“Jason,” he blurted out.
Elena didn’t respond. She just gave him a smile and walked away. Jason had to turn away quickly before he looked at her backside swaying before him.
Then he would be having trouble walking.
CHAPTER10
ELENA
Elena checked herself yet again in the mirror. She didn’t look too bad. Presentable, at least. She had showered and washed herself thoroughly, and she was wearing clean underwear, so that part was covered.
Why on earth are you thinking about your underwear? You’re not going to sleep with him, are you?
Chance would be a fine thing.
Her heart fluttered at the thought of being in Jason’s company for the evening. That dinner they had shared at the airport had been enjoyable, much to Elena’s surprise. While he was thinking of his new business and talking in terms of money, things that could put Elena off, he was actually a quick-witted and amusing person. Elena liked him. They had barely talked in recent days due to work, but they had often passed each other. Occasionally, Jason would stop her to talk for a couple of minutes. Elena found herself looking forward to those moments.
Something was really wrong with her. Her type was stable and safe. Jason was definitely not safe, not for her. He was also way out of her league, a guy she shouldn’t be having anything to do with.
Her fantasies were going to get out of control if she spent too much time with him. Elena had come to Wenstown for a change of scenery, but it didn’t include crushing on her boss.
Just dinner, that was it. Nothing more, and then they could get back to things as normal. Elena couldn’t see this going any further than just dinner, anyway. She wasn’t exactly the type for a billionaire. Jason would know that soon enough.
It was nearly seven. She was going to be late if she didn’t hurry up.
Shoving her feet into her boots, Elena shrugged on her coat and picked up her bag. She was still checking it as she went down the stairs and left the building, almost bumping into a couple walking by. They gave her a pleasant nod as Elena apologized and carried on walking.
Either people didn’t know who she was working for, or they didn’t care. The few neighbors she had come into contact with were very nice. They made her feel welcome, and they had been happy to help when she needed it. Elena couldn’t remember the last time her neighbors in Seattle had helped her.
She hadn’t felt a sense of community like this in a long time. It was nice.
Maybe she could get used to it. Perhaps she could get used to living in a small town, after all.
Jason was outside of the restaurant when Elena arrived. She hovered across the street and watched him for a minute. He was dressed in black jeans with smart shoes and a white shirt open at the neck. He was quite a sight to see.
At least she would have some nice eye candy while she was having dinner.
Straightening up and hoping she didn’t look like an idiot, Elena crossed the street. Jason turned as she approached, and gave her a smile that almost had Elena stumbling over her feet.
“Hey.”
“Hey.” Elena smiled back, wishing she wasn’t feeling like she was going on her very first date. “I’m not late, am I?”
“Not at all. You’re right on time.” Jason held out an arm. “Shall we?”
The atmosphere in the restaurant was warm, the lighting dimmer than Elena had expected. There was a nice aroma of barbecue wafting across her nose, and it made her stomach growl even more. It had been a while since she’d been to a barbecue place.
They were led to a booth at the back of the restaurant. On the way, they passed a table where four of the players were sitting. Kenneth Barron saw them first, and straightened up.
“Hey, Elena!” He smirked at her, leering as he looked her over. “You’re looking pretty hot this evening. I do like a lady in a skirt, although I prefer those tight yoga pants on you.”
Elena gave him a bland smile. “I don’t think you’re supposed to be looking at me wearing yoga pants, Kenneth. You’re meant to be training.”
“Why not? It’s a better sight than what we have to look at.” Then Kenneth caught sight of Jason, and his smile faded. “Ah, I see. Another woman tempted by money.”
“You’re going to police who I go to dinner with, are you?”
Kenneth snorted, and the guy next to him scowled. Kenneth gestured at Jason, who had walked on ahead to their booth. “He’s not good news, Elena. You should avoid him.”