A/N: This is a modern day twist on how they met, with some all of the circumstances changed. Hope you enjoy it.
***An airport in Tennessee***
Jennifer Edwards gets off her plane and heads to the baggage claim. She is finally back in her hometown, for the first time in months. She was just fired from her job as a lawyer. She had been working for the federal government. A few months ago, there had been an election, and well, she played for the wrong team. So, she had to go. She decided to take a sabbatical and spend some time with her family before she got a new job.
She claimed her luggage, and put her sunglasses on. She rented a car, and headed home.
***The Edwards residence***
Jennifer pulled up and parked. Her parents had a lot of cars in the driveway, so she guessed they must be having some friends over.
She came in the house and put her luggage down.
"Hi sweetheart".
'Hi momma!" She ran and gave her a big hug.
"What are you doing here?"
"Well, I was fired from my job yesterday, so I put everything in storage, turned in my apartment key, and I am here for a bit. In a few weeks I will figure out what I am gonna do and then find a place".
"Fired? Why?"
"Because it was a government job, mom, and I didn't vote for the one in charge. He sent out a ridiculous order and I wouldn't defend it, so I got the ax".
They chatted a bit, and then she took her luggage upstairs. She came back downstairs, and her mom introduced her to all her friends.
"This is our monthly bridge club, but all we do is talk and drink wine".
"Where's Daddy?"
Her mom and dad were both educators, and very busy people.
"He had a business dinner with someone who wants to establish a scholarship for the seniors at his school. He should be here any minute".
Everyone was asking Jennifer about her flight and how comfy she looked.
"Thanks. It was an ok flight. But I had long layovers so I wanted to be very comfortable". She had on some yoga pants and a soft tee shirt and some flip flops.
Her dad got home then, and had someone with him.
"Hi Daddy!" She gave him a huge hug.
He introduced his friend to everyone.
"This is Jonathan Hart, and he is wanting to develop a scholarship for the seniors from my school. He has a dinner party he is going to in about a half an hour, so I brought him here with me".
Jennifer extended her hand towards Jonathan.
"Nice to meet you. I'm Jennifer".
"Wonderful to meet you."
There was an electricity between them, that they both felt.
Jennifer's dad looked at her. "What are you doing here?"
"I lost my job yesterday. So, I am taking some time to figure out what's next".
Jonathan was interested.
"What do you do?"
"I am a lawyer".
"Do you want to stay with law?"
"Maybe. I have a journalism degree as well."
"Well, I own my own corporation, and I just found out that I need a new lawyer. I would love to give you a shot if you are interested".
"We can talk about it, yes".
"You would have to move to Los Angeles, but you would be working in my corporate office, and it's a paid position that comes with benefits, 401k, and paid vacations".
"What's the salary?"
"What were you making at your last job?"
She pulled her phone out, and typed in a number that was 6 figures.
She showed it to him.
"I will pay you 4 times that".
"Deal".
They shook hands. He quickly wrote out a contract, and she signed it.
Her dad gave her another hug and then left to go to his meeting.
Her mom invited him to sit down with them, and he did. Jennifer did too.
He asked her some questions about her legal experience, and she told him.
"Tell me something. I have a business owner who is suing me because I wouldn't buy his business to bail him out. He wanted me to be a silent buyer and let him run it. I said no, and now he is suing. How would you defend that?"
"There really isn't a defense, because he asked you to buy his business and you didn't agree to the terms, and you are definitely not obligated to purchase the company. I would probably also bring up that you are within your rights to protect your investment and had you invested in his company by purchasing it, but you let him run it and he didn't correct his mistakes that had led him to needing your bail out in the first place, then you would be losing your investment and not protecting yourself".
"Exactly. I tell you what, he's going to be at the dinner party tonight, would you like to go with me, and you can explain it to him? It's a business dinner, of course".
"Sure. I'll be ready in 30 minutes".
She got up and ran upstairs and took a shower. She found a teal cocktail dress that was ¾ sleeves, teal lace over beige material. It looked amazing on her. She paired it with black 5 inch stiletto pumps with a thick toe, and a black clutch. She straightened her hair, and pulled the top part back.
She headed downstairs.
"OK, I'm ready".
Her mom's jaw dropped.
Her mom's friends jaws dropped.
Jonathan's jaw dropped.
"You look gorgeous".
"Thank you".
She could tell her mom didn't approve, but she was young, so what? The dress looked amazing on her, and she was going out with the handsomest man she had met in ages. She knew that he had said it was a business dinner, but in her mind, this was date number one.
"Don't wait up, Momma". She kissed her mom goodbye, and they headed out.
***Dinner Party***
They walked into the dinner party, and he introduced her to everyone as the newest member of his legal team.
They found a table and he ordered them a cocktail.
His business partner didn't show up, so they had dinner alone. Well, alone in a crowded restaurant.
After they ate, they danced on the dance floor and had a great time. He ordered them some champagne for the table, and sat in a booth and drank and talked. They took dancing breaks, and he was the best dancer she had ever known. She loved being in his arms and hoped it would never end. He was enjoying himself too, and was coming up with reasons to see her more often.
They got in the car to head back to her parents house.
"Jennifer, do you believe in dating someone you work with?"
"It's never worked out for me before."
He didn't have the nerve to ask his next question.
***The next day***
Jennifer woke up with a nice hangover. She slept a little, and then got up and took a shower and then went downstairs. Her mom had left her a note that they would be home by 5 and that she could invite Jonathan to dinner if she wanted to.
She grabbed her phone to text him, and saw that he had texted her.
"I need to give you some briefs about some cases, can I bring them by this afternoon?"
She replied yes, and told him he could come whenever he wanted.
She quickly ran and changed out of her lounging clothes, and did her hair and put on some makeup.
He rang the doorbell and she let him in.
"Hi!"
"Hello."
They came into the living room, and she got him a drink.
They sat down and he started telling her about all the files and what each file was and what she had to do.
She was making lists and taking notes.
"You are the head of the legal department, so you will have about 4 people who will get files for you, do research, whatever. But when we go to court, or we are drawing up a contract, it's you that I will be taking with me".
"Perfect".
She had butterflies in her stomach and hoped they weren't noticeable.
After about an hour of going through all the files, she made them some snacks and they started chatting about their everyday interests.
He was surprised that she had heard of him before.
"Yes, I saw you on the news when you would come to New York. They would always talk about you on the news".
"Really? I have a few properties and companies in New York".
"Where do you not own companies?"
"Alaska".
"I can see why".
"So, what's your favorite way to relax?"
"Well, when I was in New York, I had a routine that I would do, where I would put on my lounging clothes, and pour some champagne or a martini, and lay around watching TV, or take a bubble bath while drinking my cocktail. I also like to listen to music on my terrace, or lay by the pool in the sun".
She looked at him.
"What about you?"
"I like to lay in the bed and read the paper. I also enjoy a nice glass of champagne. I find that it isn't really what you do, as long as you enjoy the company you are doing it with. So, if I have a good friend to do it with, I am happy".
He stayed for dinner, and they kept talking. Her mom really enjoyed getting to know him.
She was helping her mom clean up after dinner. Jonathan and her dad were in the den talking about the scholarship.
"He's so nice. I am so glad you finally found someone so nice".
"Mom, he is nice. But we are just friends, nothing more. He is my boss, not my date".
Her mom understood, but hoped it would change.
Meanwhile, in the den, the men were talking about the scholarship.
"I want this scholarship to go to foster children, or to children who don't have a family."
"Why is that?"
"Well, I was left in an orphanage before I was 3. And I was 15 when they told me I needed to leave soon, because nobody wanted to adopt me. And I was selling newspapers on the street corner, and this guy named Max came and would buy a paper from me every single day. After about 4 months, he gave me a ride one day when it was raining, and on that car ride he asked about my family. I told him that I didn't have a family and that he was the only person I talked to each day. He dropped me off at the orphanage, and then came back the next day and told them he wanted to be my legal guardian. I went to live with him, he taught me to shave correctly, gave me an education, gave me a place to live. I graduated high school, and joined the Navy. When I got out of the Navy, I started my own company and hired him to work for me. So, I get that I was lucky, but not everyone has a Max. I want this scholarship to go to someone who doesn't have a Max".
Jennifer overheard that conversation and her heart broke for him.
She went and joined them in the den.
"When do I need to start working in the office?"
"Well, I can fly you out to California tomorrow with me, and we have a corporate apartment you can stay in till you find a place".
She nodded.
He left soon after to head to his hotel, and she went upstairs to pack and go to bed.
***The next day***
Jennifer was up early, and had breakfast with her parents before they left for work. Jonathan was meeting her at the airport at 10.
She had decided to be cute comfortable today. She had on distressed skinny jeans, wedges, and a flowy blue top. She had pulled half her hair up and had her sunnies on the top of her head.
"Call us when you get there, and enjoy your new job. After you get settled, we will come visit".
"Thanks. I love you. Sorry for just dropping in".
"We love to have you, whenever".
They left and she stayed there a little longer and then headed to the airport to meet Jonathan.
She had never flown on a private plane before. She had no idea about the treat she was about to get.
***At the airport***
She called him and told him she was turning in the rental car. He told her to come outside and he would pick her up.
He had hired a personal driver for the day. They picked her up and took her around to the back of the airport and onto the tarmac.
She and Jonathan got out and he had her get on the plane first.
She climbed up the steps, and went onboard. It was the most glamorous plane she had ever seen. Long bench seats ran the length of the plane on both sides. There were a few tables you could sit at. At the back of the plane was a spacious bathroom and a set of steps. She put her stuff down on one of the benches and went upstairs. There was a full size bed up there, and a full size bath and shower.
There was a flat screen television downstairs and upstairs and a full bar in the back part of the plane. This was heaven.
She came downstairs and sat down on one of the benches.
"This is so nice, thank you so much for letting me fly back with you".
"Anytime".
He scooted closer to her and put his arm behind her on the couch.
She pulled a book out of her bag and started reading.
He turned the TV on and was watching an old movie.
A few hours into the flight, she went to the back section and laid down on one of the benches. He came and found her and told her she could go upstairs and lay down if she wanted to.
She nodded, and headed up there. She got all comfy, and slept for a few hours.
He came up there about 30 minutes before they were going to land.
"Jennifer….Jennifer…" She stirred and sat up.
"We are landing in about 30 minutes."
"Ok, thank you".
He helped her sit up.
She folded up the blanket and straightened up the pillows.
"I have a great idea".
"What's that?"
"Have dinner with me. I can tell you about the company and some of our policies, and you won't have to worry about cooking dinner your first night in the new place".
"Ok, if you're sure".
"I'm sure".
"I need to rent a car to drive till I buy one".
"No, you can drive one of mine. I have several".
"You are too kind, Mr. Hart".
"It's a curse".
They went downstairs and buckled up for the landing.
After the plane came to a stop, he helped her with her bags and they got off the plane. He had a car waiting for him. They put their luggage in the trunk, and then he helped her into the backseat.
"Where are we going?"
"To the corporate apartment. I will have my houseman, Max, bring you the Mercedes."
She nodded.
They rode along and he pointed out the sites to her as they passed them.
The corporate apartment was only about 20 minutes from Hart Industries.
He showed her the building as they passed it.
They finally got to the apartment, and went inside.
The name of the complex was Bay Harbor Apartments.
***Bay Harbor Apartments***
They went inside the apartment. It was on the first floor, and had a beachfront terrace. It was cute, had a big master bedroom and bathroom, with a walk-in shower. It had a gourmet kitchen with lots of counter space.
He helped her bring her stuff in, and she quickly rearranged the furniture how she would like it. It had a very nice couch, a plush recliner and a flat screen tv. There was a glass coffee table, and a couple end tables to round it out.
The bedroom had a king sized bed, a nightstand, a flat screen TV, a huge walk in closet with lots of shelves, one tall dresser, and one long dresser.
"I love this place! How long can I stay here?"
"Well, typically a few months, but I won't tell if you don't."
"Thanks, boss".
"Call me Mr. H."
"Ok, Mr. H."
He sat there while she put her clothes in the closet and unpacked her suitcases and then he waited while she took a quick shower and got ready.
"Where are we going for dinner? Is there a dress code?"
"Do you like Italian?"
"Sure".
"We can go to La Scala. It's casual, not too dressy, but not yoga pants".
"Got it".
She put on a short pink dress with flowy sleeves, and some strappy black wedges.
She looked gorgeous. After doing her makeup and straightening her hair, she came out to the living room.
"Do you need to go home and change?"
"No, I'm good".
They headed out. Max had brought her the Mercedes, so they took that.
***La Scala***
They were seated immediately at La Scala. He ordered them a bottle of champagne, and an appetizer. After they placed their dinner orders, they drank some champagne and he was telling her the basic rules of the office.
"I let everyone set their own schedules for the most part, unless you are hourly. So, you can do a 9 to 5, or a 10 to 6, whatever you want, unless we have a meeting scheduled. Those meetings start promptly at 8:30. We have those at least once a month, but usually more.
If we are having a board meeting, then the dress code is business professional. If we are just at the office, you can lessen it some. Fridays are usually jeans days. We will give you a parking tag, and you can park in the parking garage. Aside from that, there's really nothing else that I would say is a rule".
She nodded.
"I think I can handle that".
They spent the next hour eating and talking, and when they had finished their dinner, he poured them one more glass of champagne.
"To new employees who are hopefully new friends".
"I will drink to that".
They clinked glasses and took a sip.
"I want to thank you for a lovely dinner, and for hanging out with me the past few days, and for letting me borrow your car. I will get one this weekend and get that one back to you".
"You're welcome."
He stared at her.
"Will you go somewhere with me? I want to show you something".
"Sure".
She followed him to the car, and he helped her in.
They drove to her apartment, and went inside.
"kick your shoes off".
She did as she was told.
He got out his phone and hooked it to her wireless speaker. He played a song on the phone for her and they danced.
The song was "Arms Length Away, by Sammy Kershaw.
How long have we been/ the very best of friends
I've always heard you say/I could tell you anything
Oh the times I made you laugh/the times I dried your tears
Through the good and bad/I've always been right here
An arm's length away/right in front of your face
This close to your lips/right at your fingertips
That one true love/you're dreaming of
Darlin', what would you say/if I told you
It's an arms length away
For so long I've longed to hold you/Oh the nights I almost told you/
Stopped myself afraid/of just what you might say
And the love that you have searched for/that seems so out of reach
Have you ever stopped to think/it might be me
An Arm's length away/right in front of your face/
This close to your lips/right at your fingertips
That one true love/you're dreaming of
Darlin' what would you say/if I told you it's an arms length away
The song ended and they stopped dancing. She looked at him with tears in her eyes.
"Really?"
He nodded.
"I am crazy about you. I made up excuses to spend time with you because I couldn't' bear to spend a day without seeing you".
"That's so sweet. You didn't have to do that, though. You could have just asked me to spend time with you. I would have said yes".
"So, would you be open to having an adult relationship?"
"Under any other circumstances, absolutely. But, you're my boss, and I don't want to jeopardize that".
"I understand".
"I'm sorry, I don't want to hurt you, but I just don't think I should date my boss. I am totally fine with us hanging out and being friends, but I don't think we should take things farther than that while I work for you".
"That's fair".
She looked at him for a minute, and he assured her it was fine.
Outside, maybe it was. Inside, he was dying.
Inside, she was too.