They came into the suite, and Jennifer headed straight to her room.
"Jennifer, if something's wrong, you can tell me. I promise I'll help you in any way I can".
"I'm fine. That man I was talking to was an ex, that's all. He was glad to run into me, but I was hoping to never see him again as long as he lived".
"And you're upset that you ran into him?"
"I'm more upset that he lived".
Jonathan chuckled.
"Joke's on him, though. I told him I just moved here to London".
"Are you that worried he's going to bother you again?"
"Yes. He's like a rash that won't go away".
Jonathan picked up the phone and called the front desk.
"Hi, this is Jonathan Hart. I'm in the penthouse. If an Elliott Manning asks any questions about whether or not Jennifer Edwards has checked out, please tell him that she has. No messages, no phone calls and no deliveries. Thank you".
He hung up.
"As long as we are here, he won't bother you".
"Thank you".
She stepped into her room and got what she needed for her bath.
For the next hour, she soaked and relaxed and tried like hell to put Elliott out of her mind.
***Sunday***
Jonathan and Jennifer were flying back to New York later today, so they made a final stop at one of their favorite restaurants. They both had a meal and then got another one to take with them on the plane.
As soon as they were on the plane, Jennifer heaved a sigh of relief. She was finally getting away from Elliott once more.
They had a pretty easy flight, and watched movies and read and talked some.
Jennifer realized that she felt the most comfortable around Jonathan with anyone.
"How long are you going to be in town this time?"
"Flying home Wednesday".
"I see".
"Not because I want to, but because I have to. I have a board of directors meeting I have to prepare for".
"I am not looking forward to going to the office tomorrow. It's going to be hard to get back to the grind".
"I know what you mean".
They landed, and then exited the plane and he had the car service take them to her apartment first.
He helped her with her bags. She grabbed 2 and he grabbed two, and they headed inside.
"I cannot thank you enough for letting me tag along. London with you was really fun".
"I enjoyed it also, I'm glad you wanted to go with me".
He set her bags down on the couch.
"Ok, I said I was going to make sure you were inside safely, and you are".
"I am. Goodnight, thank you again".
She gave him a hug and he loved every second of it.
"I'll talk to you soon".
She locked the door behind him, and headed to unpack, wondering if she was ever going to get to experience kissing him again.
***Two weeks later***
Jennifer was at work, and was about to head to lunch when a bouquet of flowers was delivered for her.
She stared at it for a few minutes and smelled them. It was a bouquet of hot pink new roses, with purple heather in a crystal vase.
She dug for the card and pulled it off.
Coming in town this weekend. Free Friday and Saturday. Dinner? Call me. 424.345.4278 Jonathan
She smiled and picked up the phone and called him.
"Hello?"
"Hey, it's me. Thank you for the flowers".
"Hey me, how are you doing?"
She chuckled.
"I'm fine. Yes, to dinner".
"Great. How about I meet you at 6, and we'll go to McDonald's and you can play in the ball pit all night?"
"No thank you".
"Damn. I'm never going to get in that ball pit. Ok, I'll make us reservations somewhere and surprise you, how about that?"
"I'd love it. You sound like you're in a good mood".
"I am, actually. Things have really been going my way today".
"Well that's great. Are you only going to be in town for the weekend?"
"Yes, unfortunately. I have a meeting in New York Friday morning, but I also have one Thursday afternoon I can't miss. And then I have another meeting here in LA on Monday morning, that I can't miss either. So, it's fly in, do the meeting, see you, and fly out".
"Well, I'm glad to make the agenda".
"You should be, it's a high honor. I have to run, but it was great to talk to you. I'll see you Friday. I'll pick you up at 6".
"Sounds good. I can't wait".
They hung up the phone and then she headed to lunch.
When she came back, she overheard some of the other journalists talking.
"Rumor has it that Hart industries is selling us to Greenleaf Global, the company that owns the New York Gazette."
"I heard that. I also heard that we are going to be merged with the Gazette and that we are all going to have to apply for jobs. And that there are more of us than there are jobs".
"Well, that's not fair".
"No, it's not".
Jennifer didn't join in, but she felt sick at what she had heard. She hoped like hell it was just a rumor and there wasn't any truth to it.
Later that afternoon, when she was alone in the office, she picked up the phone and called Jonathan again.
"Hello?"
"Hey, it's me. You got a minute?"
"Unfortunately, I don't. But I can call you tonight when I get home, if that's ok".
"That's fine, I'll be home all night".
"I promise I'll call you".
"Ok, talk to you then".
She hung up, bundled up and headed to pick up dinner on her way home.
Around 9 p.m., she was in bed, watching tv and looking through house listings, when the phone rang.
"Hello?"
"Hey, it's me".
"Hi. Listen, I wanted to ask you something, and this is really just for peace of mind, more than anything. I heard an office rumor today, that your company is selling the Times to Greenleaf Global".
"Is that all you heard?"
"No. I heard that, plus the fact that Greenleaf is going to make us apply for jobs, and interview with them, and that there are more of us than there are jobs".
"I see".
"Is it true?"
"I can tell you that Greenleaf made me an offer, and I turned it down".
"I see. So, are you saying I need to start looking for a new job?"
"No, I'm not saying that. What I am saying that is they approached me, and their offer was too low for me to make a profit. If they approach me again, or if anyone approaches me again, I will make sure that you guys keeping your positions is in the contract".
"Thank you, I appreciate that".
They chatted about a few other things and then she started yawning, so he told her he had to go.
"Thanks for calling, I'll see you Friday".
"You got it".
***Friday***
Jennifer turned in her latest article about a custody battle and then headed home.
She took a quick shower and then got ready for dinner with Jonathan.
She chose a gray long-sleeved wrap dress that tied at the waist, and some black stiletto boots.
He knocked on the door precisely at 6, and she went and let him in.
"Hi".
"Hi, I'm so glad you're here. I've missed you".
She gave him a big hug and then noticed he was in jeans and a sweater.
"Why do I suddenly feel overdressed?"
"My secretary was supposed to call you and tell you not to dress up".
"Well, she didn't. Do I have time to change?"
"Sure".
She quickly tossed her purse onto the couch and hurried to change.
"Make yourself at home, the tv remote is on the end table", she called out.
He watched tv while she changed, and a few minutes later she emerged in destructed boot cut jeans, a gray and black color block poncho sweater, and some black UGG slides.
"Ok, I'm ready. I apologize".
"It's no problem".
They headed out and got into the limo.
"Where are we headed?"
"Well, I was gifted two tickets to the Knicks game tonight, so I figured we could grab a burger across the street and then walk over".
"I'm good with that".
"That's one of the things I love about you. You are always up for doing just about anything".
"What can I say, I'm a renaissance gal".
They headed to the burger place, and were able to get a table right away.
Jonathan ordered them a basket of half-regular and half-sweet potato fries, to start with.
Jennifer told him all about her latest story.
"Well, it's really an in-depth situation. Basically you have this baby girl, who is barely 2 years old, and she is being fought over by her dad's parents and her mom's sister and brother in law. And it's even more complicated by the fact that the grandparents live in one state and the aunt and uncle live in another. They each have their own judge that's ruling pretty much opposite of the other one. Neither of them trust the other enough to allow them visitation privileges, so that's out. It's just your basic cat and mouse game with the little girl unfortunately caught in the middle."
"How horrible".
He appeared deep in thought.
"What, is it something I said?"
"Your story reminded me of a kid who I lived with at the orphanage. He and I shared a room for about 3 years, and then he got adopted. He was only about 4 months younger than I was and I was real jealous. Then one day, he was back. Turned out, his parents had never filed the final paperwork, and then they split, and neither of them wanted to take him, so he came back to the orphanage. And 3 months later, he was picked again by new parents. A few years later, they split and he took it really hard. Being adopted is hard enough, because you always know deep down, you aren't one of 'them'. But being fought over or not fought over, that's the pits".
"Yeah, I hope someone will put some resolution to things and let one of them adopt her. And that's the thing, there's no easy answer. The grandparents have advantages that the aunt and uncle don't have. But the have things working against them too, just like the aunt and uncle".
The waitress brought their burgers then, and refilled Jonathan's beer.
"So, see, I can't write good stories like that for your paper if you sell us, so don't sell us".
He cracked a smile.
"Good guilt".
"Thanks".
"I meant to tell you, I made those ravioli things for Max and I the other day".
"Oh? How did they turn out?"
"They didn't look good at all. But they tasted amazing. Max liked them, but he didn't love them."
"The secret is to brush the edges of one of the ravioli sides with butter, and then put a spoonful of meat and cheese or whatever in the middle. Put the other side on, pinch three sides together, and then spoon in some sauce and make it as fat as you want, and then seal it closed".
"I'll remember that. Or better yet, maybe you can show me sometime".
"I would love to".
The waitress brought their bill and Jonathan paid it and then they headed across the street.
"I didn't know you were a Knicks' fan."
"I'm not. Someone threw these in as part of a business deal, so I agreed to go. And they are playing the Lakers', who I am a fan of, so I figured why not".
Their seats were courtside, and right on the aisle, which Jonathan preferred.
They got some popcorn and drinks, and then headed to their seats.
They really got into the game, and enjoyed seeing themselves on the jumbotron.
During halftime, he put an arm around her and leaned over.
"So, tomorrow, I was thinking about flying over to Chicago. Want to go with me?"
"Sure, that sounds fun".
"Great. I'll pick you up in the morning at 10, and we'll head out."
"Are we spending the night?"
"No, just flying over, shopping, eating, and then coming back home".
"What are you shopping for?"
"A painting to go in my office".
"Oh, I love shopping for paintings! I know just the place".
After the game was over, they headed back to her place.
"Want to stay for a bit?"
"Sure".
They came inside and she went and put on a t-shirt and some velour track pants and then came back to the living room.
They watched a movie and just hung out for a bit and then he headed home.
"I'll pick you up in the morning around 10".
"I'll be ready. Thanks for dinner and thanks for taking me to the Lakers' game".
"Thanks for going".
She gave him a hug and then he kissed her forehead and then headed to his penthouse.
***Saturday***
Jonathan picked Jennifer up at 10, just like he promised.
They made it to Chicago with absolutely no problems, and then took a limo towards downtown. Jennifer gave the driver the address of the gallery she wanted to go to, and he took them right to it.
Jennifer selected a few paintings that she thought Jonathan would like. He didn't like any of them.
"Ok, so what kind of painting do you want? Do you want a scene, or something more abstract?"
"Abstract".
She picked out several and then he finally chose two of them.
She helped him carry them to the register. While he was checking out, she ran over and looked at another painting.
He finished checking out and came and found her.
"Hi, you ready?"
"Almost. I'm deciding if I need this".
The painting was of a girl on a horse, riding through the snow.
"My mom had this painting in our house when I was little. And I loved it, and she loved it. When she died, my dad sold it in his gallery and I swore I would never speak to him again".
"How long did you last?"
"2 months".
She turned it over and saw the price tag.
"Well, that's that. $18,000 is too outrageous for this print".
They headed to Giancomo's and had authentic deep dish pizza-meatballs and sausage on Jonathan's half, extra cheese and veggies on Jennifer's.
Jennifer declared it to be the best pizza she'd ever eaten.
They headed back to the airport and flew back to New York.
"What do you say we take these leftovers to the penthouse and heat them up? I'll build us a fire and we can watch a movie or whatever".
"Sure".
He had the car service take them to the penthouse and they headed up.
They had a perfectly lovely evening, two friends catching up and just enjoying each other's company.
Finally, around 11, Jennifer decided to head to her apartment.
They took a cab together back to her place.
"Any idea when you are going to be back in town?"
"No plans as of yet. But I'm sure something will come up, I've barely gone a month without coming back here yet".
"Great. Well, have a safe trip home".
"Thanks, I'll call you in a few days".
She gave him a hug and then climbed out of the cab and headed inside.
As she locked the door, she realized that for the first time since she met him, he hadn't walked her inside to her door.
***A month later***
Jennifer came into work at the Times and saw some flowers on her desk and an envelope marked 'urgent'.
The flowers were in a gorgeous purple vase. The bouquet was white roses, hot pink ranunculus and pink and purple gladiolus.
The card read Attending a Gala this weekend. Want to dance with me? Call me-Jonathan.
She picked up the phone and called him.
"Hello?"
"Hey stranger. Thank you for the flowers".
"You're welcome."
"Yes, I would love to dance with you".
"Great."
"Do I need to fly to LA?"
"No, I was talking about a Gala in New York. It's the Literary Society Ball".
"Oh, I've always wanted to go to that! I'm so excited".
"Great. So, I'll fly in Friday night and contact you and we'll figure out the rest".
"Is there a theme to the ball?"
"Yes, that's what it is in the envelope I sent you".
"I have it right here".
She opened it and found two tickets for the ball. The information said it was black tie, and that the theme was bright bold and beautiful.
"Hmmm…I think I have just the dress".
"I can't wait to see you in it".
"I can't wait to see you in a tuxedo".
"I hope to live up to your expectations. Well, I have a meeting, so I have to go. I'll see you Friday".
"Bye Jonathan".
"Bye Jennifer".
They hung up and she got back to work, and smiled all day.
***Thursday night***
Jennifer and Lindsey were hanging out at Jennifer's apartment. Jennifer tried on two dresses, and Lindsey wasn't really impressed with either one.
"What's the theme again?"
"Bright bold and beautiful".
"Ok, so let's look at this a different way. What bright, bold dresses do you have?"
She got up and pulled several out of the closet.
"I have this black and white one, that's pretty bold. And I have whatever is in this garment bag".
She unzipped it to reveal a bright blue rhinestone beaded halter gown with a sculpted back.
"That's it. That's the one".
She slipped it on and Lindsey was in awe. She helped her pick shoes, and jewelry and then she took it all off and hung it back up.
When she was dressed again, they poured themselves some wine and headed to the living room.
They were sitting on the couch having some girl talk when there was a knock at the door.
She got up and answered it.
Jonathan was on the other side.
"Hi!"
"Hi! Come on in. Jonathan, this is my good friend Lindsey. Lindsey, this is my boss Jonathan Hart".
"Hi, it's nice to meet you".
"Like wise."
"So, what are you doing here? I thought you weren't coming here till tomorrow".
"No, I have a meeting in the morning, so I flew in tonight. And I thought I would just swing by and say hi".
"Well, I'm glad you did. Come sit with us".
He came and sat on the couch and Jennifer scooted over and sat next to him.
She leaned over and hugged him.
He noticed Lindsey's Dodgers sweatshirt.
"Brooklyn Dodgers or LA Dodgers?"
"Brooklyn. I refuse to believe they are in LA".
"Well, I've seen them play so I know for a fact they are in Los Angeles".
"No, they really aren't".
They hung out a little longer, and chatted about various things. Jonathan was very impressed by Lindsey and how accomplished she was.
"Well, it's getting late. I better go".
"Here, I'll walk you out".
"Jennifer, can I use your bathroom?"
"Sure, help yourself".
Jennifer walked Jonathan to the elevator.
"Well, it was great to see you. I'm so glad you stopped by".
"Thanks for just letting me ambush you".
He leaned down and hugged her for a long time and then gave her a quick kiss and headed out.
She walked back to her apartment and found Lindsey sitting on the couch.
"What is it?"
"I think I'm dating my boss".