Nights of Fascination

Rikki smiles, but stops as Adaline is interrupted. "Adaline, what's going on? Why did you just say Jace." She said, biting her lip. She had an idea, but Addie told her she had to go and hung up. Confused but also suspicious, Rikki knew she would be prodding about this later.

Jace shook his head. "No, it's not fine." He said. "Something terrible could have happened, and it would be on me." He says, fuming. "Adaline, don't test me. I don't want you walking home in the dark, ever. It's a liability to your safety." He says his lips set in a serious forbidding line. "Adora could make a four course meal in five minutes. You need to eat, your blood pressure must be to the floor." He said with concern, his heart still beating out of his chest. Nothing was worse to him then losing control, and he hadn't been that close since in his past. Feelings of old memories flooded him, and literally caused him to have a headache from being overwhelmed. He was not in a good mood, but he needed her to eat. The waitress looks at him and her eyes twinkle with lust. She keeps her composure however, and asks if he is going to sit. His gloomy eyes look at his hand when she takes it, and without even thinking he pulls it back out of instinct. "I don't like being touched unexpectedly." he says, offering an explanation. She pulls her hand away, and he takes it now and pulls it up to his lips brushing it with his lips. He sets her hand down gently, and decides to take a seat. "A rum on rocks with club soda." He orders. "I've already eaten." his eyes turn to her as the waitress leaves. "I'm taking you home after this." He says, not even asking her.

@ Jinx...

Addie sighed. "But nothing did happen. And I wouldn't walk home from work it's to long a walk and not to mention the heels." she said and smiled gently. "Adora?" she frowned. "I'm sure your girlfriend is quite impressive but I'm also sure she wouldn't want to take care of me or having you take care of me." she said and crossed her legs. "I am a healthy adult Mr. Evans." her tone clipped. "And a small fast once in a while is actually healthy for the body." she said and rolled her eyes as he said he didn't like to be touched unexpectedly. "I only took the hand you had offered. If you hadn't offered I wouldn't have and trust me I will retain myself from doing so again." she said her lips also set in a hard line as she glared at him her emotions like a storm in her eyes making them look extra grey. She gasped as he took her hand and ran it across his lips making her eyes widen and she watches him. The waitress scuttles off and she looks down at her lap. "I already have a ride Mr. Evans." she said still believing he had a girlfriend at home waiting for him. Addie was impressed with how quickly the waitress was back with their drinks. She sipped at the water and sits there across from the man that cause more emotion inside of her than perhaps she had even known all at once. She thanked the waitress as she set the salad down in front of her and she started to eat.

"Adora?" He rasises his eyebrow at her. She continues to glare at him, and he laughs loudly, the sound so unlike his demeanor that it was startling. It made him seem young and free from whatever he was caged from. He was heart enchantingly beautiful in this state. It was unusual for him to laugh, which gave it the ultimate infectious effect. "Adaline.. You don't think Adora is my girlfriend do you?" He looks amused, giving her a small wry smile. "Adora is my maid. She is around 60 years old. Do I sense jealousy?" He says entertained, tapping his finger against the table as he watched her expression. He frowns at her fasting comment, the carefree state he was in just seconds ago washed away. "You are fasting? I don't want you missing meals. You can lack energy when you fast." He says in all seriousness. "Adaline, look at me." He says as she looks at her lap. "I want to see your eyes." He feels an urge to teach her a lesson on her behavior. Fuck, she was a stubborn one. "Believe me when I say that I don't trust anyone picking you up except for me and Hank, especially a god foreseen taxi driver. I am taking you home. End of conversation." He says in response to her attitude. "If you don't want to go with me, then Hank will gladly take you. I am not putting your life at risk again, especially at this hour. Who knows what kind of people are wandering on these city streets. You could break your legs with those heels." Though they do look quite sexy. He thinks to himself. The waitress returns with her food, and sets it down in front of her. He watches her eat with interest, having a drink of his rum. "I want you to finish your meal." He says, in the bossy distant tone he always used.

@ Jinx...

Addie blinked as he started to laugh and she found herself softening and smiling gently although her eyes looked at him with hurt. She didn't respond to his question as he asked if that was what she though. In fact she looked away from him until he told her who Adora was. She blushed as he asked if she was jealous. She tilted her head down and looked away not saying anything to that either. She wouldn't give him the added satisfaction since he could already seem to read her body language. "No I'm not fasting but even if I was I would be fine. She looked up at him as he told her too and she blushed. Again he told her he wanted to see her eyes and she bit her lip. "What if I didn't want to see yours?" she asked him back then shook her head. "I wasn't getting a taxi and you haven't even met Rikki yet. She is more reliable that you..." she said and frowned knowing that was a low blow. "I'm sorry." she said immediately. Because she had just been a little to harsh she didn't argue as he told her to finish her meal. She finished her food and her water then asked for the check. She looked at Jace now. "I'm sorry Jace. You just make me..." she didn't know the word for it. "I act out against you because I don't know how to act around you. Just when I think I start to understands where your boundaries are you go and cross them." she was being very vulnerable as she told him this hoping to make up for her earlier outburst.

The words take a blow to him, and his eyes twinkle with injury from it. He is clearly hurt by it, his lips pressing together and as he counts to ten and slowly exhales mentally. His jaw clenches as his face darkens. He is angry, but finally speaks after a moments silence, his voice deceptively calm despite being cold. "I'm not leaving until your home safe. Afterwards, I will leave you alone so you don't have to look at me anymore." He is quiet the rest of the time as she finishes eating. It was tense, but she finally speaks. Apologizing again, his eyes soften. He knew she was acting in a wrong state of mind and was upset that he didn't arrange a ride home for her. It was partly his fault, he had lost his control and didn't plan out the day like he should have. He looks into her eyes now, and she looks at him too and he instantly feels a sense of relief knowing she voluntarily wanted to look at him. "I forgive you, Adaline. It was my fault, too." he stands up, taking out his wallet and leaving a hundred dollar bill to ensure it would be enough to cover the bill. He takes her hand gently, and leads her out the door. Once outside from the busyness in the restaurant, he gives her hand a gentle squeeze as they walk down the sidewalk to his luxury vehicle. He leans forward and opens the door for her, and as she gets in he helps her and sets his hand on the small of her back. Closing the door, he goes around to the drivers side and starts up the vehicle. "I want to show you something." He says mysteriously.

@ Jinx...

Addie would have argued with him over the meal but she had put her foot in her mouth enough for one day. She took his hand and stood. "Thank you for Dinner Mr. Evans." she said her voice soft, careful. They walked out of the restaurant and though she could still feel the tension between them she also felt like they had gotten somewhere. He realized she wasn't a play thing for him to boss around and expect her not to get hurt, not something he could play with then forget. Addie got into the car with him shivering at the feel of his hand on her back. "Thank you." she said as she got into the car. She buckled up and sat there waiting for him to come around wondering if he was going to distance himself from her now. She felt like he would and it made her sad. She didn't want him to pull away from her like this. He started the vehicle and his voice interrupted her thoughts surprising her with them. "Okay." she said and looked at him as he drove. She bit her lip gently wondering what it was he wanted to show her. She was guessing it was not home but somewhere else entirely. Addie was curious about that it was he had on his mind that he needed to show her. She knew hardly anything about it and that was one of the reasons her responses to him made her so on edge. She didn't know how you could have such strong emotions over someone you hardly knew.

"It was my pleasure." He says, looking at her intensely. Despite the lack of manners moments ago as she lashed out at him, Jace knew Adaline was testing her limits tonight and had learned her lesson and was now being careful around him. His eyes glanced at her seatbelt, before he did his own. Shoulder checking, he quickly pulls out of the curb and into the city. Lights around him shine in the gloominess, the sunset mid way in the horizon. He drives right past the area she lived, and into a whole new part of the city that was steady but not quiet. People still walked the streets, mostly people who worked overtime or was looking for a place to party. Jace pulled up to a large building. A CAT excavator stood outside, as pilons and construction tape surrounded the beautiful building. It was built by a famous architecture, and Jace felt it was the perfect place to hold his art. "Welcome to my art museum. It's still a work in progress, but I wanted to show you it myself." Turning off the vehicle, he takes her hand once again when they are outside. The long drive to the middle of the city caused the sky to darken more so. He pulls out a key attached to a leather key holder, and pop it into the door. As he pushes the first door open, he takes her through the revolving second door. It was between these doors where he planned to have security. "I plan to have a new security system implemented here before we move pieces in." He says, knowing that the key in hole thing was a bit old school for a man who owned a multi billionaire tech company. Once inside, he flicks on a few lights. The whole interior was completely empty, white walls in the middle of being repainted and teared apart, the tiles on the floor in the middle of being stripped. An elevator for the handicapped and a tall set of stairs led up to a second floor. "So? Do you have an idea what this place will be like now?" he lets go of her hand, but stays closely. He can see her curiously observing the building, and in the moment of silence he feels at peace.

@ Jinx...

Addie sat in her seat in the silence with him as they drove. She rested back her things on the floor by her feet. She smiled as they pulled up to the beautiful building. Jace had taken her to the museum and she beamed. The sunset shinned behind the building giving it a magical glow. "Wow." she said. She walked in with him and chuckled as he rushed to explain they needed to update the security. She walked in and looked around her mind already working with pieces she saw that would fit the room beautifully. She walked out into the middle of the room and turned looking around her eyes light with delight and wonder. She turned to Jace as he asked her what she thought and she smiled happily. "This is amazing!" she said and grinned. "Can we go up the stairs?" she asked him and pulled her hands behind her back to stop herself from going to him and grabbing his hand. She was excited and she looked around at everything already seeing the vision. "Jace this is going to be splendid. Not only is the building perfect but I can see what you are all doing here and I can see the pieces that need to be in here. I can see what you want to do here." she said and smiled at him wondering what he had intended with having her come with him tonight like this. Addie didn't know but she was glad for it for sure. This made her so excited for the things that she was contributing to the gallery. "What are you going to name it?" she asked him guessing she wasn't keeping the family name.

He watched as she waltzed around in glee, feeling her energy just by being a in a half torn down building. It was a work of art, truly. "I'm glad you like it. Have I impressed you, Ms. Laurent?" he touches the dry wall, feeling if carefully and pulling his hand back when he realized it was still mildly damp. The whole place would be beautiful once finished, he could see it. "Yes, of course. I didn't bring you here to show you only the bottom floor." he smiles. "I've never seen you this excited before." he says with a hint of admiration. "Come on." He takes a hand from behind her back, running his thumb over her knuckles with consideration before giving it a gentle squeeze and taking her with him up the stairs. "Those are offices. I suppose I could get you one here, too, someday." he points at the hallway with his free hand, as he was still holding hers. Covered up and blocked off by construction warning signs, a hallway was visible at the massive top floor. "This whole area is for you to build. And somehow I know I couldn't have picked anyone better." He speaks to her with thoughtfulness, a change in tone from his usual distant self that was cold and demanding. "Name it?" He repeats, as he narrows his eyes and thinks for a moment. "Well, I haven't ever named a building before. I have my creativity team for that." he says with a shrug. "My mother was actually the one who inspired me to purchase this gallery. It's not my strongest suite that exists, but she adores art." he tells her, giving her some insight on the reasoning behind the spontaneous purchase of a expensive building. "Let's think of a name." he says eagerly, leaning against the wall. "For the gallery."

@ Jinx...

Addie giggled as he asked if he impressed her. "Always Mr. Evans." she said and beamed as he took one of her hands. She looked at him with surprise and smiled. He was gentle with her hand and enjoyed the way their hands felt together or that was how it seemed when he squeezed her small hand in his just a little. Addie smiled up at him. "You haven't caught me actually in the middle of work yet. If you do you will see a lot more excitement. I told you Sir I thoroughly enjoy my work." she said and smiled feeling really close to him suddenly. Perhaps it was her love of art and that he knew how to connect to her there when others honestly didn't. Jace didn't pretend to know what she was talking about, he either did or he would find out and get back to her. She liked that about him. He wanted to be well versed even in this part of his business. "I would like to have an office here. I belong better here than up on the creative floor with George. Here I can help bring in new clients and keep better track of pieces that need to be replaced and such." she said and beamed. "When it's ready of course." she said. They walked up to the second floor stopping at the tape but oh how she wanted to put on a hard hat and be out there visualizing the space. She would have to stop by another time to do so. "Me?" she asked him her eyes speaking feeling like he had just given her a huge gift. So craft a building into he perfect space for the art she was looking into buying for the company to be displayed now and in the future. Forever her stamp would be on this gallery in Jace's company. "Jace... That really is a great honor." she said and bit her bottom lip to stop from tearing up. She blushed and dropped her bottom lip. "Yes you should always name the first voyage into a new avenue for your business. It's just good luck." she said and chuckled as he looked at her like he didn't quite believe her. She shook her head. "Mr. Evans this is art. The name means just as much as the art, it is a climbs into the creating from the artist itself and it gives the viewer an understanding of where the artist would like to lead the viewer on their journey." she said and smiled at him. "I saw some of your mother's pieces online. They are stunning and so is she..." she said then got an idea. "Well then we'll call our mother your muse. What is her name?" she asked him. Perhaps they could name it after her in some clever way. Addie beamed as he said they should name the gallery. She blushed. He was surprising her more and more. "I will gladly help you brain stone ideas for the gallery." she said and smiled at him. In just a moment they went from his gallery to the gallery. It was as close to partial ownership as she thought she would ever see. She beamed and looked around thinking of dozens of names and none of them fitting just right off the top of her head. Perhaps it would come to her later but she wanted to know his mothers name and then perhaps it would help. Addie loved this moment. It was this kind of work she had always dreamed of doing. She had always wanted to be involved from the ground up in something that meant something and Jace Evans was the kind of man that made things mean something.

He is taken aback at how emotional she gets, and he shakes his head. "I'm sorry, Adaline. I didn't mean to upset you." He could see tears welling in her eyes, and even if for a good reason; he hated to see her upset. "My mothers name is Lynn. Lynn Diane Evans." he looks at her wickedly. "I see you've done your research on me." He says, pointing out the fact that she knew information on his mother." She blushes, and he gives her a adoring look. "Don't be embarrassed. It's quite cute." he says, lifting her hand to his lips for a second time and putting a gentle kiss on her knuckles. When he looks up at her, he could feel a growing erection at the way she was looking at him. "Adaline..." He growled lowly. "Your biting your lip." Her cheeks flushed scarlet, and he could almost feel the heat radiating from them over where he was standing. He takes his hand out of hers, and sets his thumb on her plump lip pulling it out from her teeth. He groans ever so quietly, and blinks at her. "Fuck, I would like to bite that lip." He says with desire. It was wrong of him to tell her as he had always kept these thoughts away from her, but he couldn't not tell her. She was standing here, in his gallery welling up with emotion because of him. He felt something about her that he had never experienced, and the only way he knew how to respond was to express it sexually. He runs both his hands through his hair, ruffling it up in frustration. Fuck. He was totally drawn into this beautiful women who would never want anything he had to offer. Jace makes an oath to himself that He wouldn't touch her. It wasn't right of him to do that, she needed a real man. Jace bites his tongue, and does the usual counting routine to calm down. "Think about it." He says. "But it's late. I want you well rested." He says, the entire atmosphere changing as Jace goes back to being himself.

Addie chuckled. "You didn't upset me. These are just happy unshed tears. You're just making my dreams come true and for that I am truly thankful." she said and then smiled as he said his mothers name. "I've done what little research I could find online of you Mr. Evans. You're mother is much more in media than you are. And what I know is limited but I like to do my research just as you do about someone I am spending quite a lot of time with and once we start purchasing pieces probably even more time with." she said and smiled watching the way his eyes looked at her with such care. Jace placed his lips to her hand and she bit her lip her eyes clouded and curious as she took in the intoxication that came with being around this beautiful inelegant man that she was starting to see might have a tiny thing for her. He pulled her lip from her mouth and groaned making her legs feel like noddles. Then he went a step further and he said he wanted to bite her lip and she pulse skyrocketed as her breathing increased through her open mouth that his thumb was still on. She wanted him to do that so desperately and yet she stayed perfectly still looking at him with her innocent eyes. She watched him get all frazzled in the sexiest way and she wanted to join his hands with hers in that sexy hair. It looked so good all messed up. She licked her lip as he pulled away from her suddenly. It was like a cold draft ran through her and she frowned. "Why do you do that?" she asked him and waited until he looked at her. "Why do you get close to me and then pull away from me like you would hurt me if you stayed yourself a moment longer." she said and shook her head. "Yes Sir. I'll think about it and get back to you." she said and started walking down the stairs towards the doors. Once they got to the car then she regained her composure. "I will rest Sir thank you." she said and got into his car and strapped up. Once they where on their way she relaxed and took in the moment while he was distracted to think about everything that had happened between them just this night. They went from hot to ice in a snap but she had a guess it had to do with why he was fitting them being close to one another. He wanted her and she wanted him. She could see that after moments like this thinking back on how he got jealous around others and protective when it was just them. Addie didn't know what was going to happen about it but she was not taking Rikki's advice and taking the situation into her own hands. Jace Evans was not a man to hurry or push along. Either he did it himself or wanted it done or it didn't happen.

Jace turns to the wall, tucking his hands inside his pocket not wanting to face her. When she speaks, he turns and looks at her. She looked offended and angry, but Jace kept his composure. "Because, Adaline. I'm not the man for you, and I don't want to hurt you." He says, letting out a breathe. "I'm not a good man. You need a good man." He says, walking out of the building with her. Locking the door behind him, Jace watches as she walks away. It felt like their time there was up, and that they had overextended their personal space. Still, he opens the door for her as she gets in speechless. He goes to the other side, and gets into the luxury space starting the vehicle. They sit in silence until she speaks. "Don't thank me." He says, focused on looking forward and not seeing her plump lip and innocent eyes. He would take her in this car if he had the choice. She was unlike anything he had ever laid eyes on or met, and she was as far as could be from the women he normally met or fucked. Jace buckles in his seat belt, and taps a few things on the screen adjusting a few settings. Then, he pulls out and back into the city. Already knowing where she lives, it doesn't take too long for him to be outside her apartment the bakery below with the lights off and the closed sign hung. She turns to leave, and he looks at her now "Adaline, wait.." He says, feeling like the goodbye they had was inadequate. "Sleep well." He says at her with a apologetic look. His messy hair and casual outfit made him look so carefree from underneath all those suits. Still, he looked so strikingly handsome and still turned heads as a few passerbys stop and stare.

@ Jinx...

@ bubblybee
Addie was going to try it his way and just walk out of his life as she started to get out of his car. She stopped one foot out as he said her name. She turned to him her eyes sparkling with confusion and hurt. She swallowed hard living her head gently at him then licked her lips to speak. "You too Jace." she said and bit her lip once more then gave him a little smile to remember her by. She got out of the car and closed the door looking back feeling as if she would probably never see him again at least not like this. He was closing the door on anything that could be between them. He didn't believe himself a good man and for all things he didn't believe himself worth of her. She sighed as she walked up the stairs to her apartment. She opened the door and saw the new alarm system and laughed typing in the code written on the note then changing it as directed. She sighed and shook her head. The man of mystery and so much more just telling her that she was to good for him. "That figures." she sighed. Adaline finally found someone that interests her that's not married and he thinks she's to good for him when he's like this big billionaire that can talk to her about her dreams and follow what she sees and challenges her. Yeah right he wasn't good enough but to tell him that would just make him put his walls up higher. Addie kicked off her shoes and then let down her hair riffling it up as she set her things on the counter and sighed. She wasn't going to be getting any more work done tonight not if she wanted to get into work early the next day. Addie sighed trying to get his brilliant blue eyes and tempting lips out of her mind. She rolled her head rubbing her neck then her eyes popped open. "Rikki!" she said then picked up her phone. Got home safe talk to you tomorrow night love! She sent the text message leaning against the counter and looking at the security system. That man was a puzzle she just couldn't figure out because everything she was getting somewhere he changed the rules.

Jace returned the look in her eyes, feeling so trapped in the situation. He liked the way his name sounded on her lips. He thought about what it would be like if she was screaming it while he pounded her. Jace shook his head, clearing his mind. He goes to the top gym in the city instead of home despite it being late. He goes to his rented locker, and changes into some shorts and a fitted tee. Not planning on it, Jace ends up staying for over 4 hours. Drained and sweat drenched, he takes a long drink from his water bottle and rests his elbows on his knees as he sits. Letting out a few exhausted gasped breaths from just running, he closes his eyes wondering if she received his gifts. Earlier that day, without her knowing, he had let Hank know to deliver a package. Despite what happened tonight, he still wanted her to have it and would feel much better knowing she was safe.

Rikki's eyes flicker open as she notices her phone lights up. Having a feeling it was Addie, a confused Addie reaches over and looks at it squinting her eyes against the light of it. She feels relieved knowing her friend got home safe, but Rikki knew something was up. Addie never hung up her on her bestie unless it was something that was important. Okay babe, you better explain tomorrow over drinks. It's finally Friday! Love you. See you tomorrow :)

@ Jinx...

Addie sighed as she set the alarm for the night then she headed to her bedroom and cleaned up then heading to bed. She smiled at Rikki's text and plugged her phone in. She would explain later. Addie yawned then fell asleep after some tossing and turning. In the morning Addie woke and dressed in another pencil skirt and pretty blouse putting on a simple gold chain and diamond earring her step father have given her for her graduation. Addie got in her car and drove to work having skipped all the traffic and fights for the parking. Addie walked into work creating the security and smiled. "Morning Leo." she said holding her coffee from home. "Have any special plans for the weekend?" she asked him and he told her about his sweetheart and how he was planning on proposing. She beamed. "Good for you." she grinned and then headed through to the elevator. It was still dusky outside. She yawned softly and sipped her coffee. She wanted to see the sun rise from her office. Addie smiled as the elevator doors opened and she walked onto the silent floor. She was the only one here. Addie opened her office and then closed the door wanting to be absorbed into the work she loved. Addie beamed as she opened the curtains and had the perfect view to see the city as it started to wake up and the sun crept slowly from dusky to rose. Addie set to putting the things she had brought in to spruce up her office. She smiled then set her notes on her desk and moved her chair so she could watch the city. She might have to have her desk moved later. Addie smiled as she set to work on the art pausing to look at the sunrise every now and then. She was quite happy to have seen the building as it helped her to see the pieces on the wall and in the space and she choice a few pieces she wouldn't have otherwise because the where pieces for anyone that fit the space. Addie switched over to the potential clients list she was making up and sent a few emails to the media specialist for the gallery who's contacts she had gotten from Jace the day before. She was guessing some time after her office visit with him. She grinned as all of her pieces where moving. She had finally gotten though all the sites that Jace had given her and had found at least a piece from nearly all of them but she wanted to see them all in person and feel how they caused their viewer to feel when unclose to them. Addie smiled as she stretched staking a break to watch the sunrise loose the last of it's sunrise tint and the city start to boom with life. This was an amazing view and she was glad she had come in early. She decided to take a short break to hunt up some breakfast. She had brought her own lunch today not wanting to go out with George again and thinking a hope lunch was the perfect excuse. Addie walked down to the elevator and stepped in having locked her office door her purse in hand and her notepad inside. Addie walked down to the cafe just down the road and ordered eggs benedict sitting outside to eat. She smiled watching he people pass by her on the way to work and she ate her food then paid and headed back in herself smiling as she headed up with some of her coworkers. She chatted with them easily. Everyone wanted to know about the new girl and though no one said anything hey also wanted to know if she was sleeping with the boss. Addie got back to her office and sat back down to get back to work. She slipped off her heels and curled into her chair as she went through pieces she had already selected and got the information on all of them. She set up some viewings for next week and then emailed Jace about the times and dates she was going to view the first pieces for the gallery. She smiled softly thinking she was already making really great progress with the pieces.

Jace wakes up, rolling over. Another barely restful sleep. He could hear Adora in the kitchen cooking breakfast. Jace gets up, an strips folding a towel around his waist. He heads into the master bathroom, and starts a shower. He looks at his reflection in the mirror, and cleans up. Picking out of one of many suits, he chooses one he never wore before. It was a dark grey with a striped matching tie, and it brought out the blueness in his eyes. Jace presses down his suit, tying the tie expertly around his neck with a few loops and holes. Jace licks his lips, and opens his Macbook. He reads through his emails, all important meeting reminders and such from Amelia. His eyes scan it, and he then notices her name. Adaline Laurent. Opening it, he reads it carefully and types a reply.

From: Jace Evans
Subject: Painting Viewings
To: Adaline Laurent

Dear Miss Laurent,

I approve of the dates. Hank will assist you there. Hope you slept well.

Sincerely,

Jace Evans
Chief Exexcutive, Evans Technological Industries

The message was blunt and short. It still had a cold edge, and he knew she was upset at him. Maybe it was for the better that she was, because that way it was strictly business. Stretching and letting out a tired yawn, Jace shuts his laptop and sets it on his dresser. He goes down the grand stairway to the kitchen, where Adora lights up at the sight of him. "Breakfast! Breakfast!" She says excitedly pointing to a platter of sausage, eggs, bacon, and toast. Jace nods appreciatively. "Thank you, Adora." He finishes it completely, and puts the plate in the dishwasher. He looks fondly at Adora. "I will see you next week, I won't be back here today. Take care." He says. Adora waves and smiles in adoration as Jace leaves the house.

****

George knocks on her door, wondering if Addie had arrived. After knocking, he peeks in. "Adaline?" He mumbles. She looks up at him, and his heart stops. "Wow. You look beautiful. I love the skirt, it compliments your hips. So, I was thinking, how would you like to accompany me to supper tonight? On me." He grins, and sits in front of her desk. She doesn't respond immediately, and he teases her. "I would be absolutely honored to bring a beautiful girl with me tonight." he gives her a charming look.

@ bubblybee
Addie really wasn't made at Jace just keeping it professional and making it brief because she knew Jace was a busy man. She had actually been surprised to get an email back so quickly. She ran a hand through her hair as she sat there reading the one line over and over again wondering how to reply to his brief message. It was the end of it that really had her tied up. He hoped she slept well? What did that mean? Addie sighed slightly frustrated at the email and looked up from her ad George walked in. "Oh hey George hows it going?" she asked him. She blushed as he said she looked beautiful. She smiled softly. "Umm thanks George." she said and then blinked as he asked her out to dinner. "Oh well that's very flattering but I have plans with my girlfriend tonight." she said and smiled glad Rikki had told her they needed to talk over drinks. she would just have Rikki do dinner and drinks. "It's very nice for you to ask though and I hope you have fun out at dinner." she said gently. "Is there anything you need?" she asked him and turned towards him in her chair. Addie smiled as she sat there wondering if George would get the hint and not keep asking her. She didn't know what she wold do if he was persistent. She hated flat out saying no but in this situation she might have to. Unless she made up a fake boyfriend... or girlfriend then she was going to be stuck. Addie sipped her water and wondered if George was really as bad as Jace said and the reports claimed. But it was her own emotions and hesitations towards him that she really couldn't just disbelieve what was being said.

George leans forward and crosses his hands in front of him. "Not too bad, but better now that I've seen you." he flirts, noticing the blush on her cheek. "I like when you blush. It's cute." he grins, but it fades as she rejects him on dinner. He sighs, annoyed. "Oh, I see." He says, thinking over a few things in his head. "Suppose we could go for dinner tomorrow, then?" He asks. "I don't really mean to come off as needy, but when I see something I want I like to let them know. Usually they agree, but you are a bit tougher! Not that it's a bad thing, I like a challenge." he licks his lips, wondering how she would taste. She would be so sweet in his mouth. She doesn't respond immediately, and his eyes widen at a realization. "Wait, your already taken... Is that it?" He says, with a hint of disappointment crossing his fingers that she was actually single.

Jace drives to work, stopping to check on his progress in his bar. It had been totally revamped with a few minor constructions, and was opening today. It was quiet, but he knew that since it was a weekend it wouldn't be long before it was cramped. Amelia had actually been put in charge of the hiring list, and she did well. He introduced himself to his employees, who stared at him in shock. A young women said she was a bartender, and shook Jace's hand. "So, you're my boss?" She asks with awe holding her hand as if she didn't want it to be tainted. "Yes. Mr. Evans is fine." he says. "However, I have other business to attend to. Congratulations on obtaining the job." He says, bidding farewell and leaving towards his high rise building.

@ Jinx...

Addie looked down as he asked her about tomorrow night. She bit her lip as he called her a challenge. Oh great that was really the last thing she wanted to be. He asked if she was already taken and she ran a hand through her hair. She didn't want to lie. "Look George the thing is that I'm really not looking for anything. I love my work and since I just got the work of my dreams I am trying to throw myself into it and you see it's just not fair to anyone to try and start anything new." she said and bit her lip hoping that didn't answer his question but would stop him from pursuing her further. "Now don't get me wrong it really is flattering that you are interested in getting to know me and I would like to remain friends but that's it." she said softly. Addie smiled gently at him. Suddenly she felt kind of trapped in her own office with him there in the doorway looking so intimidating. "So if there isn't anything else you need to talk to me about I have some time sensitive issues I really need to be taking care of but really thank you for saying good morning." she said and smiled at him softly. She made a mental note that tomorrow she was going to wear pants. Addie hoped that George would now back off and let her work. She took a breath as she tucked a piece of hair behind her ear. What was it with every man thinking she was taken? Was it really that hard to believe she was single and just maybe she was looking for the right man to sweep her off her feet? Addie mentally sighed. She might be old fashioned in that way but she she knew what she wanted and was willing to wait for it.