-Violet-

After school Monday, Jenny drove me to Roedan Advertising for my first day on the job. I was nervous, not going to lie. It's an easy job, I've done it before and I really like it. I guess it's because James doesn't work here anymore, I don't know. It was nice having James here because of the security. It seemed he helped calm my panic attacks easier than I could.

Now that Claire knows we're dating, it could get weird. Her son is dating her assistant. And she has to know we were kind of seeing each other while I was interning. She doesn't need to know how close, but I'm sure she knows. Maybe she knew before we even knew.

My mom also agreed to dinner this Friday night at Claire's. I had to tell her when I see her in just a few minutes. First, I went to the front desk to collect my new badge and scanned my way through the doors. My nerves have died down a little when I stepped onto the elevator.

My phone buzzed in my front pocket and I fished it out. I had a new message from James. "Good luck today and you still have your eighteen hours."

I smiled and replied, "I'll be collecting some of those soon."

He replied a few seconds later, "Time and place and I'm all yours."

The elevator doors glided open onto the tenth floor and I hurried to place my phone back into my pocket. I stepped over the elevator threshold and made my way to Claire's office.

She was standing by her desk, the office phone attached to her ear. "Yes, honey. No, I'm working late." She laughed lightly. "Yes, you can bring dinner. I'll see you later."

When she hung up, I made myself known. "Hi, Ms. Roedan."

She smiled. "I'm so glad you accepted the job, thank you."

I took a step closer. "I should be thanking you."

"You're more than welcome." She took a hold of my arm and led me out of her office. "Since you now officially have the job, that means you officially get your own desk." She directed me to a desk just a few feet from her office. It was the only one fully facing her office with a computer and a phone. Other than those things, the desk was bare.

"This is great." I returned her smile.

Claire dropped my arm. "I thought so." She laughed lightly and braced herself against the dark wood. "The supply closet is full of office supplies, so feel free to help yourself to whatever you need. My last assistant liked post-its and she went through at least three pens a week."

I stifled a laugh. "That's a lot."

She nodded. "But she was always on top of things and I know you will be too."

"What happened to her?"

"Maternity leave. She wouldn't be able to come back for a while, but she said she'd keep me posted."

"Oh," I breathed. "Well I hope I can fill in her shoes."

"I know you can, Vi." She pushed a blonde strand of hair from her face. "Did your mom say anything about dinner?"

"Oh, yeah." I nodded. "She said Friday night would be great."

"Friday night is perfect. James will be there too, of course. You're welcome to invite your brothers too if you want."

I lightly shook my head. "Maybe I'll invite them the next time."

She nodded. "I understand. And speaking of James, that was him on the phone. He wants to bring dinner in a couple of hours." She slowly smiled. "I don't think he's using the excuse to see his mother."

My cheeks heated.

"It doesn't bother me as long as he doesn't disturb your work."

"I won't let him," I clarified. "Don't worry."

"It's not you I'm worried about so much. I know my son."

Ah, I know him too. Quite well. "Well I'll get to work then. Anything you want me to start with?"

Claire pointed to the phone. "For now, just check the messages and write them down. Sort by most important. And after you cleared all the messages, I have some filing you can do for me."

I smiled. "Okay, got it."

She lightly touched my shoulder and went back to her office. Before I sat down, I walked back down the hall to the supply closet. I smiled when I stepped inside, remembering James dragging me in here and kissing me for the third time.

Oh, gosh. It's bad I remember that it was our third kiss.

But I'm not complaining that it was in a supply closet. Something about sneaking around gave me a rush and I was completely enveloped by it. Knowing you could be caught at any moment was kind of a turn on.

What am I turning into?

I mentally shook myself, gathered what I needed from the supply closet, and walked back to my desk. I sat down and arranged everything in an order that suited me and started jotting down the messages.

The phone was filled with messages. Most of them 'Call me as soon as you get this' messages.

My hand was cramping by the time I was finished with the last one. I stretched my fingers out in front of me before arranging them how she wanted. More important first and then the rest after. I used index cards instead of post-its so they didn't stick together.

I rose from my desk to bring them to Claire. After I gave them to her, she gave me a small stack of files to be organized in her filing cabinets across the room. By that time, we were the only ones left in the office and the sun was gone.

It was also the time James showed up with Chinese food and Claire had stepped out for a few minutes to make a fresh pot of coffee. How convenient.

"Hey," He said and sat the bag of food on his mom's desk.

I glanced over my shoulder. "Hey, Stranger." I slipped in a few papers into one of the file folders and closed the second cabinet to open the top one.

James came up behind me, settling a hand on my hip and his lips dangerously close to my neck.

"James," I warned and bit my lower lip. "Your mom's going to be back any minute."

He pressed a long kiss to my cheek and stepped back. "Wouldn't want to get you in trouble on your first day."

I threw him a smirk over my shoulder. "You're taking me home anyway."

"Whose house?"

I barked out a loud laugh and closed the filing cabinet. "You're hilarious, James," I joked and turned around.

Claire came into her office with a fresh cup of coffee and a smile when she saw James. She greeted him with a small kiss on the cheek. "Good to see you're alive. I haven't seen you since Friday."

"Just been busy, Mom." He smiled and sat down in a chair in front of her desk. "Violet, join us."

"No, it's fine. I still have work to do—"

"Violet, it's okay. You can finish up tomorrow," Claire insisted. "Come sit and eat then James can take you home."

"Thank you." I smiled and sat next to James in the second chair.

Five minutes into eating, and Claire changed the subject of school to Thanksgiving. "Do you have plans, Vi?" She asked.

The question kind of caught me off guard and I had a mouth full of food. I swallowed and took a sip of water. "We usually go to Mark's, who now I know is my mom's boyfriend. I think that's where we'll end up."

She nodded slowly and James was quiet.

"What do you guys do?"

Claire answered, "I usually cook for James and Mere. We used to—never mind." She forced a smile and my insides turned cold.

James was eating quietly and I glanced at him. He was looking down at his food, his face soft with sadness.

"Why don't you guys join us? There's always enough." I looked to Claire.

"No, it's okay—"

"I insist." I smiled. "We would love to have you guys over." If I didn't invite them, my mom definitely would've. It felt good.

"You're sure?" She asked.

I nodded. "Definitely."

"That would be great," She beamed. "We'd love to join you guys."

James placed a hand on my knee and squeezed. "Thank you," He said softly.

I smiled and leaned towards him to kiss the side of his shoulder. "You're welcome. And that includes Meredith too."

"Can't wait." Claire grinned.

The subject changed again to something else, a reality show Claire enjoys watching and then James changed the subject to a video game that was just released.

Claire and I both exchanged a look and laughed.

It was too cute when James got excited. He reminded me so much of Gray it's amazing. Hopefully Thanksgiving will run smoothly and they'll be on a less bumpy road.

After we ate, we talked for a few more minutes and James and I left. I let Claire know I'd be back tomorrow before James took my hand and walked me out to his car. And like the gentleman he is, he opened the door for me and closed it behind.

He climbed in the driver's side and we left.

James drove slowly down the back road and reached for my hand. He asked about my day and I answered, and then proceeded to ask him about his. "It was good, but I missed you today." He tightened his grip on my hand for a second. "Are you free Wednesday night? Wade keeps bugging me about that double date."

"I forgot about that," I murmured. "But yes, I'm free Wednesday."

"Wade can be a pain in the ass, but it's hard not to love him. He's one of those people loved by everyone."

I couldn't help my laugh. "I can't wait to meet him then."

James pulled into my driveway and cut the engine. "That was nice of you. What you said to my mom."

I wrapped both of my hands around his. "I wouldn't want you guys to be alone on Thanksgiving." I smoothed my palm over the back of his hand. "And you'll finally get to meet Mark. It's a little crazy though, just a warning. You, your mom, and Meredith will probably run screaming."

James chuckled. "I like a little crazy."

"Yeah?" I enclosed my bottom lip between my teeth.

"Maybe more than a little crazy." He smirked.

I leaned over the center console and smile. "Then you'll love my family."

He started to lean in closer. "I already do."

With that, our lips met. I slid a hand to the nape of his neck, kissing him gently until he caressed my face to deepen the kiss. When my mouth parted, the tip of his tongue barely brushed mine. A fire lit under my skin, coating every inch in chills, all the way down to my toes.

I pulled back for air and sucked in a breath. He touched his forehead to mine, his breath faintly hitting my lips as he held onto my face. "I'll see you Wednesday night."

I kissed him once more and pulled back. "You will. And I'll also be collecting some of those hours this weekend."

"What are you making me do?" He smiled and leaned his head back against his seat.

I grinned deviously. "You'll have to wait and see."

"Then can I ask if it involves clothes?"

"Depends on how sweaty you get," I teased and opened the door. "See you Wednesday night." I slung my bag over my shoulder and closed the door, leaving James in a state of deep confusion.

* * *

Jen was standing near my closet, head cocked to the side, and pursed lips. She tapped on her bottom lip and stepped forward. She pulled out a white sheer blouse and a pair of dark denim skinny jeans before walking over to me. "You said it was just a small dinner, so this would be perfect."

I climbed off my bed to retrieve what she had picked out. "You're a lifesaver." I breathed and took the clothes.

She smiled. "This is fun. Shoes?"

"I'll probably steal your black boots again." I grinned. "Since I have yet to return them."

Jen laughed lightly. "That'll be perfect."

I walked to my dresser to find my black tank top and go to the bathroom to change. I stepped out after I changed, walked back into my room, and Jenny gave me two thumbs up for approval.

There was a knock on my door and Jenny went to open it. Gray stepped through and smiled at Jenny. "Nic wants you," He said.

She took the hint and walked out to find Nic.

Gray closed the door and stepped closer to me. His eyes were cold. "Why didn't you tell me about Reese coming back?"

"Because it doesn't matter," I retorted in a flat tone.

"It doesn't matter?" He repeated in a question. "Of course it matters, V. I'm not letting him come back to hurt you. It doesn't work that way—"

"Gray," I interrupted. "I'm not going back to him. Don't worry. I don't even know if I want to talk to him, what makes you think I'd ever think about getting back into a relationship with him?"

"Because you love him," He said quickly. "People do stupid shit when they're in love."

"Oh, my gosh, Gray. I'm not having this conversation with you right now." I moved to my vanity and sat down. "Especially since I'm about to go on a date with James."

Gray came up behind me, his reflection showing in my mirror. "I'm trying to look out for you—"

"Damn it, Gray," I grounded. "I know and I love you so much for it. But give me some space. I'm going on a date with the best guy and there's no room in my mind for Reese."

He placed a hand on my shoulder and squeezed. "I'll see you when you get home," He said, his voice smooth.

"Tell Mom I'll be home by eleven," I muttered. "Goodnight, Gray."

He left without another word.

* * *

James knocked on the front door at a quarter 'til seven. I answered it with a giant smile and greeted him with a quick kiss. I yelled out that I was leaving and James led me to his.

And as always, he opened the door for me.

He waited until we were on the road to speak. "Are you nervous?"

"No," I answered truthfully. "I think I'm actually excited. I was nervous, but he's your friend. It's going to be fun."

James laughed lightly. "It will be, I promise. It's just dinner, absolutely nothing to be worried about," He assured.

The restaurant James took me to is called Bones. I got out and made my way to the front of the car where James took my hand into his. His fingers intertwined with mine and we walked down the path to enter Bones. The hostess asked for a name and then she told us that Wade was already here.

She led us through the maze of tables, locating one where a guy and a girl sat. He lifted his head, a smile breaking onto his lips when he saw James. He stood, greeting James with one of those hugs that would hurt girl's boobs. James pulled back, placing a hand on my lower back to introduce me. "Wade, this is Violet. Violet, Wade."

Wade offered me his hand and I greatly accepted it. "It's nice to finally meet you, Violet." He smiled.

Wade's tall, like James, but not as tall. Dirty blonde hair, brown puppy eyes, and sharp bone structure.

The girl sitting at the table came forward and shook my hand as well. "I'm Lia. It's so good to meet you." Her smile was bright.

Lia looked exotic. Long straight hair, bronze skinned that glowed, and just gorgeous all around. Now she made me nervous and I felt intimidated. "It's nice to meet you too, Lia."

After all the greetings were out of the way, we sat down and ordered drinks. James and I sat on one side, while Wade and Lia sat on the other. Wade leaned on his forearms, resting his chin on his clasped hands. "So," He started, looking at me. "How was it working for him? I heard he's a total hard ass."

"Wade!" Lia scoffed and playfully smacked his arm.

I couldn't help but laugh and I had to take a sip of my water. Once I sat it back down, I glanced at James and back to Wade. "He liked to play favorites."

James chuckled and placed a hand on my thigh. "Yes, you were definitely my favorite. But I'd like to think I was a good boss." He squeezed gently.

We all laughed and I looked to James. "I really did like working with him." I looked back to Wade. "He's great at what he does."

"Oh, I definitely know he's good at bossing people around." Wade grinned. "But you're right, he's good at it."

Lia nudged Wade in the side. "Don't act like you're innocent."

Wade leaned back and held his hands up defense.

A waiter appeared at the end of our table and he took our orders. He left us with a smile and walked away with our orders in hand.

Wade looked at James with a devious smile. "Did James ever tell you the story about—"

"Wade," James warned with a smile. "Don't you dare."

"Oh, come on. She'll find it hilarious." Wade looked to me. "During our senior year, little James was a bit of a daredevil."

"You're worse than my mother," James commented with a light chuckle.

Wade shrugged. "I'm your best friend. It's my job. Now, where was I? Oh, right. James would never back down from a dare. And when I say never, I mean absolutely never. During our last year of school, we dared James to streak through the school at night." He choked on a laugh. "He did it, of course. But we didn't tell him the principle was there with his lovely assistant."

I covered my mouth to keep from laughing and turned my head to James. His face was flushed red. "I can't believe you just told her that."

I started laughing. "That is gold. Was it principal Harries?"

Wade nodded. "Old man didn't know what to do. You should've seen him trying to talk." He pointed to James. "He was taken home naked in the back of a police car. Man," Wade sighed, "we had so much fun."

"We did," James agreed. "Is it my turn to embarrass you now?"

----------------------------

I guess this would be considered a filler chapter, hahaha. It was nice and light, completely filling before getting to the good stuff. I'm writing chapter 26 still, so I'm gonna slow down on the updates until I can finish it up at least! :)

Please vote and comment? Let me know your thoughts! :)