

"Speechless?" He chuckled and pushed the lobby floor button.

The elevator slowly began to descend.

"I'm sorry, what?" I decided to finally speak.

He ruffled the papers into his bag and looked over at me with an attractive expression, almost made my heart flutter.

"You're blushing." He stated.

I was?! Oh my god! I quickly turned away, cowered to the corner of the elevator. This thing couldn't go slow enough!

Suddenly, I felt a gentle hand lift my chin up. My eyes then met green orbs staring directly at me.

"You're blushing." He said again, caressing my jawline with him thumb. I instantly felt a shiver slither down my spine into my thighs, making them clench slightly under my pencil skirt.

"I.." I stuttered, unable to speak.

His lips curled into a pleased smile. "Do you think you're hot?" He bluntly asked me.

How was I suppose to answer that question? I didn't really find myself attractive at all. I was a plain Jane. Dark hair, dark eyes. Nothing more boring than that!

What is with these men coming on to me so suddenly?

When I didn't answer, he pulled away but was still standing close to me.

The elevator dinged at the 8th floor and the doors opened to a..Nolan Moore.

His eyes widened at the sight of Sam and I so close together and he immediately stepped into the elevator.

The awkward silence grew between them and I managed to reach over and click the lobby button again. I was totally ready to get out of this elevator.

"Ahem." Nolan coughed. "Do you have those papers for me Sam?"

I could here Sam take a small gulp of air as he turned away from me and towards Nolan.

"Yes, I sent them to your email. Should be there by now." He spoke professionally. Unlike the way he was speaking a few minutes ago..

Nolan glanced over at me, his eyes were projecting emotions as if his feelings were hurt but I couldn't understand.

"Are you busy tonight?" Sam directed his question to Nolan. "The staff and I are going to Club Cruz on the Avenue strip. Would be nice for the boss to come."

Nolan kept his eyes on me. "I don't associate with the writing staff." Almost as if we were peasants.

I furrowed my brows at him then looked away.

Sam turned to me. "And you?"

I didn't even realize I was of such worthiness to be invited with these people.

As if trying to get under Nolan's skin, I found myself speaking. "I'd love to come!"

Sam smiled but Nolan's eyes weren't on me anymore.

The elevator doors opened on the lobby floor and Nolan quickly parted ways with us.

"I'll see you there around 7?"

My eyes watched Nolan walk away, the back of his head seemed just as attractive as his front. Though, his body language seemed tense, what was wrong?

Sam touched my shoulder, snapping me out of my thoughts.

"Oh, right! 7 is perfect!" I replied with a smiled.

"So you're going right?" Sara flopped onto my bed, scrolling through social media on her phone.

"I don't know.." I trailed off, pushing clothes down the rack in my closet.

It's definitely a big thing to go to a club with people at my work, it's the largest editorial company in New York. Why couldn't I be happier?

"You. Have. To. Go." She demanded.

I sighed and fell on the bed beside her. She nestled her head on my stomach and looked up at me.

"You're living a dream!" She joked.

I smiled. "I don't even know what to wear or what to look like." Club Cruz was highly rated and basically had a dress code.

Sara jumped up and ran to her room. She then came back with a burgundy cocktail dress. It was a sweetheart neckline and thin spaghetti straps with a lace anterior overlay at the neckline.

"No way am I putting that on!" I screeched. I've never revealed so much skin in my entire life. I never partied in college like Sara did.

"Just try it!" She pleaded. She laid it on the bed and pulled me up, unbuttoning my blouse for me.

I groaned and removed the rest of my clothing. Sara helped me step into the dress and pulled it up to my shoulders for the straps.

"You're on fire." Sara stated, her jaw dropping open.

The dress was snug around the curves of my body, but somewhat draped loosely mid thigh.

I looked in the mirror and gasped. This was amazing. I've never seen myself past the boring colors of a writer.

Sara finished helping me get ready, forcing me to put on a bra and underwear that matched while pulling my hair into an updo.

Some brown curls fell over my shoulders to frame my face and then the make up just made me look older.

"I'm not sure about this."

Sara was leaning in with a darkened red lipstick, ignoring my contemplation.

After she was all done, she imitated a chefs kiss emoji and pushed me out the door.

I held my wrist wallet tightly, pulling out my phone to call a cab. I was incredibly nervous.

The cab driver whizzed its way around town and stopped in front of the club. It was booming with music and lights. LED glow lights lit up the sides of the building and an entirely long line curled it's way around the block.

I groaned, not looking forward to waiting.

I paid the driver and stepped out of the taxi. I stumbled a little on the concrete in these shoes but regained myself with a solid posture.

"This is insane.." I murmured.

As I headed for the end of the line I heard my name.

"Liv!"

I felt a hand gently grab my arm to turn me around. "There you are—whoa." Sams eyes blinked several times before taking in my appearance.

He looked down and then up and then down again not so subtle.

"Um..hi." I tried to mess with my hair but it was pulled up. I forced myself to stop figiting.

"I'm so glad your here." Same finally said.

The music was extremely loud, but outside was much quieter to hear each other.

"I was just about to get in line." I said.

Sam chuckled, taking my hand to lead me to the doorway.

"But—" I began to protest.

He smiled. "We don't have to wait." He nodded to the bouncer and we both walked in like we were a celebrity couple. Not that we were a couple!

I shook my head and followed Sam through the crowd. We slithered by people dancing and chatting. This place was entirely too crowded.

Sam managed to let go of my hand and disappear into the crowd.

"Wait, Sam!" I tried to call after him but seriously how can anybody hear in this place?

I looked around, being pushed against by dancers, I shoveled my way through and into an open area. I needed a break already. I don't think I'm meant for this type of place or people.

Feeling a wind of anxiety, I realized my inhaler wasn't in my clutch. I started to panic and search for the bathroom.

I saw a seemingly unnoticeable sign that pointed into a narrow hallway for the bathroom. I darted for it and turned the corner.

As soon as I came clear of the crowd, I ran into something hard.

"Oof, I'm so sorry!" I scrambled from the floor and attempted to stand up but felt my hand wrap around something warm. Our fingers intertwined and I was able to push myself from the floor back to standing.

My eyes went upwards to see who I almost ran over but they met a set of caramel eyes and I hitched my breath.

Nolan Moore.