[English novel] SOMETHING GREAT (Điều Tuyệt Vời)

Something Great
Page 18



Becky graciously took it and took a bite. “Experience. Been there, done that.”

“Hey…I thought I knew everything about your love life.” I grabbed one for me and took a small bite.

“I only met you during our senior year in college. You didn’t know me when I was a junior. Let’s just say…I had too much fun,” she winked. “Now go, get your purse…we’re going shopping, but after we finished our Rice Krispies Treats. Hmmm…yummy.”

“Okay.” I had to agree with her. Delicious!

Chapter 10

Monday mornings were usually a drag and made it hard to get back into the swing of things after a fun weekend, but I was pumped up to go to work. In fact, I was there half an hour early, checking emails and replying to clients. As I continued to stare at my computer, the sound of the door swinging open caught my attention.

“Good morning,” I greeted Lisa and everyone that trailed behind her with a smile, coming to work right on schedule. After the greeting, everyone went straight to work. After time had passed, I looked at the clock and noted it was almost noon.

“You have a meeting with Mrs. Ward in five minutes,” Lisa reminded.

Lisa was the best. Though she wasn’t my personal secretary, there were times when she acted like one. “Thanks, Lisa. I’ll be back.” Gathering my notebook and pen, I walked out the door. Walking down the hall, a few employees passing by gave me quick smiles. Smiling back, I was just about to enter Mrs. Ward’s office when I did a double take.

Keeping my back to him, from the corner of my eye I saw Max talking to the front office secretary. I wanted to look away, but he looked so fine in his suite and tie, I couldn’t help myself. Mrs. Ross was all smiles, giggling like a schoolgirl at whatever he’d said to her. What was he doing there? Maybe he was one of our clients? Before he could turn and see me, I walked in.

“Good afternoon, Ms. Mefferd,” Mrs. Ward greeted warmly. “Have a seat.”

“Please, call me Jenna,” I smiled. Pulling the chair out, I sat comfortably and pulled out my pen.

Looking at her computer screen, she glanced at me, and then back to her screen again. “Sorry, I’m reading this email. It’s regarding you.”

“Oh….” I stiffened. “Is something wrong?”

Still looking at her screen, she spoke. “No. You can put your pen down. You won’t be taking any notes.” Then she shifted her eyes to me with a smile. “Traveling was not part of your job description, but how do you feel about traveling?”

“It depends where I’m going,” I joked, to be funny and to make her smile. But before she had a chance to reply, I spoke again, since I didn’t get the smile I’d anticipated. “I’m just joking. Sure. I don’t mind.” As long as it wasn’t like every week or very often, then I was okay with it. There was an excitement about traveling by myself, and since I hadn’t been to…well…I hadn’t traveled much, the thought alone was exhilarating.

“Good. You’ll be leaving this Thursday for New York. I’ll email your flight information and have an agenda ready for you by this Wednesday morning at the latest. This is all so sudden. I need to get this ready for you.”

“Thank you, but I was wondering why I am going, and if I am going by myself?”

She paused and looked at her email again. Her nose crinkled, looking confused. Turning her eyes at me, she clicked her pen. “Um…I believe you’ll be representing our company at the New York fashion show.”

My eyes grew wide and I was in complete shock. Never in my wildest dreams did I ever think that I would be attending the New York fashion show. “Are you sure it’s me? I mean, I wasn’t hired for that position.” I didn’t mean to sound as though she had made a mistake, but this was too good to be true.

“No. The email said Jeanella Mefferd will be attending. You won’t be going alone. Megan Crawford and Jake, the photographer, along with his team, will be joining you. You might want to introduce yourself to them before you go,” she suggested with a smile.

“Do you think I was asked to go because Ms. Crawford needs an assistant? I did interview for that position.” I was so curious as to how this could have happened that I was trying to draw out any information from her, but it was to no avail.

“I’m sorry, Jenna. I don’t have any more information. I got this email straight from Mr. Knight’s secretary.” She leaned closer. “If I were you, I wouldn’t ask any questions, and just enjoy this opportunity paid for by the company. It’s like taking a mini vacation, and you get to go to the fashion show.”

I nodded with a smile. She was right. Why was I asking all these questions? Who cared? “Thank you. I will be looking for your email.”

“Great. Have a good day.”

“Thank you,” I said. Standing up, pushing the chair back into its position, I left, hovering off the ground. Excitement infused through every part of me. I couldn’t believe my luck. Walking back to my office, I gazed straight ahead to the glass window and looked at the sun seeping through. What a beautiful day it was, despite the gray clouds. How wonderful my job was, despite the fact that I didn’t get the position I wanted. It didn’t matter what the reason was for me going to New York. I couldn’t wait!

Heading to my desk to get my wallet out of my workbag to grab some lunch, I spotted a wrapped sandwich, a heart shaped Rice Krispies Treat, a water bottle, and a note on my desk. The note read:

Something Great
Page 19



Dearest Jenna,

Thought you might be hungry.

Hope you liked the flowers and the box of goodies.

Lunch buddies share their feelings, stories, and even goodies.

Thinking of you!

Your lunch buddy, Max

Putting the note back down, I ran out the door. Looking to my left and right, I didn’t see anyone. I must have missed him. Noting how he was there earlier, my mind started reeling. Did he hand deliver the sandwich himself? Most likely Mrs. Ross wouldn’t have let him in, but the way she was googling eyes at him, it could be a possibility. I bet he could talk himself through anything with his looks and charm.

Sitting back down in my chair, I ate from hunger. I didn’t have his phone number so I had no way to thank him. In fact, I only knew his first name; not that knowing his last name would help me find him. The only way I could thank him was to go to the Café Express and hope that he would show up.

When Lisa, Rachel, and the rest of the staff walked in, I had only finished half of my sandwich. Quickly folding the wrapper around the sandwich, I dumped it into the trash. I didn’t mean to. I could’ve saved it for later, but my face flushed red, thinking that somehow they knew who’d placed it there. The rest of the day went by quickly, and I was eager to go home to tell Becky, but since I couldn’t wait, I texted on the group text.

**

Turning the key and pushing, I walked into my apartment. “Becky,” I called, seeing light from the kitchen. The smell of spaghetti churned in my stomach. I hadn’t realized I was starving until I smelled the aroma of the ground beef and tomato sauce.

“I’m here.” Becky was draining the hot, boiling water from the pasta into a strainer.

“You made dinner?” I squealed, happily.

“You and I need to celebrate. Congrats on going to New York. This is your dream…well…one of your dreams.”

“I know…right? I can’t believe it.” My tone filled with excitement. Opening the cabinet, I pulled out two large plates and set them on the counter. Becky dumped some pasta on each plate and poured sauce on top of each. Taking the plates, I set them on the dining table. My eyes set on the beautiful roses that continuously filled the air with their sweet scent, reminding me of Max.

“When do you leave for New York?” Becky asked, breaking me out of my stare, sitting across from me, handing me a fork and a glass of water.

“This Thursday,” I replied, winding the noodles around the fork. “I’ll be back Saturday night.”

“You should ask Max to come along.”

I blanked out from the thought of the surprise lunch on my desk. “What?” I giggled. “I don’t even know his last name. In fact, I don’t know him at all.”

“I was just kidding, but I could tell from your stalling that you thought about it.” Becky took a bite. “I’m sorry, but the flowers reminded me of him. Not that I’m interested…don’t get me wrong.”

With my mouth full, I spoke anyway. “I know what you mean.”

During the dinner conversation, we talked about what happened during my lunch hour. We discussed her job and her dateless nights. After dinner, I called my parents. I thought about calling Luke, but I couldn’t. Going to New York was a great escape. Perhaps it would help me with my decision; continue dating Luke and make it work, or let him go.

Chapter 11

The next day at work, Lisa, Rachel, and the team got the news that I was headed to New York. Lisa was most thrilled. Being a New Yorker herself, she was suggesting restaurants I should try if I had the time. Being that it was Tuesday, Lisa informed me that most employees were going to Café Express for lunch. Thinking that I may run into the photographer and Megan, I agreed to go.

A part of me was hesitant, afraid that I would run into Max again, but I couldn’t refuse since I had turned them down several times before…or so I told myself to make myself feel better. There was no way around this. One thing for sure…he worked nearby, and we were bound to run into each other one way or another. I had to stop being timid, hold my head up high, and face whatever came my way.

The group of us walked to Café Express. When we entered, waves of hands greeted us. Though I didn’t know who they were, the group I was with in line did. Instead of waving back like everyone else, I just gave a heartfelt smile.

It seemed as though the company’s employees occupied most of the space, and there was hardly room left for the other customers. After we ordered and got our lunches, I followed Lisa to join the people that waved at us. Lisa introduced me to a bunch of people, but I quickly forgot their names except for Jake, the photographer, since Mrs. Ward had already talked about him. Megan wasn’t there.

Jake gave me the warmest smile. His hair was slightly long, but he had a nice smile and he was cute. He had a friendly aura about him, the kind that showed he made friends easily. After arranging chairs, we sat.

“Are we on the same flight?” Jake asked me out of the blue, after swallowing a spoon full of soup. He had ordered sour dough bread filled with clam chowder soup.

“I’m not sure. All I know is that I’ll be flying Thursday.”

“I’m flying Wednesday, tomorrow, with Megan,” he informed me. “I wonder why we’re not flying together? Have you been to New York before?”

“No, it’s my first time,” I said, looking at Lisa and a few other ladies sitting next to her, who were sitting up straight, smiling, looking past me.

Something Great
Page 20



“He’s so handsome,” one of the ladies said. “Too bad he doesn’t sit with us. I could just stare at him ordering food and watch him walk out.”

Out of curiosity, I wanted to turn to see who they were talking about, but I thought better of it. Since I had just met them, I didn’t want to be a part of their drooling session. It was really none of my business.

“He looks so delicious in his suit and tie. I’m wondering what he looks like without it,” the brunette with short hair said.

“I heard he dates a lot of women and never stays with one. I wonder why that is?” another asked.

“Guys like him like to fool around,” Jake said. “And why not? Nice car, beautiful women. Women throw themselves at him all the time. He’s loaded. He can do what ever he wants. Yup, I’m jealous.”

“If he’ll take me, I’ll throw myself at him,” one giggled.

As the sound of footsteps approached us, Lisa and her friends’ eyes grew even bigger. “Oh my God, I think he’s heading our way,” one said.

“Hello, Mr. Knight. Would you like to join us?” Lisa asked sweetly.

Mr. Knight! I stiffened. I was about to meet the person behind the company I worked for.

“May I?” the voice said.

Great. Why next to me? Then I froze. I knew that voice, as if it were the sound of my own heart beating. Peering up, Max stood right above me. Mr. Knight? Surely I’d misheard, but how would Max know all these people?

Max pulled out the chair next to me and sat way too close for comfort. I gasped inwardly as an electrifying feeling sparked from his knee touching mine. When I moved it away slightly so they would not touch, he moved closer to me without trying to make it obvious underneath the table.

“Please, eat your lunch. I hope everyone is having a great day.”

“Yes we are, Mr. Knight,” one blonde said, a little too bubbly.

There was that word again. The word Mr. Knight rang in my head. Surely it couldn’t be the Mr. Knight?

Max turned to me, and I felt the heat from his gaze fixated on me. “We meet again. How’s Knight treating you so far?”

Gazing at him with mixed emotions, my mind started reeling. I had told him I started my new job at Knight. If he was the president or even worked there, why didn’t he tell me? Now it was all clear. He must have gotten my address to send the flowers. He looked into my profile…grrr! I didn’t know how to feel about this. He hadn’t been honest with me from the start. It was a very bad sign.

“Fine, thank you. I enjoy working with my team,” I said flatly, turning my eyes from him. For reasons unknown, the heat was now brewing inside me as anger. What if I had told him things I shouldn’t have? I had opened myself up to this no good, good-looking stranger who wanted to have lunch with me and I was swept away. Not any more.

The muscles of my shoulders were tight as I looked straight ahead. The ladies giggled when Max said a few words that I didn’t recall from tuning out of their conversation. My mind was not there. It was at our last lunch conversation. Suddenly, not meaning to, my body twitched from the warmth of his hand on my lap underneath the table where no one could see.

“Ms. Mefferd, I’ll see you at the department meeting in your office at six.” Then he lifted his hand away, while turning his attention to the rest of the group. “Have a good rest of the day. Thank you for allowing me to join you. I have a meeting to attend in ten minutes.” He stood up, lighting up that irresistible smile he did so well, and left.

“Oh…look at that fine man go,” one whispered, making her friends giggle around her.

Watching him walk out the door was not my cup of tea, especially when all I could think was that I was unaware I had a meeting at six. I looked at Lisa. “Did I miss something?”

“I’ll check for you, Jenna. Sometimes it happens. Maybe you missed an email.”

This wasn’t good. I would’ve almost missed a meeting had Max not spoken about it. Then my worries turned into stress. Confirming a meeting clearly stated that he did work for Knight. What was even worse was that he was my boss. But what was most upsetting was the fact that he was not honest with me from the beginning.

I didn’t understand why I was feeling that way, but I felt betrayed, lost, and confused. My heart felt as though he had twisted a dagger into it. He had already hurt me, and we hadn’t even gone out.

“Thanks,” I said with a smile, trying to hide whatever it was that I was feeling.

After lunch, we all got up and walked back to our office building.

**

At five thirty Lisa, Rachel, and the rest of the team left for the day. Sitting behind my desk, I waited for the meeting that was supposed to happen in my office as I searched the email frantically. Though I had already searched for it when I arrived back from lunch and couldn’t find it, I didn’t want to spend the rest of the afternoon looking for it.

Not wanting to look unprofessional, I told Lisa that I had just gotten the email when we got back from lunch, and that I hadn’t checked my messages before we left. By ten minutes past six, no one had showed up. Had I misheard him from being so distraught to find that he worked there?

Staring at the computer, searching again for the meeting email I might have missed, I heard the door close. Stealthily, footsteps came toward me. Then I heard the sound of a chair rolling quietly as if he or she was purposely trying to keep the noise level down. I guessed the meeting was about to start.

Something Great
Page 21



Somewhat irritated that I couldn’t find the email, I closed the computer to sleep and stood up to see who had come in first. My heart did a somersault and I jerked back from seeing Max, nearly stumbling out of my chair and almost falling flat on my bottom as the rolling chair behind me pushed away from me. He stood up swiftly, seemingly to help me, but luckily I broke the fall.

Totally unexpected, I got a glimpse of his radiating smile, the kind of smile that made me lose my breath and voice.

Max comfortably sat back down. “Hello, lunch buddy.”

I glared at him and didn’t say a word as I stood there with my fist on my desk.

His happy grin disappeared, now looking impassive. He sat up straight. “I’m sorry. I should’ve told you, but—”

“Yes, you should’ve,” I snapped. Oh God! I am being rude to my boss. Wait. Is he even my boss, or my boss’s son? Suddenly remembering the meeting, I managed to calm down.

“I was swept away by you, so it didn’t cross my mind. I wanted to get to know you. I didn’t want to talk about me,” he stated.

What did he just say? I think I dropped my jaw as my gaze on him continued to linger, unable to say anything. Finally, I blinked, ran my hand through my hair, and changed the subject. “I think we should get ready for the meeting.”

He didn’t respond. Instead, he stood up and held my gaze as he paced to me. My mind told my body to move, but I couldn’t move my legs. Approaching me the way he did put me in a trance, and I gasped lightly when his body was just inches away from mine. “This is our meeting, Ms. Mefferd.”

Oh, no, he didn’t! It was no wonder I couldn’t find the email, because there was no meeting. I didn’t know whether to be furious or to be flattered. Regardless, what he did was not professional. “What are we meeting about, Mr. Knight? And I think you’re standing way too close for a meeting; or are all of your meetings this way?”

He looked amused, and curled the corner of his lips into a sly smile. “Only with you. I’m not adjourning this meeting until you agree to have dinner with me.”

Dinner? He is asking me out? Thrilled that he had finally asked, I almost smiled, but suppressed it instead. Too overwhelmed with his proximity, I wanted to sit back down in my chair, but I didn’t, just to prove I was not affected by him. Instead, I extended my hand to his chest to push him back, but that was a mistake. A funny tingle ran through my inside from simply touching him. Unexpectedly, Max grasped both of my hands and held them tenderly.

“I can’t go out to dinner with you,” I said sharply, yanking my hands away.

“And why not?” he asked softy.

“I don’t do my boss.” That didn’t come out right. I was hoping he would overlook it.

His brows arched. “Do? So you’re thinking of going to bed with me already?”

“No!” I squealed. “I had no such thoughts.” My face flushed, remembering the dreams I’d had about him once or twice…or way too many times. It is way too hot in here.

“Really? It didn’t even cross your mind?” His body pressed closer, making me step to the side, and I accidently sat on my desk. “Even the roses didn’t remind you of me?”

Suddenly I felt bad for being rude, and cleared my throat. “Oh, umm, by the way, thank you for the beautiful roses, the Rice Krispies Treats, and the surprise lunch on my desk. You really didn’t have to.” My tone became soft.

“I know, but I wanted to. So, will you allow me to take you out to dinner?”

“No,” I whispered, shivering from his face being way too close to mine. His eyes shifted from my eyes to my lips. Don’t kiss me. I won’t be strong enough to resist you. My index finger headed toward my mouth, then stopped on my lips, recalling what Max had said to me the last time. Seeing that smirking expression plastered on his face, I dropped my hand immediately.

“Why not? Is it because of Duke?” His hands were resting on my desk, on both sides of my grips. I was locked, unable to move. When he spoke, I could feel his breath on my lips.

How did he know Luke’s name, though he had called him Duke. It was close enough. I assumed he had overheard me call Luke’s name over dinner when Max sat at the table next to us. He must have had ears on our conversation…or the lack of it. “His name is Luke,” I corrected.

“I don’t care what his name is. And since you don’t have a ring on your finger, and since it didn’t seem like you were into him during dinner, I can ask you out.”

Staring at his luscious lips as he spoke, I wanted to pull him in for a kiss, but I dared not. Instead, with all the will power in me, I pushed him slightly away, just enough to give me room to slide out and move quickly to the other side of the desk. “It doesn’t matter. You’re my boss, and we shouldn’t be having this conversation or this meeting.”

He beamed a playful smile. “I met you before you started working here. We’ve been running into each other a lot lately. I believe it’s a sign. Have you heard of serendipity? If it will change your mind, I can fire myself.”

He was cute, I had to admit it. It took every ounce of my will power to keep from smiling, but I wasn’t going to give in just because my body wanted to.

“Anyway,” he continued. “I’m not your boss. Mrs. Ward is your boss.”

My head ****ed slightly to the left in confusion. “Are you the Mr. Knight?”

Something Great
Page 22



“No, my dad is the Mr. Knight,” he said, emphasizing the word “the” as he slowly advanced toward me, making me nervous, making my heart thump faster. “So technically, I’m not your boss.” Now he was standing right in front of me, his energy holding me, cuddling me, making me melt without even a touch. Then he backed away, giving me space. “So lunch buddy, what do you say?”

Frazzled, I stood there just putting the pieces of his words together, trying to register all that he had said. He was asking me out, and I was screaming inside saying yes, but my mind repeatedly said no. Oh God…how badly I wanted to say yes. “I shouldn’t…I mean, I can’t…I….”

“You mean, you’re scared,” he suggested. “All I’m asking is for one night.” He approached me again. “I promise you won’t regret it.” His fingers slowly brushed through my hair, holding on to the last bit of the strand. I stood there frozen, hypnotized by his words, by his touch. His hands moved to my face, gently cupping it as if he was holding a wounded dove, and idly stroking his thumb over my cheeks. “Women blush around me all the time. But the women who throw themselves at me don’t. I like how I can make your cheeks turn red. It’s different…sweet, yet ***y at the same time…somewhat innocent.”

Oooh…he was just being arrogant now. The office wasn’t big enough to fill the size of his ego. Sure, my body said yes, but my mind said no.

He continued. “And…somehow…you make me blush…and I’ve never blushed before. I think I like how that feels…too much.” His words were slow in coming, and every word made me wither in his deep sensual gaze, reeling me in.

I made him blush? Blinking, I reluctantly broke out of the hold he had on me, went to my desk, grabbed my workbag, and started heading out the door. “This meeting is adjourned, Mr. Knight,” I stammered.

Letting out an amused light chuckle, his eyes followed me storming out the door. But just before I left, I heard him mutter, “All right, you leave me no choice.”

What did he mean by that?

Chapter 12

“How was work?” Becky asked when I entered.

“Awful. Just awful.” Pouting, I went straight to my room, dropped my bag, changed into sweats, and sat on my bed. Sitting cross-legged on the edge of my bed, I ran my hair back and let out a heavy confused sigh.

Becky peered through the door that was already ajar. “What happened?”

I inhaled another deep sigh. “I’m in big trouble,” I said softly, without making eye contact.

I didn’t even hear Becky come into the room until I saw her slippers as she sat next to me, shifting me a little from her weight on my bed. “Whatever it is, I’m sure you can fix it.”

Looking into her eyes, I saw my sweet friend who was always so positive, always knowing the right words to say to me, but this wasn’t an easy fix. “I can’t fix this unless I move out of state,” I mumbled.

“Spit it out,” she said sternly. “Now I’m really worried. What happened?”

“Max happened,” I groaned, making a funny sound I couldn’t believe came out of my mouth.

Becky smiled, the kind of smile that surged a certain energy that was contagious, so I reflected the same smile back. “Tell me, tell me,” she said, way too excitedly.

As I explained the details of Max being my boss’s son and what had happened in the office, every emotion I had in me was portrayed through my tone, body gestures, and the speedy beats of my heart. Becky didn’t say a word as she listened, but her facial expression said it all. She was just as excited as I was.

“I’m in so much trouble,” I said at the end of my explaining. “I don’t know what to do.”

“I’ve been telling you to go for Max, but clearly if you are this distraught, you must care about Luke more than I thought you did. This is one decision you’ll have to make on your own, because this is your life. I can listen and tell you what I think, but I can’t feel what you feel since I’m not in your shoes.”

“Luke isn’t the ideal, prince charming type of guy. But he’s safe. He’d probably be the good husband that I could trust. But Max…he makes me feel things I’ve never felt before. When I’m with him, I spark alive. This wanting, needing, desire burns through me. Not only is he intelligent, but he can be a real gentleman, the protector, the romancer, the thoughtful guy. But…but…is he the faithful, family type of man? I don’t want to hurt Luke, but I don’t want to let Max slip through my fingers. What do I do?”

“Oh, Jenna, Jenna, Jenna; always thinking about other people’s feelings over your own. Don’t worry about hurting Luke. This is about you, and what you want. I wish I could tell you what to do, but this is going to have to come from you. Follow your heart…that is all I can say. You know I’m going to give you my two cents worth,” she giggled, draping her arm around my shoulder. “Taking the safe road is good, but sometimes, you may miss what could be better. I’d rather love hard and get hurt then not really love at all. Well, it’s a good thing you’ll be gone for several days. Maybe it will help you clear your head, and you can decide what you want when you come back.”

“I hope so.” I reached over and pulled Becky in for a hug. She was my comfort, my voice, my friend, and my sister. “Thanks,” I whispered.

Something Great
Page 23



“Always,” she said, releasing my hold. “I’m starving. You must be too. Let’s make dinner, and you need to start packing soon. Are you excited?”

“Beyond words,” I said cheerfully, as my eyes twinkled with elation. “I’ll send you pictures through my phone.”

“Make sure to send me pictures of hot male models,” she said, pacing to exit my room. “Come on, let’s make dinner.”

“Max made me sing hallelujah,” I blurted before she was out of my sight.

Becky swung around, arching her brows in bewilderment without a word. But I knew that look that was plastered on her face, so I spoke before she could ask.

“No. I didn’t sleep with him. But when he stood in front of me, looking like he wanted me, I could almost feel his naked body on mine.” I giggled shyly.

Motionless, Becky’s eyes lit up. She parted her lips as if she wanted to say something, but didn’t.

“It took every once of my will power to walk away from him,” I continued. “I’ve never felt that with Luke…ever, or with any other guys before.”

“I think you know what you need to do. Singing hallelujah doesn’t come that easily.” Becky gripped my hand and tugged me out the door. “I’m starving, and we need to talk some more.” Then she started to belt out “Hallelujah” by The Canadian Tenors, making me sing right along with her.

**

Becky offered to take me to the airport, but I declined. Driving to the airport was bad enough, but I didn’t want her to get stuck in traffic both ways, coming and going. After checking in my bag and going through the security gate, which was hell, I sat comfortably while I waited to board.

Thumbing through my texts, I saw that Luke had arrived home late the previous night. I had texted him earlier that I was going to New York for work during the weekend, so he had called me early that morning wishing me a safe trip, and said that he would take me out when I got back.

I didn’t know why I felt so bad, as if I had cheated on him; we were just dating, right? Sure, Max was invading my mind even more so after our so-called meeting, but we hadn’t gone out. Feeling a little antsy, I got up when a whiff of coffee tickled my nostrils, so I headed to Starbucks. After I ordered my favorite, hazelnut latte, I headed next door as I savored the sweet taste.

Peacefully walking by myself, I took the moment of solitude to simply enjoy being by myself; no friends, no Luke, and especially no Max, so I could try to clear my head. As I looked through the magazines, I decided to buy a few and stuffed them inside my oversized bag. Looking at my watch, I noted the time and started panicking. Was it time to board already?

Grabbing my ticket out of the bag, I ran to the back of the line. Thank goodness I hadn’t wandered that far. What was I thinking? The lady collecting the tickets cut a section off my paper ticket that I had confirmed on line and gave it back to me with a smile. Following in line, I walked through what looked like a tunnel and stepped onto the plane.

“Can I help you find your seat?” the stewardess asked.

“Sure, thank you,” I said. After I handed her the ticket, I turned to the coach seats.

“Ma’am, you’re going the wrong way.”

I turned, giving her a confused expression, and headed back to her. Looking at my ticket, she pointed at my seat number.

“You’re in business class,” she smiled.

“Oh, sorry.” I let out a nervous giggle and followed behind her. Wow! I didn’t know. Well…I guess I should have checked. I naturally assumed I would be flying in economy class.

Passing through a split curtain, I felt like I was in a different plane. There were fewer seats per row, and only about twelve of them in total. A few people were already seated, but it was pretty much empty, while the other side of the curtain was pretty full. I could understand why…it was double the price, which most people couldn’t afford—like me.

“This is your seat, Ms. Mefferd. If you need anything, please let me know. I’ll be serving ****tails and lunch soon after we take flight.”

“Thank you,” I smiled, taking off my overcoat. Normally, I would have to scoot side ways to get to the window seat, but I walked right to it. Talk about luxury. Sinking onto the plush leather cushion, I buckled the seatbelt, placed my overcoat over me like a blanket, and closed my eyes. Feeling the stress of starting a new job and then the men in my life, I guessed I was simply tired.

When I heard the sound of someone sitting next to me, I opened my eyes. I didn’t want to make it obvious by turning my head, so I just waited for the opportunity to open up. But I didn’t have to wait too long.

“It’s good to see you again, Ms. Mefferd.”

There it was, that heat spreading through my body again, and that voice that did crazy things to my insides. Slowly, I turned to him and shrank as far into my seat as was possible.

“Mr. Knight? What are you doing here? I mean…are you…will you…are we going to the same destination?”

“I believe so. You’re part of my team. Didn’t Mrs. Ward inform you?”

I didn’t want to get her in trouble, so I played along. “Yes, she did, but she didn’t tell me who was on the team. All I knew was that Megan and Jake and his team left yesterday.”

“I see,” he nodded and reached over. Pulling my seatbelt to make sure it wouldn’t unbuckle, he pulled his too.

As I watched him being so kind to care for my safety, I continued with my questions. “Exactly who is on our team?”

Something Great
Page 24



“I’m not sure. I just go. I guess we’ll find out at dinner tonight.”

What he said didn’t make sense, but I wasn’t going to question him.

“Are you comfortable? Would you like a pillow and a blanket?”

Letting out a short giggle, I arched my brows at him. “Do you want me to take a nap?”

Max let out a small chuckle. “You don’t have to if you don’t want to. But when I arrived, you had your eyes closed, so I assumed you were tired. You’ll be out late tonight, so you may want to take a nap. Or maybe you should wait till after lunch, since our flight is five hours long.”

“Maybe after lunch then.” The words “five hours” rang in my head. I’d be stuck in the same space with Max for that long. I didn’t know what we would talk about, but how could I think of sleep when I was sitting next to my boss’s son? Come to think of it, how could I even think at all when I would be with him the whole trip? I was hoping to escape from it all, and one of the persons I wanted to escape from was sitting right next to me. My fingers were wiggling, itching, wanting to text Becky, but that would have to wait.

After he nodded, the captain announced we would be taking off and asked us to turn off any electronic devices. Then the stewardess placed the ugly orange floaty on herself and showed us how to use one in case of an emergency as we watched a video on the screen situated in front of us.

It was strange to be sitting next to Max, and silence filled the space between as we waited for the plane to take off. As the plane sped down the runway, getting faster by the second, my heart hammered rapidly against my chest. My jaws were tight and my hands became numb from me holding onto the seat tightly underneath my overcoat so Max couldn’t see. It was the way my stomach lurched that I dreaded when flying, the same way I felt everyday on the elevator to my office.

“Are you okay?” Max asked.

Max must had noticed the anxious look on my face. “Yes,” I lied as we both leaned back in our seat as the plane jetted off the ground. I knew the plane would steady itself soon, and knowing that was enough for me not to panic.

When it became difficult to hear from my ears being plugged, I looked out the window to see the grandness of Mother Nature. How small the world looked from above, reminding us how vulnerable we were and how precious life was. Ascending higher, the clouds came into view, and I was completely awestruck. Seeing nothing but the vast sea of clouds beneath me, I felt like I had wings, floating into heaven.

“Beautiful view, isn’t it?”

Too engulfed in the view, I hadn’t realized Max was looking out the window. When I turned to reply, our lips almost touched, and I jerked back just in time to save myself from the embarrassment of what could have been. “Yes, it is,” I replied, and looked away.

“Would you like anything to drink, Ms. Mefferd?” the stewardess asked with a bright smile.

“Some water please.”

“Make that two,” Max said.

Reaching back into her big, rolling, metal tray, she handed me a bottle of water.

“Thanks,” I said with a smile.

After I drank, I took out a magazine and started flipping through the pages. Slowly, Max peered over to see what I was reading.

“Interesting stuff?”

“Just something to read to pass the time.”

“Hmmm…maybe you should be reading the company policy, where it doesn’t say you can’t go out with anyone you work with.”

I couldn’t help myself…I giggled softly. He was determined, and he was adorable for saying that; and he also knew how to get a laugh out of me. “That’s because….” I paused. There was no policy that said you couldn’t go out with people you worked with. It was my own opinion. It would be unprofessional. If something were to ever happen, it could end up being really bad for one or both of them. And having this once in a lifetime opportunity wasn’t something I was just going to throw away because I had a crush.

“I see that you don’t have an answer, so I must be right. Actually, come to think of it, I’m always right.”

Saved by the stewardess again, she came to bring our lunch. I had expected it to be the processed, plastic looking lunch I’d had several times before when flying, but it was nothing like it. It actually looked delicious. A nice looking tray had a bowl of shrimp linguini, an assorted salad, a cup of vegetable soup, a cheesecake for dessert, and even an extra bottle of water.

After lunch had been eaten and cleared, Max asked me if I wanted to watch a movie. I told him any movie was fine, so he set it up to enable us to watch the same movie at the same time. After placing the head set on my ears, I looked straight ahead onto my screen in front of me. I had only gotten maybe five minutes into the movie when my mind and body started to float into a deep slumber. The combination of a full stomach and being tired from not getting enough sleep the night before were catching up with me.

Blinking rapidly, I desperately tried to stay awake. But no matter how hard I fought, no matter how many sips of water I took, and no matter how many times I shifted my body, my eyelids were too heavy and they surrendered to darkness.

Chapter 13

“Jenna,” a soothing voice whispered my name. What a wonderful dream I was having. I was hearing Max’s voice, and that alone put a smile on my face. I could feel my cheeks pinching and my lips curling upward. Then suddenly it came to me that my eyes were closed as my mind focused into reality.

I knew I was still on the plane, but how I was positioned while I was taking a nap was the question. Slowly, I began to peel my eyelids open when I heard my name again, and the first thing my eyes beheld was Max’s gorgeous eyes. His face was so close we were almost nose to nose, but when I realized my head was resting on his shoulder, I jolted right up.

Something Great
Page 25



“Hmmm…what time is it?” I asked, feeling embarrassed, shifting back to my seat. Oh God! My head was on his shoulder, but for how long? But he’d let me rest there.

Leaning over, he brushed the corner of my lip with the tip of his index finger. “Drool much?” he chuckled.

Mortified, I ran the back of my hand over where his finger had just been.

“I was just joking,” he teased, nudging my shoulder. “I just needed an excuse to touch you.” He winked.

My eyes grew wide with an irritated frown, but what could I say after that. Though I was flattered, he was too smooth with his words, and I wondered how many girls’ hearts or pants he’d sweet-talked his way into.

“Sorry to wake you, but we’re landing,” he continued.

“Okay,” I nodded and smiled, trying to remain professional, reminding myself why I was there in the first place. New York was three hours ahead so it was already dark. By the time we got to our hotel it would be close to eight. Looking below, I could see the dazzling, colorful city lights in “the city that never sleeps.” I could feel the excitement tingling through my stomach, spreading through every part of me.

After we landed, we went to retrieve our bags and got into the same taxi. We were headed to the same hotel, that I knew for sure as I looked at my itinerary and placed it back into my workbag. My heart raced from excitement, and every fiber in my body had awakened as I looked out the window, knowing that I was where I’d always dreamed of being.

Max must have noticed my excitement. Placing his hand on my shoulder, he gave me a warm smile. I gazed back into his eyes, and held them there a little bit longer than I had expected to. I couldn’t turn away as he locked me in place. I didn’t know if it was just being inside the small space with him or the city, but whatever the reason, my heart tingled with bliss. I wanted to hold onto this feeling just a while longer, until reality settled back in.

Suddenly, the driver honked his horn, cursing out loud as he jerked the car to the left and back to the same lane. “Everyone okay back there?” he shouted.

“Don’t you lock your doors?” Max asked, growling in anger. I felt him shudder while I was in his hold.

“Sorry!” The taxi guy yelled.

Had Max not grabbed me, my head would have pounded against the window. Not only that, I had unintentionally pulled the door open by grabbing the door handle, which was the first thing my hand grabbed for when the cab swerved. The seat belt would’ve held me in place, but half of my body would have hung out the door; the thought alone was terrifying.

Thank goodness Max had fast reflexes. From the gravity of his speedy pull, my breast collided against his firm chest, and my head slid perfectly into the empty space between his head and shoulder. I sucked in air when I noted how my arms were draped around his neck.

“It’s okay. You’re safe,” he said softly, caressing my back.

Unable to respond, my body shivering was my answer. I was in his hold, and he was in mine. It felt so right, and yet it felt so wrong, but I welcomed it because at that moment I needed to feel safe, and he provided that. When I tried to pull back, he wouldn’t let go. Unable to fight his strength, I relaxed and allowed the beat of my heart to become steady again, but it couldn’t. Now my heart hammered from our bodies molding together. The truth was, I was happy he didn’t let me go.

Since I hadn’t moved a muscle, my nose and my lips were still glued to the side of his neck. How manly and sweet he smelled. I fought with all the willpower in me, when what I wanted to do was to open my lips and indulge myself with a taste of him. When he turned his head, I inhaled a deep breath. A bubble of want was building up too fast. I could feel myself losing control, especially when his warm breath tickled the side of my face.

“Are you okay? That was pretty close,” he whispered softly, every puff of air when he spoke tantalizing me.

Afraid to part my lips to speak—for they would definitely rub against his soft skin—I nodded.

“We’re here,” he whispered again, letting out a soft sigh, seemingly fighting something himself.

When his hand gently slid off my back, he directed my body forward. I was afraid to look him in the eyes, afraid of what emotion I would see in them, so I rooted my eyes to my shoes, feeling overcome with several emotions I desperately needed to control. The door swung open and I stepped out with my workbag.

“Thank you,” I said to the bellman, but I wasn’t sure if my words escaped my mouth. Not only did the icy, cold breeze make me suck in air abruptly, it stung my cheeks and my hands. Next thing I knew, Max’s arm was around my shoulders, guiding us through the entrance of The Plaza Hotel.

Though I knew I shouldn’t let him hold me that way, my legs were unsteady from what happened in the cab, so I allowed it until we reached the front desk. There we went our separate ways to check in.

“Hello, and welcome to The Plaza Hotel. Do you have a reservation with us?” the lady asked sweetly.

“Yes,” I replied, and gave her the information she asked for.

While I waited as she clicked away on her keyboard, I looked over my shoulder and saw Max standing by the sofas nearby, checking his messages on his cell phone. He had already checked in. That was fast. Was he waiting for me? It was totally unfair. Why did he have to be my boss’s son? And why did he have to make my heart skip a beat? Apparently I wasn’t the only one. He was oblivious to the ladies passing by, smiling and checking him out.

Something Great
Page 26



Finally, the desk clerk gave me the key and directions to where I was headed. Trying to forget what had happened ten minutes earlier, I turned toward Max, but he was already right behind me. I retreated a couple of steps from his close proximity.

“Ready?” He smiled.

“Yes.” I gave him a quick smile back and turned away.

“I’ll lead the way.” Even after he pivoted to his right, he waited for me to walk side by side with him.

“Are we headed the same direction?”

“Mrs. Ward tries her best to book our rooms close together.”

“Oh.” I gulped, but I didn’t know why I was panicking.

As I paced toward the elevator, all I could do was gaze around the beautiful, elegant setting of the hotel. With the finest furniture and trimmings, it was surreal to stay in such a luxurious hotel that I could never afford. It was definitely an added bonus to working at one of the hottest fashion magazine companies around.

Standing in front of the elevator, I reached over to push the button at the same time Max did, but his hand was on top of mine. Feeling the warmth of his skin, I pulled back, but Max did too. In the process, his hand caught mine and stayed there longer than it needed to before he let go.

“Sorry,” he smiled, and gestured for me to enter first as the elevator door slid open.

Stepping inside, I went straight to the right corner while Max pressed the thirty eighth-floor button. When he turned to me, he arched his brows in bewilderment.

“I don’t like elevators,” I explained.

“I could make the ride a whole lot better.” He twitched his brows playfully and practically cornered me. Luckily the bell saved me, and he stood at my side when an elderly couple entered. We had stopped on the twentieth floor.

“It’s going up,” the old lady said with a frustrated tone. “See, I told you we got on the wrong elevator. We need to go down.”

“What did you say?” the old man asked.

“Never mind. You always pretend not to hear me when I’m right.”

“It’s no wonder I can’t hear at all. You think you’re right all the time.”

Max and I caught each other’s eyes with a huge smile. I could tell he wanted to laugh just as much as I did, but he held it in—barely.

Then silence filled the air as I felt the weight of his stare. When the elevator opened to our floor, Max held the door as he waited for me to exit first. Unexpectedly, he looked over his shoulder to the elderly man. “Sometimes you just have to let it go. It’s not worth the fight.” Then he let the door close.

“This way.” He turned left, and again he slowed his pace to match mine. Such a gentleman, melting my heart with his simple gestures. But how did he know my room number? Perhaps he figured it was close to his.

Strolling down the quiet hallway, I wondered where his room was, but we didn’t have to walk that far after my thought.

“I believe this is your room.”

Looking at the key card I held in my hand, he was right. Sliding it in, it made a clicking sound, and Max opened the door for me.

“Thank you,” I said.

“Your suitcase will be delivered to your room, and I cancelled our meeting tonight. You look pretty tired, and we have a long day tomorrow. You must be starving…I’ll order room service. Let me know what you would like to eat, and I’ll have it sent to your room.”

“Sure, but what is your room number?”

“I’m right next door.”

I didn’t know why I felt nervous all of a sudden. It wasn’t likely that our rooms were joined. After I thanked him again, I entered to set my eyes on the humongous, too big for one person, breathtaking room.

Chapter 14

I woke up to the phone buzzing. “Hello,” I answered, rubbing my eyes. Oh! The phone alarm I had set last night. Lying there, I didn’t want to get up. The bed, the sheets, the pillows all felt so soft and comfortable. Everything about this room was grand. From the plasma television, to the bathroom that was designed for a queen, to my bedroom that connected to the huge living room…did everyone get a room like this?

Stretching and yawning and enjoying the peace, I plunked my feet to the plush beige carpet and slipped them into the white slippers that were provided. Admiring the room, I headed to the restroom and stopped when I saw a white envelope that was obviously slipped under the front door.

After I picked it up, I opened it to find that it was from Max.

Dearest Lunch Buddy,

Sorry I can’t be with you during breakfast or lunch. I have a long meeting. I’ll meet you at the fashion show. Inside is your ticket to enter.

Eagerly waiting to see you later,

Your favorite, one and only lunch buddy.

I didn’t know what to make of the letter. It wasn’t professional, and I knew he was being friendly, but regardless, it put a huge smile on my face. Before I forgot, I took a picture of my room and sent it to my friends. I thought about telling them Max was there too, but I decided to wait and tell them when I saw them. Giggling like a schoolgirl, though I shouldn’t, I hit the shower.

**

Catching my breath, the cold, swift breeze disheveled my hair upward, making it look like a mop. Brushing it in place the best I could, I practically ran to the bellman, hugging my coat around me. “Taxi, please.”

Waving his hand, a taxi drove up to the curb. He opened the door for me and I stepped in. “Thank you,” I said before he closed the door with a smile.

Something Great
Page 27



After I gave the driver the address of where I was headed, we were on our way. Elated, I looked out the window. Excitement tingled every nerve in my body. I couldn’t wait to be inside the New York Fashion Show that I’d been dreaming of since…well…ever since I was born. Thankfully, the driver didn’t ask many questions, so in order to pass the time, since the traffic was horrendous as expected—the reason why I’d left early—I observed the pedestrians on the sidewalk. Building after building, crowd after crowd of people going who knew where. Before I knew it, we had reached our destination.

“Thank you,” I smiled, paying the driver, but I frowned at the cost. It had cost me thirty bucks, all because of the stupid traffic…oh well. “Keep the change.”

Stepping outside, the wind swept me back several steps and I almost knocked someone over. “Sorry,” I apologized. She looked at me like I was crazy. That was New York for you. She probably knew I was from out of town, especially since I didn’t have a New York accent.

Looking for the entrance, I glanced around and noted how many people were there already. Weaving in and out of crowds hanging out, I pushed my way through the front entrance. Perhaps it was the fact that they were used to this kind of weather, but being from Los Angeles…well…that simply said it all. I needed to get inside the warmth. Taking out my small hand purse, I pulled out my ticket.

“Thank you,” the lady said, pointing to her right. Then she handed me a pamphlet.

“Thank you,” I said and headed to my seat.

“Jenna!” I heard my name from a distance. Twisting my head from left to right, I looked straight ahead when I heard my name again.

“Jake,” I smiled happily, though surprised. I didn’t know why I was. He was bound to be there with his team. He practically tackled me…that was surprising.

“You made it,” he said, releasing me. “This is my team.”

I waved to a group of guys, who waved back.

“Jenna, this is Megan,” Jake introduced.”

How could I forget? She took my job. “Yes, hello Megan,” I smiled.

“Hello…what was your name again?” Her smile looked sort of fake.

“Jenna.” To be polite I should’ve extended my hand to her, but from her tone and attitude it seemed like she wouldn’t have taken it.

“Oh, yes. I remember now. You were interviewing for the position I got.” She held a smirk I wanted to scrub off her face with a spiky sponge.

Way to sock it to me. And what was that for? But I wasn’t going to let her put me down like that. “I did, but they needed my expertise in a different department.”

Megan didn’t say a word after that; instead she nodded, then pretended to smile and wave at someone from afar. If she was waving to a real person, I wouldn’t have known. I wasn’t going to look.

“Are we sitting together?” Jake inquired, looking at my ticket.

“Oh…I don’t know.” I glanced to his finger pointing to a number.

“You got the VIP seat?” He squealed. “How did that happened?” His eyes were beaming, looking excited for me.

Megan shot her eyes at me. I got her attention all right. “Are you sure, Jake?”

“Well, she isn’t sitting with us, for sure. We’re on the opposite side. But that makes sense. I’m with all the camera crew. But Megan—”

“We better get to our seat,” Megan snapped, obviously heated over that fact that I was going to be in a VIP front row seat. Oh yeah!

**

Sliding down the row of seats, I glanced at my ticket several times and finally stopped at the number that matched my ticket. Double-checking to make sure it was mine, I settled in. The temperature was neutral, but I still kept my coat on. Noting that many people were looking for their seats, I figured it must mean that it was close to show time.

Sitting there, glancing around, I recognized some movie stars. Thrilled beyond words to see them and to be there, I wanted to squeal from the top of my lungs. Trying to maintain my heartbeat, I flipped through the pamphlet.

I was so occupied with reading the list of names that I hadn’t realized someone was sitting next to me. When a warm hand cuddled mine, I immediately knew it was Max. It had to be. No one else spread heat through my body that fast, and no one else smelled the way he did, awaking me.

“You made it before I did.” He grinned in ways that made my heart flip.

It had been less than twenty-four hours since I’d seen him…how he could make my stomach flutter like that was unnerving. “I…I…yes,” I muttered, looking at him and then quickly turning away.

“I assume you got my note?”

“Yes,” I nodded, trying my best not to look at him.

“Did you eat lunch?”

“Yes.”

“You didn’t replace me with another lunch buddy, did you?”

That got my attention. I flashed my eyes to his. Trouble! “I…no.” Not meaning to, I gave him the biggest, almost laughing smile.

Something happened at that moment. His lips curled up with warmth…with tenderness…staring…studying me.

With much effort, I turned away, slightly fanning the pamphlet I gripped tightly in my hand. Breathe…breathe…breathe.

“You got a pamphlet?” His tone went up a notch.

Like a dummy, no words escaped my mouth; instead, my eyes shifted to the pamphlet still in my hands.