Jennifer's Surrender Read Online Free Page B

important, intimidating man was
calling me. Directly. I thought maybe he misdialed and meant to call Bill. I
heard a little chuckle on his end and I was thankful he couldn’t see me because
I was once again, bright red.
      “You could help me by having dinner with
me.”
    “Dinner?” I
was so taken aback, I’m sure I sounded like, well, I’m not sure what I sounded
like. I just know I didn’t sound calm, cool, collected.
      “You do eat, don’t you, Jennifer?” he
asked and there was something about the way he said it that made me shiver.
    I tried to
regain my composure, “Yes, Stephen, I’m just surprised by the invitation,
that’s all.”
      “Are you familiar with Kozu on Ocean?” he
asked. It was known to be one of the best, if not the best, sushi restaurants
in LA.
      “Yes.” Was all I got out before he said,
      “Wonderful. I’ll see you there at 7.”
      “Wait, tonight? I didn’t even accept yet.
And, what if I have plans already?”
      “Well, do you accept, Jennifer?” his tone
was so… what was it? Menacing? Authoritative?
      “Is this a date?” I asked. I wasn’t sure
it was such a good idea if it were, given that he might be a client.
      “You can call it whatever you like. Is
that important to you?”
      “Well, if it’s a date, I’d feel more
comfortable after I ask Bill. He might not approve of me going out with a
potential client.”
      “That’s very respectful of you, Jennifer.
I am sure Bill will approve, but go ahead and ask him. I’ll see you tonight at
Kozu at 7.” Was the last thing he said before he hung up.
    My head was
spinning, my heart was pounding. I hadn’t been on a date in about three years,
I certainly wasn’t dressed for a date, and this man intimidated the hell out of
me. I couldn’t sit still in my office, so I walked down the hall to Bill’s.
    I stopped in
the doorway as he was on the phone, but he motioned me in with his hand as I
heard him say, “She just walked in.” and then Bill laughed, “Ok, you too.” And
then Bill hung up. He looked at me with a smile that I didn’t recognize.
      “I’m guessing that was Stephen London?” I
asked with trepidation.
      “Yes, and it’s fine for you to go out
with him, Jen. I do appreciate you thinking to ask me first though.” He said as
he motioned for me to sit.
      “You’re not worried about a conflict of
interest? You know, mixing business with pleasure? Oh my God, we didn’t get the
account did we, that’s why you’re ok with me going out with him? Oh, Bill, I’m
so sorry!”
    He smiled and
shook his head, “Jen, seriously, why do you always think the worst? We got the
account. Stephen loved your idea. And no, I’m not worried about a conflict of
interest. I’m sure he just wants to take you out to celebrate.”
      “We got it?!? Oh my God, Bill, that’s
amazing! But why would he want to celebrate with me? Why not you? Maybe you
should join us if that’s what this is?”
    He laughed
again, “I don’t think Stephen wants me there. And as to why you? Well, Jen,
you’re a lot prettier than I am.”
    The rest of
the day crawled along as I tried to focus on work, but I was so distracted,
little got done. I couldn’t remember the last time I was as nervous as I was. I
wasn’t dressed for a date, I was wearing jeans that were tucked into knee high
boots and a Vneck off white cashmere sweater. I looked stylish enough, and
between the jeans and the tight sweater, they both showed off my figure, but it
wasn’t exactly date-ware.
    Traffic was
bad, which was typical for rush hour in Los Angeles, so I was a few minutes
late, which just made me even more nervous. When I walked in, I saw him sitting
at the bar with a cocktail. The day before, at the presentation, I was so
nervous and focused on the work, I really didn’t look at him as a man. I mean,
it was hard not to notice how handsome he was, but I had been concentrating on
the pitch. Now, seeing him there, all I could