The Date

I had the worst Monday of all mondays. Mostly because Nolan completely dismissed me this morning and then Sam asked me out.

What was I suppose to say? I couldn't exactly say no because he's a nice guy and I kind of kissed him at the club last weekend.

I sighed as I sulked into my chair. When did my life become so complicated, so derailed?

The clock on my small spaced wall ticked louder than usual. The unruling silence that filled my office space was getting to be annoying. I could feel my face twitch with each tick.

I hadn't been given many tasks today other than reviewing some amateur articles for the paper. Most of them were for the comedic section and I hate to say that they were not funny.

I sighed once more but sat up when I heard a knock.

I spun around in my chair to see Sam. His pleasant smile warmed me on the inside. Something about him just melted away the annoyance. He looked sharper than usual and even fixed his blonde hair to the side as if it was pomade.

Sam leaned against the door opening. "This is quite unusual but Nolan thought it would be good for the intern to join in on our meeting this afternoon. You up for that?"

I immediately nodded my head, shaking away the thoughts of Sam, in hopes to get a glimpse of Nolan. Maybe even a private word with him.

I stood up and brought my iPad with me to keep notes.

"It's an intense meeting." Sam warned as we walked through the office. "There are some pretty intimidating people in this company that love to target naive employees."

His lips curled into a smile as his green eyes looked me over. I couldn't help but return the smile.

I raised my brow soon after. "I'm not naive. I can handle it." I said with confidence, almost believing myself.

My reaction made Sam grin harder, wrinkling his cheeks and he looked at me once more before we entered the conference room.

"I know you'll be great." He said.

When we entered the office, all eyes fell on me, including Nolan's. His eyes then averted away towards the window siding that was entirely glass and overlooked the bay of the city.

That did not make me feel any better. I started to sulk and slump over but fixed my posture when I encountered the others of the room.

There were four other individuals sitting at the elongated table.

A woman sat closest to Nolan's seat. Her blonde hair and side profile looked very familiar. Her lips were plump and covered in a shade of red while her eye lashes were also coated in mascara. The appearance went well with her outfit which was a one piece black satin romper. It tied around her waist with a bow.

The other side of Nolan sat a man with similar hair color but darker. His eyes lit up when I began to take a seat at the far end of the table and he gave me a smile. His suit was much fancier than Sam or Nolan. Tailored with specific cuff links and a tie.

The other two men looked exactly alike, seriously. Brown hair parted to the side and the same suit with two different colored ties. They were furiously writing notes on the pad in front of them, arguing back and forth like school girls.

"Fashionably late as always." The man beside Nolan grimaced, holding his head high.

Sam snorted and sat beside the blonde. "You're always early." He retorted, laughing at his own sex innuendo.

"You're both fowl." The blonde scoffed and flicked her hair behind her ear. "Who is this?" She questioned.

Sam twirled in his chair to smile at me. "My new intern Liv. Nolan requested she be in on this meeting."

All eyes fell on Nolan as he readjusted his tie as if he was sweating. In a way he was.

"Right." He breathed nervously then shifted into a professional manner. "This is Margo. Our fashion and beauty editor." He pointed to the blonde.

"Over here is Owen, the sports editor." Nolan motioning his direction to the fancy suit man to his other side.

lastly, he pointed to the twins. "These are Gabriel and Griffin, our social media and comics editors."

Nolan eventually sat down with a disheveled expression.

"Its a pleasure to meet you Miss Liv." Owen flashed me a smile as well as a wink and immediately Nolan clenched his jaw.

I could feel my body grow warm in embarrassment. "Thanks for having me here." I reply with a fake smile.

Sam motioned me to sit beside him but Nolan held his hand up.

"Sit at the other end please and take notes." He commanded in which I fully submitted and followed his directions.

By the time the meeting was over, Nolan wouldn't take his eyes off me. They were piercing through the empty space between us, hitting me like a uncontrollable train.

I shifted in my seat quite a few times, feeling uncomfortable for even being here, but I didn't want to given Nolan or any of them the satisfaction of me being afraid.

"So that's that." Owen said, closing his notebook. "Let's do this over email next time." With a boring expression, he stood from the table.

I stood up also and nodded at Owen as he went out the door, but the man gave me a chilling smile. As if he meant something else by it, but I shook off the feeling.

Gabriel and Griffin were closely behind and exited the conference room while Sam stretched his legs and stared out the window with a large yawn.

"I'd say it was a good meeting." Margo straightened her clothing when she stood. "We don't get to meet together very much." Her eyes were sculpted with make up to resemble a cat-like appearance, suiting her attitude.

She walked over to Nolan, who was still staring at me.

"I missed you the other night when you ran off." She slithered the words out. "Should we get lunch?" The freshly painted nails attached to her fingers found themselves trailing over his broad shoulders in a sensual way.

Nolan still didn't look away from me. Instead, his expression turned into a smirk. "Lunch would be perfect." He spoke.

My eyes were about to pop out of my head. I couldn't believe this jerk. Then it dawned on me. That woman is the same woman I saw at the club. The same woman he was dancing with and kissing. How can I be so stupid?

My face began to flush a shade of red, overwhelmed with a feeling of anger and sadness. I clutched my iPad and immediately went out the door, but Sam hurriedly followed me.

"Whoa there race horse. Why in such a hurry?" He joked.

I couldn't take any of his jokes right now. I felt so sick to my stomach that I could vomit. I stopped in the hallway, watching Margo and Nolan walk out of the conference room and headed towards us to pass by.

"I'm actually not feeling well." I manage to choke out the words. "Is it okay if I go home?" I asked him. I was pleading to myself on the inside that he'd let me go.

Sam blinked with concern, immediately changing his expression. "Of coarse. Should I cancel dinner reservations?"

There was no way in hell I was going to pass up dinner with Sam on account of feeling sorry for myself for falling for that man!

I shook my head. "I should be fine by then." I smile warmly, noticing a fiery stare from Nolan that seemed to have been eavesdropping. "Don't cancel."

Sam smiled in response but I instinctively leaned over and planted a kiss on his cheek, lingering for a moment enough to hear a scoff escape from Nolan. I then walked passed Margo and Nolan to leave the building.

After a few hours at home, I felt better. I took a shower, I put on some make up and even put on a fitted dress for my date with Sam. I wanted to impress him. I wanted to exhilarate him to an extent of wanting more. Right?

Nolan played me. Literally. He reeled me in just as he probably does with other women and I took the bait. I took it like a naive bimbo. Who does he think he is? I wasn't going to let that happen again.

I sighed and looked over myself in the mirror for a moment before I got a text.

"Omw, be there in 5 :)" Sam's text reminded me of being in high school.

I laughed at the thoughts and grabbed my leather jacket to leave.

Sam drove us to a less crowded area of the city. It was more suburban life but still has a scenic town. He parked near a small restaurant and opened my car door.

"Thank you." I said and he bent forward his arm for me to take it.

We walked to the hostess and we're seated by the garden. It was a very darkened restaurant but was lit up by candle lights and flowers. A small jazz band was nestled in one of the corners, softly playing live music.

"This place is beautiful." I exclaim which made Sam smile.

"I knew you'd like it!" He then requested a bottle of champagne for the table.

"Thank you for inviting me out." I continue. "I suppose we should talk about last weekend.." my voice trails off when I felt a warm touch to the top of my hand.

I look up to see Sam cradling my hand. His hair was much messier than earlier. I liked it better this way. His green eyes were brighter and I couldn't stop studying his face. He was so genuine since the day I met him.

"We don't have to talk about it at all." He smiles. "I just wanted to take you out." His thumb rubbed against my skin, giving me a pleasurable shiver.

I smile in response and we ordered food.

"So now that you've met the big dogs of the journaling world. What do you think?"

My eyes widen and I shrug. "I don't know yet. I'm very grateful for being asked to participate."

He chuckles. "No more 'I'm the CEOs daughter'?" he teased but I frown.

"Not my finest hour. She's only my step mother." I groan.

Sam looked at me with interest. "You don't like her?" He questioned.

"She's been around for a while..no walk in the park but not too bad. She's definitely not my mom.." I instantly stop talking and take a sip of champagne in hopes to change the subject.

Sam seemed eager to know more about me, but could tell I was uncomfortable.

"I'm sorry. I just want to get to know you more."

I shake my head. "No no it's okay." I fiddle with my napkin in my lap. "I just don't have much to say about it. My mom is gone and my dad needs to fill the void."

Sam nodded. "Is your mom.." he began to question.

"She's dead." I answered him quickly then sighed. "Cancers a bitch." I finally say with a slight croak.

Sam softened his eyes, extending sympathy to me as he took my hand again.

"I'm sorry for your loss." He said.

I ignored the words and put on a fake smile.

"Let's get going." He smiles and stands from the table. "I want to go to one more place." He leads me away from the restaurant by my hand.

We didn't get in the car so I'm assuming it was close by. Sam lead me to a park further down the street, crossing the street. It was light up with hanging lights and trails spread throughout.

"Come on." He mumbles and pulls me along until we get to the bank of a river. We could see the city from the side and it looked so breathtaking. The lights from the building seemed to have lit up the entire city even late at night like a night light.

Sam looked over to me, "Its not a busy place like the city. But it's quiet enough to recollect thoughts and relax."

I smile and step forward. "I think it's wonderful." I say. "Thank you for showing me."

A few moments later and I feel a set of arms curl around me from behind. A heavy weight leaned against my back and I could feel a breath fan my neck. The sudden touch made my skin form goosebumps.

I instantly turn around to see Sam staring down at me. His expression was soft and gentle and those green eyes left me in a trance. I could tell he was waiting for me to give him permission.

Without a second thought, our eyes lock and I found myself leaning upwards to him.

His lips came crashing down on mine in response to my body language. At first heavy, but soon gentle and sweet. The supple kiss turned into Sam grasping the side of my face in a cradling position as I laid my hands against his chest. His lips parted mine, taking more control.

I couldn't believe the feeling that sparked between us. It was completely different than what I felt with Nolan. I felt safe and comfortable with Sam. He was completely different here than inside at work. I had no idea Sam was romanticizing the moment.

I felt a slight tangling pull in my hair while the kiss we shared became more fierce. Our mouths opened and closed in unison but also initiated pressure to signal the heat rising between us. I could feel my heart pick up in pace as his free hand grappled my waist in his direction. This new feeling sent me into a fit of emotions. I was exhilarated by his sudden change, hungry for more.

I tiled my head to deepen the kiss and gripped the loose areas of his button down for anchoring myself to him. He was intoxicating—mesmerizing.

"Liv.." he breathed out, breaking our kiss and snapping me from my trance.

I stood in silence as I looked at him.

"Let's get you home." He smiles.

My mouth dropped open in a tantrum rage. I wanted more and..he was teasing me?! Is that even possible? I groan and follow him back to the car.

On the ride home, I watched Sam as his hand made it's way over to my knee, resting there politely. I felt playful and happy from the gesture.

When we made it home, Sam kissed my forehead. "Goodnight." he smiles.

I was taken aback by the gentleman behavior that I was left stunned while I walked to my apartment door. Is this normal? Is this what I should expect for men to treat me? Despite the forward, disrespectful behavior I received from Nolan, I felt at peace from my night with Sam.

I unlocked my door and stepped inside, tossing the keys to the entry table by the door. With a happy sigh, I peeled the jacket off my arms.

"Sara?" I called out, hoping she'd still be awake. I couldn't wait to tell her about my night.

I didn't hear her so I went to her room across from mine, but she wasn't there. Maybe she was still out. I went back to the kitchen, opened the fridge and pulled out a water bottle to drink.

When I closed the fridge, I heard a knock at the door, forcing me to jump and drop my water.

"Jesus." I muttered and went to the door. Who the hell would be here? Maybe it was Sam. I smile at the thought and quickly open to the door to see a man towering over me. His hands were planted on either side of the door frame.

My breathing hitched in my throat, taking a hard gulp as my eyes trailed up to meet a pair of caramel orbs.

"Liv.." His voice huskily breathed out my name.