Blurb

Belle Freedman is a wide-eyed enthusiastic small-town girl, who has just landed an internship at the biggest ad agency on the East Coast. Her new boyfriend, Jesse, has followed her to New York so that they can chase their dreams together…to make it big in the Big Apple. Belle believes she has it all, a kind boyfriend and a brand new job.

When she has a chance encounter with a stranger on the elevator, things begin to start changing in her world. Devon Rymer is not only one of the partners at the ad agency, but he is also well into his forties, single and the hottest man Belle has ever laid eyes on. Suddenly, the world she thought was perfect, doesn’t seem so perfect any more.

Belle wants Devon. He is irresistibly handsome and strong, but she has a boyfriend, and a job to keep.

* * *

Belle

Belle stood staring at herself in the full length mirror at the corner of their studio apartment. She had spent hours laboring over the right look. First day at the new job. She had butterflies in her stomach and she drew in a deep breath to steady herself. Behind her, Jesse, her boyfriend, was flipping pancakes in the section of the apartment that they called the “kitchen”.

Through the reflection in the mirror, Belle could see Jesse at the stove. His longish blond hair was ruffled and he was still in his boxer shorts with no shirt on. Belle watched him in silence for a few moments. His slender pale frame, the concave shape of his stomach…she had always thought he was the “cutest” boy ever since she’d known him. And now he was her boyfriend!

“How do I look?” Bell asked, flipping around to face him. Jesse looked up and fixed his eyes on her with a bored expression. He was always grumpy in the mornings, that was something that Belle recently discovered about him, ever since they started living together.

“You look great. Stop fretting,” he said and started stacking the pancakes on two plates. Belle tried to be in a cheerful mood, even though the nervousness was wrecking her on the inside. She didn’t want Jesse to feel worse than he already did about his own situation.

She had been offered a position, even if that was as an intern, but it was a job nonetheless. Jesse was yet to find a job or internship of any kind. They had already been in New York for over three months and it was going to get harder and harder to pay the bills if he didn’t find some kind of employment soon. Belle’s meager internship stipend wouldn’t even cover the rent they were paying.

She walked over to the small table beside the stove where Jesse had started setting their breakfast. Belle took a chair and he took the one across from her. She could see that he hadn’t shaved in days, and she had lost track of how many times she had tried to politely suggest that he take a shower.

“What are you going to do with your day?” she asked, digging a fork into the pancakes. She heard Jesse take in a deep breath and looked up at him. He looked offended that she had asked him that.

“If you’re trying to subtly hint that I should go out there and look for a job, I’m going to do that any way. You don’t have to mother me,” he snapped at her and she fell silent.

“I was just making conversation. You don’t have to do anything,” she mumbled, already kicking herself that she had even bothered to ask.

Jesse’s mood swings were unpredictable. Some mornings he woke up feeling energetic and excited about going hunting for jobs, and on other days he was grumpy and touchy about it. Belle was hoping that he would feel inspired today so that he could uplift her mood too for her first day.

They ate their pancakes in relative silence for a few more minutes.

“Well, have a great first day,” Jesse said suddenly and stood up. Taking his half finished pancakes, he shoved the remains into the bin beside the stove.

“What’s wrong?” Belle asked, stopping her chewing.

“Nothing. I’m going back to bed for a few hours. It’s only eight,” Jesse said distractedly. Belle gulped, trying to control her heart from racing out of her chest. She wished she could do something to ease his frustration. She watched as Jesse crossed the room and fell on to the mattress on the floor and rolled over to his side.

He hadn’t even offered her a kiss goodbye or a hug. She finished her food in silence, throwing nervous glances at the man she had a crush on for so long. She wasn’t sure if she had done something to upset him, or what she could do to make him feel better. For now, she was getting late for work so she stood up from the chair.

“I’m off, Jesse. Hope you have a nice day. I love you,” Belle said as she grabbed her purse off the floor near the door. Jesse made no movement, but had his face pressed into his pillow. She heard a muffled goodbye and opened the door.

She closed the door gently behind her and took the steps two at a time as she rushed outside. This was too much to handle. Her first day at a job and also Jesse’s mood swings. She wasn’t sure what bothered her more.

Jesse had been her middle school crush, back in their hometown. They went to the same State college, and her feelings for him returned. It wasn’t until the last year, when they happened to bump into each other at a house party, that they actually started talking and went on a few official dates. When Belle told him that she was moving to New York, Jesse declared that he loved her and would move with her.

So they had officially been a couple for no more than three months, since they moved to New York. No more dates at restaurants, or going for movies or sharing milkshakes. Real life and real responsibilities had come tumbling down on them, when they were least prepared for it. While Belle had a plan for her professional life, Jesse had none and so the hunt had begun and he kept hitting a brick wall.

All the romance that should have existed in a young relationship, between two twenty-two year olds never made an appearance. He was too upset about finding a job, and every day ended with him falling into bed exhausted and uninspired. Belle gulped as she hurried down the busy New York streets towards the subway. Starkly aware that tonight wasn’t going to be the night either, when Jesse might make a move and be the first guy to make love to her.

* * *

Belle

Bell looked up at the forty storied building and licked her lips nervously. She had only been here once before, when she came in for the interview. It was exciting for her to be working there, but at the same time she wasn’t sure what her first day was going to be like. She had been hired to intern with the marketing team at the advertising agency, and she had no prior experience in it. The only reason she had even been hired, Belle assumed, was because of her professional and cheerful personality. The interviewer seemed to like her go-getter and proactive attitude.

Belle pushed open the glass doors and stepped into the lobby. She knew that Rymer & Mills had their offices across five of the top floors, so she went straight for the elevators. Her heels clicked against the marble floors loudly as she walked, and Belle began to wonder if she was even dressed appropriately. She pressed the elevator button and stood with her hands clasped together in front of the double doors.

She caught a faint reflection of herself in the polished steel doors. She had picked out a gray professional looking pencil skirt that reached her knees and accentuated the curves of her hips. She’d tucked in a white shirt neatly on top and picked out a pair of high black stilettos to complete the look. She had spent a considerable amount of time on her hair, to achieve the perfect fishtail braid and now she was happy with the way it lay on her shoulder, just about reaching the top of her breasts. For her lips she had chosen a chocolate brown color to match her coffee brown eyes.

When she sensed someone come and stand beside her, Belle straightened her shoulders. She was self-conscious now that someone had caught her staring at herself. The elevator doors pinged open just that very second, and she stepped aside to let the people out.

When the carriage was empty, she looked to the side and noticed that a man was holding the door open, gesturing her to take a step inside.

“After you,” he said in a calm deep voice and Belle felt her cheeks flush. He was an incredibly attractive man, and she didn’t want to stare. So, she quickly stepped into the elevator and pressed her back to the cold metal wall. The man stepped in after her, and stood to the side.

He seemed older, at least in his early forties and had dark short hair with some smattering of white near the temples. He was much taller than her, and was dressed in a sharp black suit, with a white shirt and a rich red tie. His eyes were a clear sparkling blue, which he turned to her, and a soft smile grazed his lips.

“Which floor?” he asked, and Belle realized that she had indeed been staring at him.

“Thirty-five,” she replied nervously and she noticed that the man arched an eyebrow. He pressed the button, and didn’t press another one. She gulped. So, he worked at her new office! And she had just been staring at him like an ogling teenager.

Belle looked away, hanging her head towards the floor, but she could sense that he was looking at her.

“First day?” he asked, as the elevator started up. She jerked her head to look up at him, fully aware that her cheeks were burning up by now.

He had a hand thrust into the pocket of his pants, and the other one clutched a brown leather briefcase.

“Yes,” Belle replied meekly and the man only smiled.

“Nervous?” he asked, after a few seconds of silence and she shifted on her feet.

“Little bit. It’s my first job too,” she said and took in a deep breath.

He nodded his head and then looked past her towards the changing lights on the elevator.

“I’m sure you’re good at what you do if you’ve been hired at Rymer & Mills,” he added and Belle breathed a sigh of relief. She hadn’t looked at it that way before. She had got the job. Even if it was an internship. She had been handpicked out of hundreds of applicants and she knew she was ambitious and confident enough to survive the six months of internship. So, technically, he was right…she had nothing to really worry about.

Belle let out a small laugh and their eyes met. His blue eyes were kind and sharp at the same time, and she wondered what position he held at the agency. If he worked there at all.

“What do you do?” she asked him, when he hadn’t said anything for some time.

“Ah, nothing at the moment. I’m hoping I’ll find something to do today,” he said and Belle’s mouth opened slightly. She couldn’t believe that he had been so polite and encouraging towards her, when he was just on his way to a job interview.

“Oh, best of luck with that,” she said and the man smiled and nodded.

“Thank you,” he said politely, just at the doors pinged open again. He gestured to her again to lead the way, and Belle stepped out, smiling as she passed him. She felt their clothes graze gently and there were instant goosebumps on her skin. There was something magnetic about this polite stranger, and she whipped around just as he was stepping out of the elevator himself.

“I’m Belle Freedman, I hope you get the job,” she said and stuck out her hand to him. The man looked quizzically at her hand for a few moments, before lifting his head to look at her again.

“I’m Devon Rymer. Welcome to my agency,” he said and took her hand in his and gave it a strong shake. Belle’s eyes widened and her mouth fell open. She knew she had never felt more embarrassed before.

* * *

Devon

Devon was smiling as he shook Belle’s hand. He knew he had an iron grip and an intimidatingly strong handshake, but this girl didn’t seem to be affected by it. She only looked surprised, because she hadn’t known who he was.

She was the one to draw her hand away, and Devon took note of her huge brown eyes, the way her neat braid lay delicately over her shoulder. She was sharply dressed, especially for her age. He assumed that she was in her early twenties, and he tried to remind himself not to stare.

“Oh, I’m sorry, I had no idea,” she said, taking a few steps away from him. Devon smiled and shook his head.

“There’s nothing to be sorry about. I know I’m a private person, there’s no way you could have known what the partners of the agency look like,” he replied, pushing his hand into his pocket again. He was expecting the girl to blush, or turn her eyes away from embarrassment, but she stared back at him with an unwavering gaze.

“Well, thank you for your kind words earlier,” she said, and Devon realized that she was thinking of taking her leave now. For some reason, he wanted to keep talking to her, but he couldn’t think of anything to say to her to make her stay.

“Have a nice day, Ms Freedman,” he said instead and she smiled widely. He noticed how bright her eyes were when she smiled and how her lips lifted up on the sides as she did it. He couldn’t bring himself to look away.

She nodded to that and then walked away, towards the reception area. Devon stood in front of the elevator doors for a few more seconds, watching her walking away, before he breathed out a deep sigh and started making his way towards his own office.

His secretary Lily found him soon enough, and intercepted him in the corridors.

“Mr Rymer, we have two meetings set up for you before lunch. You are supposed to meet with Pat Lynch & Sons first thing,” Lily was walking with him, keeping pace. She also had his double shot Americano in her hand, which she eventually handed to him.

Devon’s mind was occupied with thoughts of Belle instead, and he stopped abruptly in front of his office doors.

“Lily, do you know about a Belle Freedman, who has been hired as an intern? It’s her first day today,” he said and Lily looked back at him with some surprise in her eyes. She didn’t expect him to be talking about an intern that early in the morning. In fact, Devon, rarely ever spoke about interns to begin with.

“Well, I don’t know her personally. But is there something you want me to find out? I can ask Susan, she’s in charge of all the interns,” Lily said, fixing the files and papers in her hands.

Devon was thinking, and he wasn’t really looking at Lily.

“Have her come over to my office, maybe between the two morning meetings,” Devon said. Lily nodded and turned on her heels to walk away. “Oh, and also ask Susan to keep a close eye on her, and give me a report at the end of day about her work,” he added, before pushing open the door to his office and walking in.

Once inside, Devon placed his coffee on his desk and walked around to the glass wall that overlooked the Hudson River. He had his jaws clenched as he watched people walking over the bridge. From the thirty-fifth floor, they looked nothing more than just tiny dots.

He couldn’t get Belle Freedman out of his mind. Not only was she gorgeous, but there was something comforting in her voice. She seemed sweet and cheerful, and he wondered if she was from a small town. He was sure that she wasn’t from New York, and he suddenly felt worried if the city might affect her. If in a few months, Belle might turn into a completely different person.

The phone on his desk beeped and he walked over and pressed a button.

“I’ve set up a meeting between you and Ms Freedman for eleven fifteen, Sir,” Lily’s voice came through.

“Good, thanks Lily,” Devon said.

“And I’ve told Susan what you said. She said she’ll come in and have a word with you at the end of the day,” Lily added.

“Thanks Lily,” he said again.

“Also, she was wondering why you’ve taken an interest in her, and if there’s a problem. She was worried that she might have made a bad hire,” Lily continued.

“No, Not all. There’s no problem and please tell Susan that she’s made a great hire. I like Belle, she seems enterprising and bright,” Devon said and with that he ended the call and sat down on his chair.

He steepled his fingers on his desk and narrowed his eyes as he thought about it some more. He couldn’t put a finger on the exact reason why he had taken an interest in Belle. It wasn’t just her looks was it…? Because he knew he could have any number of beautiful young women he wanted, in fact he tried to keep his distance from them as much as possible, so that a relationship didn’t come between him and his work. Besides, wasn’t Belle a bit too young for him?

There had to be something else about Belle that he had noticed. Just during their five minute conversation in the elevator, he was instantly drawn to her. To her smile. To her innocent confidence.

Devon shook his head, to drive the thoughts out of his brain. He had an entire day’s worth of work to get through and he wasn’t going to allow a girl to occupy his mind.

He pressed the buzzer again and got through to Lily in an instant.

“Set up the board room for the first meeting, I’ll be there in five minutes,” he said and with that, he took two large gulps of his scalding coffee.

* * *

Belle

She was nervous as she walked towards Devon Rymer’s office. Her team leader, Susan, had informed her that Mr Rymer wanted to personally meet with her at quarter past eleven, and Belle had no idea what for. Susan couldn’t give her the details of the meeting either, so Belle had spent most of the morning fretting over what she had done wrong.

As far as first days at work go, Belle assumed that it had been going well. She had been given the task of conducting some simple market surveys, and she had spent the morning doing that; completing her task well before the eleven fifteen meeting with Devon Rymer.

So, now she walked self consciously towards his office, as directed by Susan and found his secretary sitting at the end of the corridor behind a desk.

“You must be Belle,” the middle aged woman said, looking up at her from over her crescent shaped spectacles.

“Yes, I’m here to meet with Mr Rymer,” Belle said and stuck out a hand to the woman.

“I’m his secretary, Lily. Nice to meet you Belle. Mr Rymer will be with you shortly,” Lily said and shook Belle’s hand weakly.

“Sure,” Belle said and took in a few deep breaths. Try as she did, she couldn’t shake off the feeling that she had conducted herself wrongly in some way. That Mr Rymer wanted to talk to her to tell her off. Maybe it had something to do with the way she was staring at him!

“Don’t be nervous. He told me that he thinks you’re an enterprising young woman,” Lily interrupted her thoughts. Belle looked at her and forced a smile on her face.

“Really?” she asked, surprised to hear that. Lily shrugged her shoulders and smiled.

The phone beside her on the desk rang and she pressed a button.

“You can send Ms Freedman in, if she’s arrived,” the deep voice said and Belle instantly recognized the voice to be Devon Rymer’s.

“You can go in now,” Lily said kindly and Belle nodded.

She took small slow steps as she walked down the corridor towards the only door that was located at the end of it. Devon Rymer’s office was isolated from the rest of the floor in one corner. She couldn’t even imagine how wonderful the view had to be from that room.

She knocked softly on his door, and heard his voice asking her to come in.

Belle turned the knob and pushed open the door. Devon Rymer was sitting behind his desk, signing a sheet of paper. He looked up at her, and she was struck again by how intensely attracted she was to him. Belle gulped.

“Take a seat, Ms Freedman,” he said, straightening himself in his chair.

Belle closed the door behind her, and walked nervously towards the desk. His office was made of only glass walls, so bright sunlight flooded the room. She noticed the sleek, minimalistic decor of the office, the eggshell white leather chairs, the large oak desk, the potted plants. He had a pretty simple room, with no paintings or additional decor. It seemed like Devon Rymer was a no-fuss kind of man.

Without a word, Belle took the chair across from his desk, and realized how intimidated she was in her surroundings now. Despite what Lily had told her outside, she wasn’t feeling too confident. She couldn’t think of one good reason why he had called her into his office.

“How has your first day been going so far?” he asked, breaking the silence. His clear blue eyes were trained on her, and he was looking at her with an intensely fiery gaze. Belle could barely find the strength to keep looking at him without blushing. He seemed to be the kind of man who knew everything about everything.

“It’s been going well. I’m learning a lot. I’ve been conducting some market research for clients who sell teenage magazines,” Belle replied, shifting in her seat. Her hands were clasped together on her lap and she was pressing her fingers together.

“Good. What would you say has been your one major finding?” he asked, sitting back in his chair. Belle gulped before answering. She noticed how broad his shoulders were, he didn’t have his suit jacket on and she could see the muscles rippling under his thin white shirt.

“I would say that teenagers will only subscribe to magazines if they get free samples of products with each copy. Otherwise, they just have the internet for everything,” Belle replied, and tried to match his eyes with a confident gaze.

A soft smile was grazing Devon’s face. He looked handsome, with rugged features, in the bright light of the room. Belle wondered if she had ever seen eyes as blue as that before.

“You’re picking up fast,” he said finally, and she nearly breathed a sigh of relief. She had prepared herself for an onslaught of complaints. She smiled at that, and he smiled too. Despite how intimidated she was in her surroundings, she couldn’t help but admire how comfortable he had managed to make her feel.

“You’re not from New York, are you?” he asked and she was slightly taken aback by that question. Belle cleared her throat and lifted her chin in the air.

“I’m from Little Canada, Minnesota,” she replied and Devon Rymer’s eyes narrowed.

“Where did you go to school?” he asked.

“Minnesota State, Mankato,” Belle said and now he nodded his head.

“Are you living by yourself in New York? Ms Freedman,” he continued.

Belle shook her head and tried to force a smile on her face.

“No, I live with my boyfriend, and please Sir, call me Belle,” she replied and felt her cheeks burn up. Across from her, Devon Rymer’s features darkened and he clenched his jaw tightly. Again, she wondered what exactly he was thinking and if she had done something to displease him.

* * *

Devon

He couldn’t control the rush of jealousy he felt the moment he heard the words escape Belle’s beautifully luscious chocolate brown lips. She had a boyfriend! What was he thinking? How could he just presume that she was single? Then the thought struck him, that she was an employee at his agency. He was her boss. There was a code of conduct he had to maintain. Devon cleared his throat and picked up a pen from the desk.

“Okay, Belle. I hope you’re setting into New York nicely,” he said and she seemed to buy what he was saying. Devon was worried that she would be able to see right through him. That somehow she would know what was on his mind. Till that instance, when she told him she had a boyfriend, Devon hadn’t officially acknowledged to himself that he was interested in her as more than just an employee.

“It’s a lovely city. I can’t say that it’s easy, but I’m having a lot of fun here,” she said cheerfully and tucked in a few loose strands of her brown hair behind her small ears.

Every movement she made filled Devon with tension. He realized that he was growing more conscious of her body, of her presence, by the second.

“New York is tough, but you seem like someone who’ll make it,” he replied and Belle nodded and smiled. She seemed like the kind of person who looked at everything in life with positivity. She could brighten up a room by just walking into it. Her boyfriend was very lucky, Devon thought to himself and stood up with a jerk.

“Well, thank you for coming in to see me, Belle,” he said and stuck out his hand to her. She looked surprised for a few seconds, like she didn’t expect the meeting to end so suddenly. Then she half stood up and reached for his hand and gave it a tight firm shake. Again, Devon was pleasantly surprised by the strength in her arms.

When she drew her hand away, she straightened herself up and was looking at him curiously.

“I was worried there for a bit, I wasn’t sure if you wanted to see me because I’d done something wrong,” she said and he laughed too, forcing himself to do so.

“No, of course you haven’t. I just wanted to check in on you because you looked quite nervous in the elevator earlier,” he replied and Belle licked her lips. She remained standing where she was, with her hands clasped together and she looked around the office.

“This is a wonderful office, you have a lovely view,” she said and he wondered if she was stalling. If like him, she too wanted to keep talking. He tried to push that thought out of his mind. She had a boyfriend, Devon had to remind himself of that again.

“Thank you, Belle. I like to keep it simple,” he said and she fixed her large brown eyes on him again. Devon could see her perfectly shaped pert breasts rising and falling under her white shirt, and he felt a movement in his pants.

“Hope you have a good first day, thank you again for coming in,” he said quickly and sat back down. He didn’t want her to remain in his office and make it any worse. Devon was certain now that it was more than just curiosity in an interesting person. He was attracted to her sexually, and he wanted to avoid feeling that way as much as possible.

Belle nodded, thanked him and then walked out of the office. At the door, before she left, she threw him a quick grateful look and then she was gone.

Devon sat back in his chair and ran his hand through his hair, and let out a huge sigh. Inviting her to a private meeting was a bad idea, he told himself. He should have just left it at that in the morning. There was no reason for him to interact personally with an intern.

He was annoyed with himself because he couldn’t believe that he hadn’t thought this through. Belle was a young, vibrant, beautiful and intelligent young woman. What were the chances that she didn’t already have a boyfriend? Besides, she didn’t seem to be the kind of person who would be interested in the things most women in New York were interested in. She wouldn’t be interested in Devon’s money or his power. And he felt like he was too old for her.

Frustrated, and at the edge of his seat, Devon picked up his personal cell phone and dialed a number. One he had been dialing less often in the past couple of months. On the third ring, she answered the phone.

“Alisha,” he said, closing his eyes.

“Devon, ah, Devon…I haven’t heard from you in a long time,” Alisha’s voice sounded groggy. He got the feeling that she had just woken up from her sleep. Devon had known Alisha for the past six years and he knew she was a late riser. A social butterfly, and with all her daddy’s money to spend, Alisha would have been up till the wee hours of the morning entertaining guests.

“I was wondering what you’re doing this evening,” he mumbled into the phone, ignoring her previous statement. Alisha laughed a cackling laugh, she was glad to hear him say that.

“I have a cocktail party to attend, but you know I would cancel that in a heartbeat for you,” she said.

“Great, I’ll pick you up at eight,” Devon said and hung up the phone.

His heart was racing, he was still too anxious to sit still. He knew he needed the distraction and Alisha would be the right kind. In the six years that he’d known Alisha, she had never pushed him to get into a serious relationship with her. If she had any stronger feelings for him, she never showed it. And he definitely needed some good old no-strings-attached sex, if he was going to get over picturing Belle Freedman naked.

* * *

Belle

Belle came back to her studio apartment, and found Jesse sitting on the couch, still in his boxer shorts. At least he had put on a shirt at some point, and he had a big bowl of popcorn on his lap which he was eating while watching ice hockey on TV.

“How was your day?” Belle asked, as she dropped her bag on the floor by the door and walked over to him. She didn’t want to comment on his laziness or the fact that he hadn’t done any cleaning up of the dishes or the apartment.

“The usual. I dropped my CV off at a few places,” he said, and looked up at her. Belle could see it in his eyes that he was lying. He hadn’t left the house.

She came over to him and sat down beside him on the couch.

“My first day was good. Devon Rymer, one of the partners called me into his office and said that I was doing a good job,” she said and reached for Jesse’s hand. He allowed her to hold his hand, but didn’t drag his gaze away from the TV.

“Oh yeah?” he said, popping some popcorn into his mouth. Belle couldn’t help but roll her eyes at his disinterest. It was like he just didn’t care.

“Aren’t you interested at all in how my day was?” she asked him, getting a little angry now. Jesse finally turned to her, with his lips pressed together.

“Of course I am. I’m just watching the game babe. And I already know you’re good at your job,” he said, forcing a smile on his face. Belle pulled her hand away and scrunched up her face. She was excited about how the day went. She couldn’t exactly tell Jesse how thrilling it was to talk to Devon Rymer, but she at least could tell him about the rest of the work she did. But now he was only pretending to be interested.

“What do you want to eat?” she asked him, deciding to change the subject so that she didn’t lose her temper even more.

Jesse looked at her apologetically.

“I ate already. Chinese takeout. Sorry, I was really hungry,” he said and Belle rolled her eyes again.

“You couldn’t even wait for me to come home!” she said and stood up with a jerk. Jesse stood up too and started following her to the kitchen area.

“I’m sorry, babe. I really am. I wasn’t sure how long you’d be. I figured since it’s your first day, you might be delayed,” he was saying, and Belle just shook her head. The frustration was rising in her chest. This was not the kind of relationship she had imagined for them. It was supposed to be an adventure, a romantic adventure in New York.

She started rummaging in their mini fridge for leftovers, when she felt Jesse’s hands on her waist from behind. She straightened herself up and whipped around. He was smiling at her apologetically and pulled her closer to him.

Belle bit down on her lip, aware of the feelings of arousal she had in Devon Rymer’s office that morning. Perhaps sex with Jesse would help quench those needs, she thought. She decided to forgive him and brought her face closer to him now. Jesse leaned in and kissed her. The kiss was gentle and slow and Belle moaned softly.

He pulled away after a few seconds and she was blushing, looking up at him from under her heavy eyelids.

“Should we just go to bed?” she asked him and Jesse suddenly let go of her waist.

“I’m not sleepy yet, babe,” he said and the smile on Belle’s face drooped.

“No, I meant…” she began to say, but Jesse had already started walking away from her towards the couch. She couldn’t understand why they hadn’t had sex yet. Weren’t boys his age supposed to want sex more than girls? Wouldn’t he be excited that they were living together and now he had his opportunity to have sex with her as much as he wanted?

It seemed like she wanted it more than he did.

“I know what you meant, Belle,” Jesse said, sitting back down on the couch again. Belle grabbed the open door of the fridge tightly, she could feel her teeth grinding against each other. She was beginning to feel humiliated now. This constant rejection from her own boyfriend was taking its toll on her.

“What is the problem, Jesse?” she asked him, afraid of what the answer might be.

“I just think we should wait,” he said bluntly, without looking at her. He had settled the bowl of popcorn on his lap again.

“Wait for what? We’re in a relationship and we’re living together!” she said, her voice rising in anger now. Jesse looked at her, only for a second and turned his gaze to the TV screen again.

“Don’t you want to save yourself for the right moment? Like when we decide to take our relationship to the next stage? Isn’t that the right thing to do?” Jesse said and Belle whipped around from him.

She had never thought like that. Her own virginity was because she hadn’t found the right guy yet, not because she was saving herself for the right moment, or marriage. Up until now, she had no idea that was the reason why Jesse was holding out. He was a friendly, intelligent, good looking guy who dated several girls in college before herself…Belle hadn’t doubted that he was a sexually active guy.

She bit down on her lip as she tried to keep herself from looking at Jesse. She couldn’t believe what she had gotten herself into.

“I love you babe, I just think we should wait,” she heard him say and she pressed her eyes close to try and shut out his voice.

* * *

Devon

Alisha was sprawled on his bed, when Devon woke up the next morning at seven. He looked over and found her sleeping, with her face turned away from him. The events of the previous night came flooding back into his brain and Devon ran his hands through his hair and shook it out.

The night was going smoothly. He had taken her to a cocktail bar, they had several drinks together and as per plan, he brought her to his apartment. When she started taking her clothes off however, Devon stopped her in her tracks. Alisha looked confused. Wasn’t that what he wanted? Wasn’t that why he had called her? Devon pushed her away. He insisted that he didn’t want to have sex. When Alisha asked him why, he couldn’t give her an answer.

They got into bed nevertheless, because it was too late for her to go home and they had slept together several times for it to become comfortable. Alisha tried to seduce him again, she had even managed to peel off his pants, but Devon didn’t allow her to get any further than that. He was tired, was his excuse; and Alisha didn’t look like she believed him.

She went to sleep, pissed off at him for wasting her night, and Devon remained awake almost the entire time, wondering what was wrong with him.

Having sex with Alisha, or any woman; had never been a problem for him before. But for some reason, this night, he wasn’t even turned on by her. The only thought in his mind was that he wanted to be with Belle. He had called Alisha for that very reason, to rid himself of thoughts about Belle. But she hadn’t been successful at that. He still wanted Belle. Hers was the only face that floated up in his mind every time he closed his eyes, and he had spent the whole night dreaming about her.

Alisha moved and stretched her arms, as Devon stood up and started putting his shirt on.

“Going to the gym?” she asked him, raising her head slightly.

“Yeah,” he replied and walked over to his walk-in closet.

Alisha had propped herself on her elbows and was watching him walking around the room. When Devon looked over at her, he couldn’t help but admire her chocolate brown nipples and her small perfectly shaped breasts. Breasts he had enjoyed sucking on many occasions before. Today, however, Alisha’s naked body had no effect on him.

“What happened to you last night?” she asked him, tucking in strands of her brunette hair behind her ears.

Devon took in a deep breath and picked out the gym clothes he would need. He was debating whether to tell Alisha the truth. They had been friends for so long, friends with benefits; that there was practically nothing that they didn’t know about each other.

“Oh my God, you’re in love!” Alisha screeched and a hand went up to her mouth.

Devon met her gaze and shook his head.

“No, it’s not that. I don’t even know her. We just met,” Devon said and a mischievous smile had formed on Alisha’s face. She was straightening herself up, to sit up in bed.

“So it is about a girl,” she said and Devon shrugged.

“Who is it?” she asked, as Devon took out the shoes he needed.

“I can’t tell you that,” he said and Alisha raised an eyebrow at that.

“Is she like forbidden fruit or something?” she asked and Devon remained quiet as he tied his shoelaces.

“Okay, at least tell me what the problem is,” she said and Devon took in another deep breath.

“She has a boyfriend, and she might be too young for me,” he said, standing up again. Alisha was gazing at him, with her eyebrows crossed.

“It’s so unlike you to give up so easily. What’s going on?” she asked and Devon looked back at her.

“I like her. She’s a nice girl. I don’t want to put her in a situation that could end up hurting her,” he said and Alisha stared at him wide eyed. She was finding it hard to believe that Devon Rymer, the shrewd successful advertising mogul who she knew, was softening up because of a girl he barely even knew.

“I really can’t even picture this girl, who has brought you to your knees. So much so that you won’t even fuck me. It’s crazy!” Alisha said and then she laughed.

Devon was changing into his gym clothes now, piling up his night clothes on the floor next to his feet. His housekeeper would take care of them after he was gone to the gym. He was accustomed to these daily luxuries.

“You have to do something about it, Devon. She could be the one!” Alisha said and Devon shook his head.

“Like I said, she has a boyfriend and she’s too young for me,” he said and Alisha rolled her eyes.

“So what? You have to do something, Devon!” she said and he had already started walking towards the bedroom door.

“I appreciate your advice, Alisha. And I’m sorry that I called you over last night. Have a nice day. You can see yourself out, I trust,” he said at the door and Alisha sank back into bed. It was too early in the day for her.

“You have to fuck her if you want to get her out of your head, Devon!” he heard her say as he closed the door behind him.

Devon clenched his jaw as he walked towards his front door. His housekeeper, Bertha, was already in the kitchen, cleaning.

“Morning Bertha, leave the cleaning up of my bedroom till midday please,” Devon told her as he kept walking.

“Yes, Sir,” Bertha mumbled.

He had his own personal gym on the floor below the penthouse apartment, but today Devon was feeling like an actual run outside. He needed the fresh air.

* * *

Belle

Devon Rymer had called her into his office again, two days later, and Belle approached the door with some hesitation. His secretary wasn’t at her desk today, so she had no way of knowing why exactly she had been summoned. She could already feel the butterflies in her belly, just at the thought of seeing him again.

“Come in!” she heard his sharp voice when she knocked on the door. Belle opened it and stepped inside. He was sitting behind his desk, but stood up when she walked in. He was in another one of his pristine white shirts and today the tie at his neck was a deep purple, that seemed to somehow match his clear blue eyes.

He had square small reading glasses on, which he was taking off and he placed it on his desk. He looked tall and foreboding as he stood and Belle felt her hands tremble slightly. She couldn’t calm her nerves.

“You wanted to see me, Sir?” she said softly and he nodded his head.

“Yes, Belle, come in. How are you?” he asked and she walked towards his desk.

“Things have been going great. It’s a great office to work in,” she replied, realizing that her voice was beginning to sound a little shrill. She had come closer to his desk, but wasn’t sure if he wanted her to take a seat.

“I have spoken to Susan recently, and she reported that you’re a good worker. The best intern that we’ve had to date,” he was smiling at her, and Belle could feel her knees going weak. She couldn’t be sure if it was all the pent up sexual tension from Jesse holding out on her, or if it was an actual feeling…but she could feel goosebumps forming on her arms.

“Thank you, that is very kind of Susan and you. I’m trying my best,” she said and he walked around his desk. The fact that he was now coming closer to her, made her heart beat faster. She had never been this attracted to an older man before, and the fact that he was her boss and therefore in the taboo area, turned her on even more.

“The reason I’ve called you here is because, Belle, I was thinking of giving you a more client facing role. I believe you are good with people, and it might be useful if you sat in on a few client meetings,” he said and Belle blushed. She felt her lips stretch to a wide smile. She was humbled and honored and aroused, all at the same time.

“Thank you, Sir. That would be amazing,” she gushed. He had walked even closer to her now, and was leaning against his desk as he looked at her.

“You can call me Devon, Sir is too formal,” he said and Belle jerked her head up to look at him. She knew Susan called him Sir, so did his secretary. She couldn’t think of a reason why he didn’t want her to do the same. But it only excited her more. She could see that Devon Rymer had taken a special interest in her, and as much as she appreciated his professional interest, she couldn’t help but wonder if he was attracted to her too. The same way she was attracted to him.

“Okay, Devon. I really do appreciate the opportunity,” she said and took a few steps towards him now. She wasn’t sure why she was doing it, but she just wanted to get closer to him. See how he might react to their proximity. It thrilled her to find that he didn’t move away, in fact he was extremely comfortable.

“You deserve it, Belle,” he said softly and she took in a deep breath. She knew that they were already standing inappropriately close for a professional setting. But neither he nor she made a move in any direction. It was like they were allowing their bodies to do the speaking.

“Mr Rymer, Devon…” she was fumbling with her words and he took a step towards her. Their bodies were now only inches apart, and she could breathe in a whiff of his masculine cologne. It made her weaker in her knees.

“Is this awkward for you?” he asked, in a low guttural voice and she looked up from under her heavy lids to meet his fiery blue gaze.

“No,” she said and shook her head.

Devon came closer, the fabric of their clothes were grazing now and she took in a sharp breath.

“Are you sure?” he asked and she looked up at him again. She was mesmerized by his eyes, his voice and by the thought that she might actually get to touch him. All reason and common sense and reality had flown from her mind. In that moment, all she could think of was touching Devon Rymer.

“Yes, I’m sure,” she said in a softer voice and this time when their eyes met, she knew what was going to happen.

He lowered his head abruptly and took her jaw in one of his large hands. In a flash he had angled her small heart shaped face towards him and their lips met. She gasped, loudly, as their mouths pressed together. Devon’s tongue was forcing her lips open, she gave way to it and then he was exploring her mouth. His long velvety tongue inside her mouth was the most sensual thing she had ever experienced. It was like he was already making love to her.

Belle reached up to hold on to his shoulders for support, and slowly, as they continued to kiss, he moved her. She was now against his desk, her back pressing against its cold wooden surface. He was leaning towards her, kissing her with more force.

Belle could feel a wetness between her thighs, something she had never experienced just from kissing. But this was no ordinary kiss. Devon Rymer wasn’t the usual college guys she used to make out with. Just knowing the fact that he was way more experienced than her, turned her on even more.

He pulled away from her suddenly, and Belle gasped again. She stared into his deep blue eyes for a few moments, and a soft smile started forming on his face.

“I’ve wanted this from the moment I saw you,” he grunted and Belle bit down on her lip. She was watching him from under her heavy eyelids. His lips were glazed from her own mouth as he came closer to her again.

Belle thrust her hips out towards him, and his hands went to her shirt. She threw her head back as he caressed her breasts, gently at first. Then he squeezed them. She moaned.

Within seconds he was unbuttoning her maroon cotton shirt, untucking it from her skirt. She felt the coolness of the air as her breasts were exposed, only covered now by the black lace bra she was wearing.

Belle’s legs were parting, and Devon had wedged himself between her thighs. She could feel the material of her tight pencil skirt stretching, she was beginning to worry that it might tear. But then her thoughts were elsewhere, because Devon had pulled down the straps of her bra. Her breasts were completely exposed now, and he gently pinched her small pink nipples.

Belle moaned again and threw her head back. Some thoughts flitted through her brain occasionally. That she hadn’t told him how inexperienced she was, that she was a virgin. That this was all new to her. She was afraid of even touching him.

She felt his hands on her waist, and he lifted her up on the desk. Slowly he brought his head down so that he could lick her pert nipples. Belle winced as he did it. His long velvety tongue licked her nipples, one by one, like they were lollypop. He had his eyes fixed on her the whole time. She pressed her eyes close to enjoy the moment, and then she felt his hands between her legs.

Belle gasped again, and when she looked at him, Devon was smiling.

“You’re sweet,” he said in a low growl, and his hands found the zip on the side of her skirt. He slid it down, and Belle was worried that he would now be able to fully see how wet for him she was. He dragged her skirt down and threw it on the floor.

She was in matching black lace panties, and Devon didn’t waste time to touch the soft throbbing mound between her legs. Belle blushed, nobody had touched her there before, and she quickly squeezed her thighs together.

“Don’t be shy, it’s delicious,” he groaned and gently, he pried her legs open again. It was turning her on to see him even looking at her. But Devon looked like he had eyes only for her wet hot core. She was surprised to find that he slowly lowered himself, still fully dressed, to the floor. His face was now at level with her legs, her throbbing dripping center.

Their eyes met, and Belle was biting down on her lip.

Devon gently used his fingers to move her panties aside. Belle took in a deep breath as he looked at her, at the spot that was still untouched. He could see how wet she was, and she blushed. He brought his face closer and she closed her eyes. The feelings gushing through her veins were all new to her. An uncontrollable urge to grind herself to him, to feel his cock against her leg.

While her eyes were closed, she suddenly felt his tongue on her mound. He was licking her there, and Belle moaned. She didn’t know what she was supposed to do, how she was supposed to react. It was an explosive feeling she couldn’t control. Only her own fingers had ever been there before, but she was always so afraid of it. Now having Devon’s tongue there was a whole new feeling.

Slowly, he licked her again, then just like his tongue had parted her lips, he parted her again and slid his tongue into her. Belle gasped and she felt him reach out and hold her thighs tightly. She could see his head between her legs. Her thighs parted wide apart, and Devon started thrusting into her. His tongue slipped in and out of her, licking and flicking her juicy folds.

Just when Belle was beginning to give in to the sensation, Devon moved his hand. His fingers found her clit and he started stroking her there. Belle moaned loudly this time, unable to control the rush of sensations in her veins. She felt like she was going to pass out.

Devon didn’t stop. He continued to lick her, his tongue sliding in and out of her, while his fingers stroked her clit. Far from stopping he was only increasing his speed. Belle was moaning, her mouth hung open and her eyes rolled back in her head. This was the best, most freeing feeling she had ever felt. Nothing else was in her mind other than reaching that point where her body would take control. Devon was bringing her to the edge, she could feel it rising at the base of her belly. It was growing inside her, his tongue was making it happen.

His phone on his desk next to her suddenly came alive.

“Mr Rymer, your three O clock is here. I’ve put them in the board room,” his secretary’s voice wafted through.

He pulled away from Belle abruptly, letting go of her legs, and he stood up. Belle slapped her legs close and jumped off the desk, aware of her own nakedness.

“Yes, thank you, Lily,” Devon said and reached over to press a button on the phone.

Belle was already picking up her discarded clothes off the floor.

“Umm…I have a meeting right now,” she heard him say behind her. She didn’t want to look at him. She could feel her cheeks burning up from embarrassment.

“Yes, of course,” she said as she pulled her skirt up and zipped it. Then in silence she dressed herself fully, avoiding his eyes. And she was out of his office in under two minutes flat.

* * *

Devon

Devon sat through the board meeting dazed, feeling more like a zombie than an actual living person. He couldn’t get the image of Belle’s naked body out of his mind. When he had called her into his office, he had no plans of stripping her off her clothes or touching her. He just wanted to see her again. But, seeing her standing there, accepting his proximity, had stirred something in him. She seemed just as excited by the prospect of being with him, as he was.

Now he wasn’t so sure. He didn’t know if she had wanted the same thing he did. Had he somehow crossed a line with her? He saw that she was enjoying herself, he had heard her moan, she encouraged him to go on…but he still couldn’t help feeling guilty. She had a boyfriend!

“Thank you, Mr Burnet, that’ll be all for today,” Devon said, standing up abruptly from his chair. The guy giving the presentation stopped what he was saying and stared at Devon blankly. Everyone seemed to walk on eggshells around him, it appeared to him. And it made him slightly angry. People were scared of him for some reason in his office, and Devon couldn’t understand why. At least Belle didn’t appear to shy away from him, not yet anyway. But after what happened, he couldn’t be sure how she might behave now.

As he walked back to his office, Devon resolved to keep his distance from her. Thankfully, it hadn’t gone farther. It stopped at the right moment.

He shut the door of his office behind him with a bang and walked hurriedly over to his chair. He needed to think.

It was easy to figure out that Belle Freedman was inexperienced. He wondered if she was a virgin. But then again, she said that she was living with her boyfriend. So wouldn’t they have had sex by now? Devon couldn’t distract himself from thinking about her. He wanted her again, at the same time as insisting to himself that he needed to stay away.

It was nearly half past four by now, and his employees were beginning to wind up to start going home. Devon decided that he was going to stay in the office longer than necessary tonight. He could go over reports, maybe even go over Belle’s reports!

He shook his head and stood up from his chair. In a moment of panic, he pulled out his personal phone and dialed Alisha’s number. She answered soon enough and sounded like she was delighted to hear his voice.

“What’s happening with you?” she asked when she answered the call.

“I nearly fucked her,” Devon said, pressing his temples.

Alisha was laughing.

“When have you nearly fucked a woman? You’ve either fucked someone or not fucked them,” she said and Devon shook his head.

“I don’t know what’s happening to me. She’s driving me crazy. I had her in my office today. I kissed her and things got a little heated up,” he said and he heard Alisha take in a deep breath.

“And who put a stop to it?” she asked.

“I did. Well, kinda…we were interrupted, but I pretty much pushed her away after that,” he replied and there was silence between them for a few seconds. Alisha wasn’t saying a word. It was as though all of this was coming as a shock to her.

“I really don’t know what to say, Devon. You’ve never behaved like this before. Is it just because she has a boyfriend? She wouldn’t have kissed you back or allowed things to escalate if she didn’t want it too,” Alisha reasoned and Devon stood up from his chair.

He walked over to the glass wall behind him and looked out to the busy Hudson River below.

“Maybe she’s just confused. I think she’s a virgin. So it could be that she doesn’t know what she wants,” he said.

Alisha was thinking again.

“A virgin girl in a relationship, who is much younger than you. This girl has clearly pulled a number on you,” she said finally, and Devon let out a deep breath.

“I know, it’s insane. I can’t stop thinking about her, and when I do I get turned on,” he replied.

“And you still can’t tell me who she is?” Alisha urged him.

“No, I don’t want to jeopardize her position. I’m putting an end to this,” he said.

“How?” Alisha asked and Devon shook his head.

“I’ll figure out a way,” he said and then ended the call.

Staring out at the dimming light outside, Devon knew he didn’t want to go back to his empty apartment. He wanted to spend some more time in his office, he could still feel Belle’s presence here. Besides, he knew that if he want back to his place, he would only end up fantasizing about her, and might masturbate to her and that wasn’t something he wanted to do. He wanted to try everything he could to push her out of his mind.

Devon licked his lips as he thought. Something needed to be done. Something substantial, to put some distance between themselves. Even if it meant that it might hurt them both for now, it would have to be done for their own long-term welfare.

For the first time in his life, Devon was beginning to feel like he needed companionship. Not the kind that Alisha provided, but something deeper. He knew that he had found that connection with Belle, but they had met under the wrong circumstances.

Devon shook his head and walked back to his desk and sat down. He would need to come up with a solution, and fast, before things got out of hand.

* * *

Belle

Belle was back in her apartment by half past five. She was desperate to come back home, to find some time to think. She could still feel Devon’s mouth on her, between her legs, as she walked up to the apartment. She had felt like that the whole day, fantasizing about him. The way he had made her feel. But now, as she pushed open the door, a wave of guilt hit her.

Thankfully, Jesse wasn’t at home. She went straight for the shower. She felt like maybe if she washed herself she could also wash the guilt off. She had wanted Devon Rymer so badly, so desperately in that moment that she hadn’t thought about Jesse. But Belle had always believed that she wasn’t the type of person who would ever cheat in a committed relationship. She had committed herself to Jesse, and they might be going through a rough and rocky start, but she owed it to him and to herself to give the relationship a chance.

Besides, it didn’t even seem like Devon wanted more. It appeared that it was one moment of weakness, on both their parts and he had very quickly changed his mind. Why would a powerful, successful man like Devon Rymer want her in the first place? She thought as she scrubbed herself. When he could have any woman he wanted, what made Belle so special?

She dried herself and changed into casual home clothes, and walked out of the bathroom to find Jesse home.

“How was your day?” he asked her, as he unlaced his sneakers.

Belle gulped before pasting a smile on her face. Just facing Jesse had brought back that wave of guilt in her. She could barely look him in the eye any more.

“How was yours?” she asked him and he shrugged his shoulders.

“Unsuccessful,” he said and walked over to the kitchen area to pour himself a glass of water.

“Have you eaten already?” she asked him, drying her hair with a towel.

“Yeah, you?” he asked her and Belle clenched her jaw. What was happening to them? Weren’t couples supposed to eat together?

“No, but I’m not hungry I guess,” she said and watched as he walked over to the couch and sat down with a thump.

“Jesse,” Belle said, placing a hand on her left hip. He looked up at her, while he plugged in the controls of his playstation.

“Yeah?” he asked, and he looked away, like he wasn’t expecting her to say anything important. Now that she looked at him, she realized that she felt nothing. None of the emotions she had felt when Devon had looked at her. Even without touching her, he had managed to make her bubble with excitement. Something that Jesse had never been able to do.

“What are we going to do about next month’s rent? I won’t be able to afford the whole thing,” she said and gulped. She had so much more to say, to ask him, but his attention was drifting already.

“We’ll manage. I’ll figure something out,” he said distractedly. Belle rolled her eyes and breathed in deeply. Her cellphone on the kitchen counter beeped and she walked towards it. She was feeling mixed emotions of guilt and anger, and they were all directed at Jesse.

On her phone, she saw that she had received an email, from Devon Rymer. Quickly turning her back to Jesse, with a flush of guilt rushing to her cheeks, she opened the email.

Hello Belle,

I’m sorry about what happened in the office earlier. It was entirely my fault and I take the blame for it completely. But I don’t think we should allow for it to happen again. I’m going to ask Susan to move you to our Brooklyn office. You’ll keep your role, but just be out of my way. I wanted to warn you myself.

Devon Rymer

Belle read it again, three times over and then Jesse’s voice interrupted her thoughts. She hadn’t been able to believe what she was reading. She had expected things to get awkward between the two of them now, but this was the last thing she saw coming.

“What’s wrong? You look like you’ve seen a ghost,” he said and she jerked her head up to look at Jesse. She could feel her nostrils flaring.

“I’m being moved to the Brooklyn office,” she said, as she stared at him with unblinking eyes. She still couldn’t believe it.

“That’s great isn’t it? Your office will be closer to us that way,” Jesse said, still tapping away at his playstation controls. He was speaking robotically, just with mild interest in what she was saying. He was more engrossed in his game.

“No, I want to keep working at the Manhattan office,” she said, suddenly snapping out of her dazed thoughts.

“So, what are you going to do about it?” Jesse asked.

“I’m going to go speak to Devon Rymer. I know he doesn’t leave his office before seven. If I go now, I can still make it,” she said and looked expectantly at Jesse. She wasn’t sure why she was staring at him. Perhaps she was hoping that he would stop her, that maybe they might sit together and discuss the situation and he could give her some support. Perhaps she was waiting for some sort of sign from the Universe that would tell her that she shouldn’t be going to see Devon.

But nothing happened. Jesse continued to play his game and Belle licked her lips. She knew that was not what Devon wanted. That would be exactly the opposite of what he wanted. But if he was going to move her from the Manhattan office, she wasn’t going to go out without a fight. She was going to face up to him. After all, he was wrong; he wasn’t entirely to blame. She was just as much at fault as he was and he needed to know that.

* * *

Devon

Devon had the lights dimmed in his office. He was aware that apart from the security personal downstairs, there was no other soul in the building. It was nearly eight now, but he continued typing away at his computer. Keeping himself engrossed in work had helped him to distract his thoughts from Belle and what happened earlier that day.

He was also glad that he had found the strength to send that email to her. Once she moved to the Brooklyn office in a few days, he wouldn’t be in danger of bumping into her in the elevator or the corridors. He’d be able to take the temptation away of calling her to his office too.

The soft ping of the elevator doors opening outside alerted him, and Devon looked up from his typing. A few moments later there was a sharp rap on the door.

“Come in” he called out, thinking that it might be Lily and that she had forgotten a file or something. The door opened, and instead of Lily, Belle was on the other side.

She was panting, giving him the impression that she had been running.

“I wasn’t sure if you would still be here but I decided to take my chances,” Belle said, stepping in confidently.

She was dressed much differently than she usually was for work, and that took Devon by mild surprise. In a pair of distressed boxy jeans that just about reached her ankles, and an oversized t-shirt; Belle looked casual chic and fashionable. Her waist length bronze hair was left open and was still a little damp, and he wondered if she had just had a shower. She usually tied her hair in a bun or plaited it for work, so seeing it open like that made Devon shift in his seat.

“How can I help you, Belle?” he asked, in a curt voice.

She entered his office and shut the door behind her.

“You can help me by explaining why you want me gone from this office,” she said, striding confidently towards his desk.

Devon took the glasses off his face and placed them on the desk. He then steepled his fingers in front of him, and confronted her directly. Belle’s brown eyes were even more darker than usual and her pink glossy lips were stretched in a thin pursed line. She didn’t look amused.

“I explained in my email why, Belle. I thought I made myself quite clear,” Devon said, trying to maintain an authoritative persona.

“You didn’t explain it at all. You apologized for what happened and then said that you want me out of your way,” she said, walking up close to the desk. There was still the obstruction of a desk between them, and Devon was glad for it.

She looked sexy when she was mad, and a new side to her sweet delicate personality was revealed, which was only succeeding in turning him on more.

“That was precisely my point. Because of what happened today, I think it would be best if we kept some distance between us,” he said and moved his chair, shifting it father away from his desk.

Belle squinted, looking at him fiercely.

“It wasn’t just your fault you know. I wanted it too,” she said, after a few moments of silence. Her voice had softened a bit. Devon looked at her and then slowly nodded.

“Sure. You’re right, it takes two hands to clap. However, I believe it is my responsibility to put an end to this before it goes any further,” he said and now he slowly stood up from his chair. Belle was following him with her eyes, watching him like a hawk. It amazed him that she didn’t budge or flinch. That she wasn’t intimidated by him in the least.

“You’re talking about responsibility like you’re in some kind of guardian position. We are both adults here, Devon. I’m a grown woman and I know how to take care of myself,” she snapped. For the first time, Belle looked like she had taken offense.

Devon raised his hands, palms forward in a defensive position and breathed in deeply.

“I don’t mean to upset you, Belle. In fact, I want the exact opposite of that. Which is why, I think to avoid another conversation like this happening, and so that you don’t have to find yourself in a situation where you’re unfaithful to your boyfriend…I believe it would be best if you move to the Brooklyn office,” he said.

Belle was watching him with interest, with her eyes narrowed and no softness on her face.

“So, is that what it is? This is about the fact that I have a boyfriend? You don’t have to worry about my relationship,” she snapped at him and Devon pushed his hands into the pockets of his pants. Just when he thought this was all finally over, that he had taken the crucial step necessary for them to move on…he was in the same position again. Just watching Belle speak, looking at her delicate body and fiery brown eyes were enough. He wanted her again.

“I’m not worried about your relationship. I’m worried about ours. We effectively ruined it this afternoon, and all I want is your professional success. So in order to keep this purely professional, you have to move away,” Devon said and clenched his jaw.

He could see that she was thinking, she licked her lips and stared at him. He wasn’t sure of exactly what she was thinking, but he hoped she wasn’t thinking of coming any closer to him. One more step and it would be impossible for him to resist her. He was doing everything in his power to hold back.

For her own good, and his own sanity - Belle Freedman needed to get out of his office right now.

* * *

Belle

Belle couldn’t believe what she was hearing. She couldn’t fathom how Devon was so calm and composed when she was experiencing a rollercoaster of emotions herself. Everything he had said till now had made complete sense, but she had only snapped at him in response because she didn’t want to hear him say those things.

“What if I told you that I won’t let this ruin my professional pursuits?” Belle asked, softening her voice. Devon arched his eyebrows and took in a deep breath.

“I’m one of the partners of this agency, I’m your Boss…you’re my employee. Belle, this could end disastrously for both of us,” Devon said and she took a few steps towards him. She saw that he had clenched his jaws, he was holding his ground. But the other thing that she could sense, was that his resolve was beginning to crack. She knew that the closer she got to him, the harder it would get for him to control himself.

“Why are you being so negative, Devon?” she said, slowly, maintaining eye contact with him. Now she was sure of what she wanted. She wanted him inside her. She wanted the whole thing. She knew that she wouldn’t truly be satisfied till he had taken her completely, till he finished what he started.

“I’m being realistic Belle. For your sake and mine,” he said and Belle came even closer. She could feel her fingers trembling as she took each step. She had never been this forward with anybody, especially not with someone who was this attractive or this powerful. It was thrilling to see that she had an effect on him. Devon’s eyes were glazing over, his gaze kept dropping to her heaving breasts under her t-shirt. He couldn’t look away.

“Can we worry about all that later?” she asked and stopped in her tracks, when she was directly in front of him. She had to crane her neck to look up at him, and Devon was looking down at her with weakness in his eyes. He wasn’t going to make the first move, not this time, she was sure of it.

He only clenched his jaw in response and Belle sank to the floor.

She wasn’t sure what she was doing. She had no experience in the art of seduction, but all she knew was that she wanted to see him naked. It was his turn now.

On her knees, Belle looked up at Devon. He was towering over her, and she suddenly felt an electric shock run down her spine when she realized how powerful and muscular he actually was. She looked up at him with expectant eyes, begging him to tell her what to do next.

But she wasn’t surprised when he slowly pulled the zip down on his pants. Then he unbuttoned it and the pants came tumbling down to the floor.

Next were his boxers, and for the first time, Belle saw a fully erect cock right in front of her face. It was throbbing, with a smooth tip and Devon pointed it at her. Keeping his blue eyes on Belle’s face, he proceeded to take his tie off, then his shirt and finally, he was standing completely naked in front of her.

Belle looked up at him, taking note of the chiseled muscles of his torso, his wide shoulders, the smattering of dark hair on his chest and arms. Devon Rymer was fully male, dripping with masculinity. She could feel herself growing wet because she knew exactly what he could do to her.

“Take me in your mouth, Belle,” he grunted, in a deep authoritative voice and she did what she was told. She reached for his cock, circled it with her hands and then slowly brought her face close to it.

She felt Devon’s hands in her hair, he had gripped her hair and was now gently pushing her face closer to him. Belle opened her mouth wide, welcoming his cock in. For the first few seconds she thought she was going to gag, but Devon was taking his time. She relaxed her throat muscles, allowing his length to slide in inch by inch. It was strangely exciting, having him in her mouth. She had never expected it to be this sexy, but it was like a preview of what his cock inside her wet throbbing center was going to feel like.

When Belle looked up, she saw how much Devon was enjoying himself, how good this was making him feel. It only turned her on more. She started moving her lips, sliding his cock forward and backward and slowly but surely, she knew she was getting used to it. He tasted salty, masculine and strong in her mouth and Belle could feel the throbbing between her legs grow stronger. She wanted him inside her now.

His grip on her hair increased and Devon had now begun to guide her. She was glad that she was successful in seducing him, because if he turned her away she wouldn’t have been able to survive that humiliation. He gently pushed and pulled her head and stood with his legs apart, so that she could pleasure him in the right way.

When she looked up again, his eyes were fixed on her. She saw that he was coming closer and closer to the edge, and just when she thought he was going to give in, Devon pulled himself out of her mouth.

Belle felt her heart sink. She wasn’t sure why Devon had abruptly pulled out. She was worried that he was putting an end to this. That he was going to kick her out of his office and out of her job.

“Take off your clothes,” he said as he took a step away from her.

Belle let out a sigh of relief as she stood back up. While Devon had his eyes on her, and his hands holding his cock, Belle started undressing herself.

He watched her as she slid down her jeans, then took of her t-shirt. She felt more confident undressing in front of him now, given that he had already seen her naked. She took off all her underwear and eventually she was standing in front of him, completely naked.

Devon was stroking his cock, staring at her, at her breasts.

“Touch yourself. I want you wet and ready first,” he said in a low growl and again, Belle did what she was told. Slowly, a little embarrassed, she touched herself, with one finger first. She did what he had done earlier. Stroking her clit, she stood with her legs pressed together as he watched her.

She could see that Devon’s cock was growing, if that was even possible, as he stroked himself more. His jaw was clenched together, his eyes were focused on where she was touching herself. Belle’s mouth hung open as she stroked her clit, repeatedly, with growing speed till she knew that she couldn’t take it any more.

“Slide your finger in. Just one,” he commanded and she hesitantly did it. Slowly, an inch at a time. Belle gasped when she felt her finger go into her folds, she could feel her own sticky juices. It only made her want him more. Devon was watching her, stroking his cock with his nostrils flared. She could see the force of his own arousal. He was torturing them both by keeping his distance, but she didn’t want to jump the gun. He was the expert here.

Then, when she least expected it, he stepped towards her. In one quick motion, he had grabbed her by the back of her head and was pushing her backwards. They were staring into each other’s eyes, it was like he was burning a hole into her head. Belle was growing self conscious by the minute. She wasn’t sure if she’d be good enough for him.

It was when her bare back touched the cool surface of the wall, that Devon stopped pushing her. He let go of her hair and his hands traced a line down her front, from her neck, over her breasts to the base of her belly. His finger found her wet mound and he stroked her clit again. Belle moaned. The anticipation was killing her.

“Devon, I haven’t…” she tried to say, but he placed a finger on her lips.

“Don’t say another word,” he said, looking deep into her eyes and Belle realized instantly that he knew. He knew she was a virgin. She felt her cheeks burning up again. She hadn’t realized how inexperienced she must have appeared to him, for him to know that she was a virgin already. But for some reason, he didn’t seem to have a problem with it.

His hands left her clit, just when she thought she wasn’t going to be able to bear it any longer. He grabbed her butt, with both his hands and then as easily as he would a feather; Devon lifted her up. In a single motion, instinctively, Belle knew what to do and she wrapped her legs around his hips.

Devon used his body to press her to the wall again, and Belle felt his erect cock against her wet center. It had just grazed her, and she gasped. She was already reaching the precipice. He had amped up her sensations to the level where she knew she was ready. More ready than she had ever been.

With her legs around his hips, and his hands holding her by the waist, Devon peered into her eyes. In the dim light of the office, Belle looked back at him and she saw that he was going to be gentle with her. That he understood everything. He wanted her to feel good.

Without a word, with their eyes locked; Devon drove himself into her. Slowly, he pushed his cock in. Belle felt her wet folds parting as his cock entered her. She gasped again, from the shocking feeling of having his cock inside her. She gripped him by his shoulders, tightly, and she felt her own muscles stiffening.

“You’re so tight and small,” he grumbled in a low voice. Belle bit down on her lip. Every word that came out of his mouth made her want him more. He knew exactly the things to say to her. She felt her muscles starting to relax. Devon was pushing himself in more. Inch by inch, she could feel him inside her. He was taking it slow, till he was inside her completely. Then he pulled out.

Belle screamed from the shock of it, but Devon thrust himself into her again. Holding her tightly, up against the wall, he drove into her and pulled out again. Belle’s eyes rolled in her head. She knew that some men were good at sex. But, she had never expected her first time to feel so good. For it to be so easy.

He kept his eyes on her, as he pumped into her, increasing his speed. All the discomfort of the initial few seconds of having his cock inside her had gone, Belle was enjoying herself. His cock had reached somewhere deep inside her, which she knew was going to make her come.

“Devon…” she breathed his name. He kept thrusting, in and out of her, till she couldn’t hold back any more. Her orgasm came like an explosion. She had no control over her body, as she shook and wriggled. Belle was screaming, at the shock of what she was feeling. She faintly sensed that he had released himself into her as well, but her only concern was her own orgasm.

It rocked her body, her toes curled and she knew she had a wide smile on her face. Devon didn’t stop at that, he pumped into her with quick hard thrusts till he had fully emptied himself into her. After that, Belle was ready to simply collapse to the floor.

* * *

Devon

They were lying naked, beside each other, on the carpeted floor of his dimly lit office. Devon was still breathing hard, while Belle was looking up at the ceiling. Neither of them had said a word since he released her from his grip and they both sank to the floor.

It could have been a few minutes or even half an hour, Devon felt like he had lost all track of time. But he had to say something, it didn’t seem like Belle was going to say anything.

“Are you on the pill?” he asked, breaking the silence. The thought had suddenly occurred to him, because now he was certain that she was a virgin. Her hymen was already broken though, which could have been caused by masturbation; but he was sure that no man had been inside her before. Or if they had, they had done a very poor job of it. It made Devon feel good that he had been able to make Belle feel good. He had watched the intensity of her orgasm. She wasn’t going to forget it very easily.

“Yeah, ever since I moved in with Jesse,” she said, looking over at him.

“But you’ve not had sex with him yet?” Devon asked, still avoiding her gaze. They were looking up at the ceiling together, because he didn’t want to face her, or himself. This was the last thing he wanted to happen. Because just like her, Devon knew that he wasn’t going to be able to forget Belle so easily either.

“No, he wants to wait till we get married,” Belle said quietly and Devon drew in a deep breath.

“I’m sorry if this has confused things for you,” he said, after a few moments of silence. Belle was silent too, then she shook her head and turned to him. Devon couldn’t avoid looking at her any more. He turned to her, and looked into her large brown eyes. Her hair had fallen like a curtain over her side, just about covering her breasts.

“It was already a confused mess. I wanted to have sex, and he didn’t. We have a lot of things to work out,” she said and Devon nodded quietly.

“See, this is the reason why I want you to move to Brooklyn,” he said and then watched as she got up from the carpet. He couldn’t help admiring her lithe naked body as she walked over to where her clothes were strewn on the floor.

Devon felt a pang of loneliness again, as he watched her getting dressed in silence.

“Yes, you’re probably right,” she said as she slid up her jeans. Devon got up too, dragging his gaze away from looking at her. His clothes were lying near the desk, and he walked over to them.

“I’ll speak to Susan tomorrow, and organize a move by day after. You’ll be able to work better if we keep our distance,” he said, as he buttoned up his shirt and pulled up his pants. Belle had slunk her t-shirt back on now, and she flipped her long hair out of her clothes.

“Is it really this easy for you? You seem quite experienced in things like this,” she said and Devon jerked his head up to look at her with narrowed dark eyes. He clenched his jaw.

“I’m not experienced in it at all, Belle. This is the first time something like this has happened. I like to keep my work and private life as separate as possible,” he said and tucked his shirt into his pants.

Belle was standing with her arms crossed over her chest, as though she didn’t believe a word of what he said.

“And, it’s not easy. But I’m your boss, you have a boyfriend and you’re at least twenty years younger than me,” he said. Even though he had just had her, and even though Belle’s flushed face and flared nostrils told him that she was in a sour mood; Devon couldn’t help wanting her again. He wondered how many times it would take, for her to satisfy his craving. Right then it felt like it could take forever. Like he would never stop wanting her.

Belle rolled her eyes and looked away from him.

“Yeah, I have a boyfriend. Who I have to go home to. Who I have to face now,” she said, with her eyes turned to the glass wall. Devon debated whether he should walk closer to her. Eventually, he decided that she needed human contact. That all this was probably too confusing for her. So, he walked over to her and she turned to look at him.

Her watery eyes, the prideful jutting out of her chin…all contributed to how sexy she looked in that moment. Devon wished that he could keep her there, and make love to her all night. Instead, he only grabbed her face with both his hands, encasing her cheeks with his palms. He peered into her eyes and tried to smile.

“It’ll be fine once you move to Brooklyn. This was a mistake. I did something wrong, just like you did. You’re not alone in this,” he said and Belle fell into his arms. She wrapped herself into his chest and Devon had no other choice but to stroke her silky bronze hair. He got a whiff of her lemon scented shampoo and he closed his eyes in order to savor that moment.

She wasn’t crying, or sniffing…she was simply holding him.

“I want to feel guilty, I want to feel bad, but I don’t. I know this isn’t good for you, or your agency, and I’m only an intern with a complicated life, but…” her words were coming out in a jumble and Devon placed a finger on her lips.

“Don’t say another word,” he said and they couldn’t help but smile at each other.

“I should go now,” Belle said suddenly, drawing her arms away from him. Devon let her slip away, and then he stood in the center of his room and watched as she walked towards the door.

“I’ll remember this forever,” Belle said, just before she opened the door to step out.

* * *

Belle

It was nearly eleven by the time Belle returned to the apartment. She had tried to delay coming home, not only because the guilt had started to set in but because she felt like she had never met another person like Devon Rymer before. He was gentle with her, caring and not the arrogant self sufficient man she expected him to be. He was not only a powerful successful man, but also someone who treated her with respect. She wished that she had met him under different circumstances. But she knew the circumstances couldn’t be changed, and she had to return home to Jesse.

She jangled the keys in the lock and pushed open the door, to find the apartment shrouded in darkness. Jesse had already gone to bed it appeared.

In the darkness of the room, Belle tried to be as quiet as possible as she went to the kitchen area to pour herself a glass of water. Next, she went to the bathroom to wash herself. She was afraid that she might smell of Devon and sex. Belle silently stripped herself off her clothes, then she dampened a towel and washed between her legs. She splashed some cold water on her face too, hoping that would soothe her nerves. But nothing helped.

Slipping into her satin night dress, she tied her hair up in a ponytail and stepped out of the bathroom.

On the mattress on the floor, she could see Jesse’s shadowy outline. He was turned towards the window, away from her side of the bed. She wondered if some other guy would have stayed up for her. Or was this the norm? She had never lived with a boy before, and the initial excitement of sharing her life with another person was quickly fading.

Belle walked over to the mattress silently, sudden guilt gripping her heart. She had done something wrong. She had slept with someone else. She had cheated on Jesse. What had he done wrong? Other than not being able to find a job and denying her sex; was there anything else that was gravely wrong with him? He didn’t treat her badly, neither was he violent or abusive; and as far as she knew, he was a faithful guy.

Belle couldn’t sleep. She tried to edge herself as far away from Jesse’s sleeping body as possible. She didn’t think she deserved to be touched, just after she had been unfaithful to him. The guilt kept her awake. She couldn’t stop thinking about how deeply it would hurt Jesse to find out that while he was saving himself for her, she had already given up her virginity to her boss. How could she possibly rectify it? How could she ever take it back?

Belle turned to face the other way and felt a fat teardrop escape her eyelid and fall on the pillow underneath. It was all her fault. She was the one who had seduced Devon. He had tried to push her away, but she came to see him, she told him that she didn’t care about what happened. She wanted to sleep with him.

While her boyfriend was by himself in their apartment, waiting for her.

When Jesse moved, Belle’s heart stopped. She didn’t want him to wake up, she didn’t want to speak to him. She felt like she was the worst human being on the planet, by cheating on a good guy.

“Hey, how did it go? Did you meet your boss?” Jesse’s voice was groggy. Belle gulped and tried to even her breathing before opening her mouth to speak.

“Yeah, but I have to move to the Brooklyn office. I don’t have a choice,” she said, still turned away from him. She felt him move again, and realized that he was turning over to her side now. She sensed his arm reach around her waist and he brought her tightly close to him.

“It’ll be fine. You’ll be closer to home and closer to me. We can meet for lunch every day,” he said, still groggy but she could sense that he was smiling. She didn’t reply for a few seconds and then heard his heavy breathing. He had fallen asleep again.

Belle didn’t move. Jesse’s arm around her waist felt like a ton of bricks on her body. It didn’t feel natural, it sent a cold shiver down her spine. But she remained in that position, laying with her eyes wide open.

She couldn’t remember anymore what had attracted her to Jesse in the first place. Was it his boyish long blond hair? The dimples on his cheeks? Or was it because all her friends thought he was cute too? She knew she was too quick to agree to move in with him. They didn’t know each other well enough. At the time however, it was comforting to know that she wouldn’t have to live in New York all alone. She should never have doubted herself. She should have known that she could make it anywhere.

Belle tried to sleep, but she couldn’t stop her mind from working on overtime. Devon and Jesse, Jesse and Devon. Not like she knew Devon either. All she knew about him, was that she felt an uncontrollable physical connection with him that she had never felt with anyone else before. She wished she could talk to him more, because she got the sense that he actually understood her and he saw something in her that most people didn’t. He definitely saw something in her that Jesse didn’t.

But that chapter was over. She was in it with Jesse, and now she would have to find a way to forget about Devon and move on with Jesse. It had only been four months that they were together, and Belle believed that she still owed it to him to give him another chance.

* * *

Devon

Devon couldn’t sleep. His penthouse apartment felt empty and alone, and he wished that he could have Belle there with him. Which he knew was a ridiculous thought, because he knew nothing about her. But he also realized that he hadn’t ever felt like this about another woman before.

Devon had spent his entire twenties working hard, gaining the experience he needed working for other advertising agencies, making connections. When other people his age were out partying, Devon was working hard at his desk. He had close to no social life, other than one night stands with women whose faces he didn’t even remember any more. His thirties were spent in trying to establish his own agency. This too required a lot of hard work, and again, Devon had no time for actual relationships.

By the end of his thirties, Devon had built an empire and one of the most successful advertising agencies on the East Coast. Now in his forties, and after a string of multiple short lasting affairs and flings, Devon was tired of women. He didn’t even know where to begin to have an actual relationship. In a sense, he was a virgin too, just like Belle. He had no experience in real dating, he had no clue what it felt like to be with a woman consistently over a long period of time. The only woman he had slept with more than twice; was Alisha. And he knew for a fact that he didn’t want to be in a relationship with her.

Just when he was giving up, Belle had magically appeared in his life. There was an instant connection there. It started on the elevator, when he felt the spark, a sexual attraction that would have driven him to insanity if he hadn’t called her to his office. Ever since that, the attraction he felt towards her was more than just physical. Something unlike any other he experienced.

She wasn’t just forbidden fruit to him. He knew that was certain now, because they finally had sex. It was more than that. He wanted to keep seeing her. He wanted to share a meal with her. He wanted to sit on the couch and watch a movie together and then fall asleep in each others arms.

As he lay awake in bed, thinking about Belle and day dreaming about what a relationship with her would look like; he wondered if this was what falling in love felt like. But she was the wrong person; in the wrong circumstances. She was beautiful, charming and intelligent…but she was his employee, had a boyfriend and was way younger than appropriate.

And yet, he couldn’t stop thinking about her. He couldn’t stop thinking about how well they connected. The sex was hot, he had taken her virginity but it was more than just that. When they were lying beside each other on the carpet floor; Devon hadn’t been able to stop his mind from wandering. He wished he could simply scoop her back into his arms, kiss her on her lips and then go and get pizza somewhere.

But he knew it was impossible. He needed to maintain a professional relationship with her. There had to be some other woman who also made him feel that way. He didn’t believe in love at first sight. Hell, he didn’t even believe in love. He had spent his entire adult life sleeping with and seducing beautiful women, and not one of them had made him feel like he could spend his entire life with them.

How had this twenty something girl from Little Canada, an intern in his office, stirred these emotions in him?

Devon jumped out of bed and stared at the clock. It was only four in the morning and he hadn’t had a wink of sleep yet. He walked over to his closet, stripped down his clothes and changed into his running gear. Maybe some fresh air would clear his brain, he figured.

Belle Freedman had messed up his life, he thought now. He should be angry with her. He led a comfortable life as a confirmed bachelor, concentrating on his work and the success of his agency. He was happy that way. But now he had a taste for a different kind of happiness, and all this other stuff just seemed bland. His penthouse didn’t excite him. He had no use for his gym. He didn’t feel like going to work. He was going through all the emotions that teenagers went through, but he was forty-three years old! He should have been way past that age. He shouldn’t be feeling these feelings, for a girl he couldn’t have. For the first time, Devon felt powerless and out of control.

Devon left his apartment and took the elevators down to the lobby of his luxurious apartment building. The security guard at the door was surprised to see him that early. He smiled at the man and jogged out into the streets. The sky was still dark, the streetlights were still on and Devon began to run. He had no idea which direction he was running in, but all he wanted was to shake off that feeling.

He didn’t even want to imagine the kind of guilt that Belle was feeling. He was guilty himself, for being weak and sleeping with her. He wondered if this would ruin her peace of mind. She felt so delicate and small in his arms when he held her. He had stroked her hair and wished that he could fix everything. But he knew he couldn’t. He couldn’t even have her in his arms again.

Devon plugged in his earphones and turned the music on loud as he continued to jog. He had decided he would till he was out of breath, till his chest felt like it was about to explode; so that he wouldn’t have to think about Belle and how much he missed her.

* * *

Belle

Belle was hunched over her keyboard, her fingers midway in the air. She had been trying to concentrate for some time now, but her mind was elsewhere. When she looked up at the screen, she saw the cursor blinking. She had forgotten what she was about to type.

“Hey, Belle. Do you have the report ready?” Jasmine stuck her head around the cubicle, and Belle looked up with her wide brown eyes.

“Umm…give me half an hour? Please? Sorry, I got slightly delayed,” she said and Jasmine licked her lips, before disappearing without saying anything.

Belle had been working in the Brooklyn office for a week now, and she didn’t think it was going very well. Jasmine was her mentor in this office, and she could sense that she had failed to impress her. She tried hard, she tried her best…but she couldn’t help but think about Devon all day. She hadn’t seen or spoken to him since that night in his office. It was obvious that he was keeping out of her way.

Susan had explained to her that she was needed more in the Brooklyn office and she would have more opportunity to learn there. It was true that she was closer to their apartment now, but the distance from Devon was only making her think about him more. Belle decided that she only needed to give it time. That with time the wound would heal. That she would be able to make amends with Jesse and move on, but it had been a week and she still couldn’t stop thinking about how Devon had made her feel.

Belle shook her head and tried to concentrate again. She forced herself to work on the new market survey, and completed it within half an hour.

She walked over to Jasmine’s desk, left it by her computer because Jasmine wasn’t at the table and then she walked out of the office. It was already a quarter past one and she knew Jesse would be waiting. They had planned on meeting for lunch.

Belle hurried, weaving through the crowds till she found Jesse sitting on the wall at the spot where they had decided to meet. They didn’t have the money to go to an actual cafe or restaurant, so they had planned that he would pack lunch for them and bring it along with him.

“Ham sandwiches!” he said with a grin and waved two foil wrapped sandwiches in the air as Belle hurried towards him.

“Sorry, I got caught up at work. I only have fifteen minutes,” she said and he leaned over to plant a kiss on her cheek.

“Don’t worry about it babe,” he said kindly and handed her one of the sandwiches. Belle unwrapped the foil and took one ravenous bite of the sandwich. Jesse jumped off the wall and she noticed that he had an unusual smile on his face.

“What’s up?” she asked, realizing that she wasn’t actually interested in what he had to say. She wanted to go back to the office, sit at her desk and day dream about Devon instead.

“I got a call back from the restaurant where I dropped in my CV yesterday,” Jesse said, beaming still. Belle forced a smile on her face and nodded her head.

“That’s great news, Jesse! When do you have to go back?” she asked.

“At three today. I think I’ll get the job, babe. I told you I’ll figure it out,” he said and Belle reached over to give him a kiss.

“I know, I’m happy for you,” she said and her muscles stiffened when Jesse reached for her hand.

“I’m happy for us. We can finally start living our lives,” he said and Belle agreed. She allowed him to squeeze her hand, but pulled it away instantly on the pretext of unwrapping her sandwich.

“I’m looking forward to it. They pay well. Enough to make rent anyway. But I’m sad that we’ll be seeing each other less often,” he said and Belle pursed her lips.

“That’s normal isn’t it? It’ll take some pressure off me,” she said and Jesse’s face darkened instantly.

“I didn’t realize that you felt so pressurized,” he said and Belle shook her head.

“No, I didn’t mean it like that. I just meant that we could live a more comfortable life from now on,” she said and Jesse looked away from her and concentrated on eating his sandwich instead.

“Well, yeah, whatever. I’ll not have to depend on you for subway money any more,” he said, a little bitterly and Belle reached out to touch his arm. He drew his arm away, and she took in a sharp breath.

“I didn’t mean to offend you, Jesse. I’m just glad that you finally found something, and I hope it makes you happy,” she said, trying to sound kind. Jesse said nothing and Belle remained silent too. In silence they finished their sandwiches and then Belle looked at her watch.

“I should head back. Best of luck with the interview. I know you’ll get the job,” she said and stared at him longingly. She wanted him to say something nice, to reassure her again that everything would be alright. She was anxious that she couldn’t rely on his mood.

“Bye, see you later,” he said instead and turned around and walked away from her. Belle gulped, unsure of what the future of their relationship was going to look like. She wished he could be in a good mood more often, that she wouldn’t have to walk around on eggshells all the time; afraid of upsetting him.

She shook her head as she watched him walking away from her, and when he was out of sight, she went back to the office and sat at her desk. Her only hope was that she could get past the next few weeks without having a breakdown, and then maybe, just maybe she could go on with her life without yearning to see Devon all the time.

* * *

Devon

He could sense that Alisha was watching him eat. He was taking his time with his food, pushing it around with his fork on the plate. They had been sitting at the restaurant for nearly an hour and she had already finished her meal.

“You look like you’ve lost your appetite,” she said finally, and Devon looked up to find her sipping from her glass of white wine. It was only two in the afternoon and he wasn’t in the mood to have a drink yet.

“Just not hungry,” he said and Alisha leaned towards him across the table with a wry smile on her face.

“It’s about the girl isn’t it?” she said and Devon stared at her, a tomato stuck in his fork.

“I’m trying to get over that,” he said and Alisha sat back in her chair and stared at him some more.

“I’ve never seen you like this, Devon. She must be some kind of angel,” Alisha said with a disbelieving laugh and he washed down the food in his mouth with some water.

“It’s nothing. I’m just getting old and sentimental probably,” he said and wiped his mouth with a napkin.

Alisha licked her lips and looked suspiciously at him.

“So, you slept with her. What more do you want?” she asked and Devon took in a sharp breath. He regretted telling Alisha everything now. The last thing he wanted was to dwell on the subject any more.

“Nothing, Alisha. I don’t want anything more. I just want to forget about her and move on,” he said and Alisha arched her eyebrows.

“Wait a minute, are you in love with her or something? Didn’t you say that she was a young thing?” Alisha said and he glared at her. Alisha wasn’t going to back down. She wanted an answer.

“Yes, she’s young. In her early twenties and no I’m not in love. I don’t even know her that well,” he said irritably. Why couldn’t Alisha see that he just wanted to stop talking about it?

“Granted that you don’t know her well, but that doesn’t mean you can’t develop feelings for her,” she continued and Devon slapped the napkin down on the table. Alisha didn’t seem affected by it.

“I don’t have feelings for her, Alisha. I just like her. I enjoy her company. She’s smart and intelligent and the sex was good,” Devon said and sat back dejectedly in his chair. Just talking about Belle made him sad. He wasn’t used to feeling powerless, he wasn’t accustomed to not getting what he wanted. Alisha was still staring at him. Now her look was turning from curiosity to sympathy.

“You know, Devon. Not in a million years would I have imagined seeing you this broken up over a woman,” she said finally, after a minute’s silence.

“I’m not broken up over her!” he said, losing his patience now. Alisha ignored it. She was going to say what she wanted to say.

“I’m sure you know that I spent the better part of our friendship being in love with you. Till I realized that you were impossible to love, or rather you yourself were incapable of the feeling,” she said and Devon stared at her in surprise. He hadn’t expected Alisha to ever speak this way.

“Oh, don’t look so surprised. I have feelings too! I’m not made of stone. And you don’t have to feel sorry about me either, I got over you pretty quickly,” she added and Devon relaxed a little. He still didn’t know what to say to her.

“But I was satisfied in knowing that nobody could have you, it wasn’t just me. But I’m starting to believe that you are capable of feelings after all, Devon,” she said and he looked away from her. He had his jaw clenched and his eyes focused on the view outside the restaurant. This was not the kind of conversation he wanted to have. The less he acknowledged Belle’s hold on him, the better it would be, but Alisha didn’t want to let it drop.

“Don’t worry, darling,” she continued, “you won’t have to feel like this forever. I can attest for it from first hand experience.”

Devon looked back at her without a word still. He regretted inviting her to lunch with him. He hoped that she would manage to distract him, but he had forgotten that she knew him better than anyone else.

“You know what might work to cure these blues?” she asked and Devon raised an eyebrow at her.

“What, Alisha?” he said and her face broke into a wide smile.

“A good old fashioned romp in the bed with me. How many times have I managed to lift your mood?” she said and over the table she reached for his hand. Devon drew his hand away from her and stood up from the table.

“I’m sorry, Alisha. I value our friendship and your advice, but that side of our relationship is over,” he said, probably a little harshly. Alisha was laughing again, and she stared at him with mockery in her eyes. Almost like she was enjoying herself, watching him suffer over a girl.

“Why? Just because I confessed that I once had feelings for you?” she asked as Devon took out his wallet and counted the money.

“No, because I know now what the real thing feels like and I don’t want to find an easy solution to my problem,” he said and placed the money on the table.

Alisha sat back in her chair lazily and looked up at Devon, her smile had turned sour.

“Suit yourself. I’m not the one who is a lonely bachelor living up in his ivory tower without any actual friends. Best of luck getting over your heartbreak,” she said and picked up her wine glass again.

Devon said nothing but turned and walked away from her. He couldn’t believe that Alisha too, of all people, wasn’t the person he had thought she was.

* * *

Belle

When Belle returned to the apartment that evening, her eyes were burning and her shoulders were aching. She had spent the whole day trying to do her job well. As an intern, she was not only required to produce well researched market surveys, but she also had coffee runs to do and errands to run for others in the office. At the end of the day, Belle was tired and feeling heartbroken. But she still remembered that Jesse had a new job and she needed to support him.

When she opened the door, she found Jesse in boxer shorts and an old t-shirt. She was surprised, but tried to hide it with a chirpy voice.

“Hey! How’d it go?” she asked, shutting the door behind her.

Jesse was on the couch, playing on the console again and he looked up at her with a bored expression in his eyes.

“How’d what go?” he asked and Belle felt her heart sinking. She walked up towards him and softened her voice. It had obviously not gone well.

“The job interview,” she said, trying to sound as neutral as possible. Jesse paused the game, placed the control on his lap and looked up at her like he detested her for asking him that question.

“How do you think it went?” he asked and Belle shrugged and looked away from him. Of all the times he had been in a bad mood, this had to be the worst.