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Loving You Is Not a Sin

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Episode 11

The doorbell rang, and I let out a relieved sigh. Thankfully, I was saved by the bell.

I hurriedly stood up and managed a smile.

"I need to get the door, Mr. Jasper."

Jasper looked at me and fell silent.

Opening the door, the receptionist stood before me.

"Mr. Jasper needs to sign these papers."

"I'll make sure he gets them," I said, taking the documents, and she departed.

Drat, I thought he would have been whisked away, just like in the novels, but I was mistaken. Now I had to face him.

Closing the door, I turned to find myself face to face with Jasper.

"You've not yet answered my question, Miss Nichole. Now that we're not interrupted, could you?" He smiled, closing the distance until his face was inches from mine. "If I stand by what I've said, you won't be offended?"

"This isn't something we should do during work hours."

"Alright. I'll give you a two-minute break to answer—looked at his watch, then back at me—"you're on a break, so feel free to say and do as you please, off the clock. Can you answer now?"

"I see you're quite eager for my reply."

"Of course. I don't beat around the bush."

"I noticed that upon arrival."

Jasper's smile grew.

"That sounded like jealousy."

"Jealousy?" I laughed. "Why would I be jealous of my boss? I just don't like vague hints, especially at work. I don't want my responses to affect my job. I'm your assistant, not one of your pals. Understand?"

"Then treat me as you would a friend. The more trust we build, the more interesting it becomes," his smile widened. "I want you comfortable at work, and what better way than by strengthening boss-assistant ties? It won't affect you, as long as you keep doing your job well."

"What are you implying with me?"

"Want me to tell you?" he looked at my lips and back at me. "That'll have to wait for another time. Your two minutes are up," he smiled and walked to his chair.

That cunning jerk! Now my hormones were all stirred up. I pretended nothing happened and sat down. Why does he have to be my boss?

I cursed to myself almost all day. After we finished up, we went to lunch and then to the convention center. It was a busy afternoon. I was desperate to get home but remembered what Claudia and I had planned for tonight.

After work, I went home to eat and take a good bath. Claudia was ready when I arrived. She had been waiting for me until now.

"Hope you don't drink too much. I don't want to be dragging a drunken mess home by the hair," I warned her.

"It'll just be two or three drinks."

"I hope so."

We left for the bar to meet the two guys, and the one who showed up was named Josh. Claudia chatted with her friend, leaving me with Josh to make conversation.

"So, what do you do?" I asked him.

"I'm a singer in a band. And you?"

"Assistant."

"How old are you?"

"25, and you?"

"19."

"You're just a baby compared to me."

"It's not that bad."

"Too bad you can't drink."

I was so bored, I wanted to go home. Why would she bring a kid to this place? We spent another couple of hours there, and I was so tired I was planning to leave when I saw a man climbing onto one of the tables. He was drunk and dancing.

"Isn't that Preston, Jasper's father? What's he doing?"

Everyone watched and laughed. A guard approached to bring him down, and I moved closer.

"Wait, I know him," I said to the guard.

"We can't allow this kind of behavior here."

"I'm sorry, I'll take care of it."

"Are you that doll from the other day? Surprised to see you here," Preston slurred, reaching for me, and I stepped back.

He was as drunk as a skunk; I let it slide just this once.

"Yes, that's me. I need to get you out of here. Why are you like this, Mr. Preston?"

"You don't have to be so formal, sweetheart. Call me by my first name; you're off the clock, and even if you were working, I wouldn't mind."

"I have to take you somewhere else. Did you bring your car?"

"Yes, it's outside."

"But you can't drive like this. I'd better call your son."

"No, you can take me. I'd like a lovely lady to drive me for once; my wife never does that."

Without arguing, I escorted him out of the place. I didn't even speak to Claudia, but I'll explain later.

"Which one's your car?"

He pointed me to his car and handed me the keys. I helped him in and buckled him up. What a mess I'd gotten myself into, but I couldn't just leave him there.

I asked for directions and he guided me to a large house with an electric gate that opened as I drove up. I parked in front and as I got out, Jasper emerged from the house.

"Mr. Jasper," I said nervously upon seeing him.

He glanced at the car and saw Preston.

"Doing this again. Sorry for the trouble my father's caused you."

"I didn't realize this was your house."

"It is."

He went over to the car and assisted Preston out. He ushered me inside and had Preston sit on the living room couch. I stood in a corner, feeling out of place.

"Calm down, Dad. I'll handle it. You need to stop drinking like this. What's going on?"

"It was just a few beers."

"Beers? Seems like those beers were pretty strong."

Jasper looked at me.

"How did you two end up together?"

I told my side, and then he turned to Preston.

"You crafty old man. Taking advantage of Miss Nichole like that?"

"It was nothing. I should go. I've brought him home safe. Get well soon, Mr. Preston," I looked down, trying to leave.

"Just wait outside. Don't go yet," Jasper asked of me.

I stepped out, waiting at the door. What does he want now?

Jasper

"This was another of your schemes, wasn't it? You're not so drunk that you're making plans on your own, are you?"