"Amelia Thompson. Is that right?" Mr Erhart called out as soon as I got into his study. I wished Jesse would barge in and drag me by the hand. I was willing to go anywhere but that office.
"Yes sir." I stuttered.
He held up a paper "Graduated from PintStone college, orphaned, 24, works at an ice cream store." The father was worse than his son. "Typical Cinderella story here. What do you want with my son?"
"Nothing," I said immediately.
He shook his head and looked up at me "What do you mean by nothing? He said you were his assistant."
"I mean yes I am but there's nothing else going on."
"I never said there was. I don't know what's going on, and I honestly don't want to know." He sighed "He's becoming reckless because of you. Taking his security lightly. I'm not very comfortable with that."
I looked for what to say "Sorry sir."
He waved it off "Not necessary. Just, try to stay safe, that way, you don't get him into trouble."
"Has he told you about the necklace story?" He asked and I nodded in affirmation "He's probably just in that phase where he's obsessing over something new, don't get too attached."
It sounded like candid advice from someone who cared about me and didn't want me getting hurt or rather, knew his son well enough. As he walked out, he gave me a light tap on my shoulder.
When I turned back to leave, my eyes were already teary at this point, I saw Jesse, standing there at the door. His face was filled with guilt. He probably heard his dad. I thought.
I walked up to him and took his hand in mine "Let's go have dinner, I'm starving." I smiled at him unsure of how I felt myself.
"What should I make?" His voice was still deep cause he just got up.
"We'll figure it out."
We eventually had vegan burgers that night outside the house. Although there were security personnel around, I didn't feel so comfortable. It felt like, another gunshot would come through the garden at any point. Jesse though, seemed lost in his world.
He hissed at several points and sometimes, buried his face into his palm. I suddenly felt bad for him. I wondered how difficult life must have been for him growing up in such an environment where your very existence is threatened.
"Do we go for a ride?" He asked slowly lifting his face. "You need to get your wound checked as well."
I looked at the bandage around my arm "I'm okay. Let's go in the morning."
"Should we go shopping tomorrow?" He asked again a few seconds later. "You need new clothes."
"I'm alright. Ronnie brought my clothes."
He sighed "The ice cream store!! Should we open it?"
"That's a terrible idea." I countered. "We're not sure it's safe yet."
"Amelia..." He called out softly.
I cut him short "What else do you think we should do?"
"I'm sorry." I bowed my head to the ground. "I heard everything he said... and I'm sorry I can't deny any of it." I didn't know how to respond at that point.
"I'm sorry I can't promise to stay away. I can't actually, trust me I've tried."
His voice was cracked. He couldn't make eye contact, a clear sign of guilt. "Oddly enough, I'm not sure I feel bad about it. It's fine."
"Amelia..." I loved it when he called my name and it came out so low, I loved it so much that I placed my lips on his.
He pulled away, his eyes fully dilated "You're becoming bold, momma." I wrapped my hand around his neck and pulled him closer deepening the kiss.
My body ached in longing. He placed his hand on my waist and lifted me onto his lap like I weighed not less than a turkey. "Follow my lead." He whispered as he spread my legs and I wrapped them around his waist.
With our faces still smashed against each other, he stood up and walked away from the garden. I guessed he was headed back to the room, I missed his fingers. But I found myself wet and floating in the pool in less than five seconds.
"Are you kidding me?" I yelled as he took his shirt off revealing his broad shoulders and packed chest.
He jumped in "Have you ever had sex in a pool?" I shook my head "Well, try not to scream."
He dragged me to himself and our lips found each other again. Trapped in endless kisses. His hand traveled from my hair to my legs and I shrieked.
"No no. I don't trust you to be quiet. Let's finish this upstairs."