Jack Nickelson's POV:

     I shook my head as soon as Barbara responded to my text. How could she?

      I was only trying to fool my parents, but I supposed letting the other employees think she was mine was fine.   I did not want other women to throw themselves at me. 

        Too bad, I could tell her more. I had not told her everything. I left out the part where my mother was trying to set me up with a friend of a friend's daughter.  The same girl who had broken my heart years before when she refused to marry me. In some way, I was trying to make her pay for what she had done to me.

         I sighed.  What had I done?

    I bought a ring.  Why had I gone and done that?  I had no intention to marry her.  I only needed to trick my mother and stepfather.  I began to worry that perhaps they would recognize the whole thing as a prank. I had not even dated in years.

     How would I know a proper date if I went on one? I would need to find a way to convince Barbara that it was best if we went on at least one before I introduced her as my fiance to my family.

      I  went back to work. Then, decided a lunch date would be best.  Yes, that would work just fine.  I smirked.  I would invite her to go out with me tomorrow. I might as well. 

      I sent her a text. "Barbara meet me in my office after work. I must speak with you, darling."

       I  had no idea how she would respond to the message. I only knew that I had to find some way to fix the mess I was in. Not that I could do so at all.

        I groaned.  I soon grew tired and fell asleep at my desk.  

     Time skip!

    A few hours later, Barbara arrived at his office. She wondered why his message sounded so urgent. She opened the door. She did not know what she expected when she entered it but it was not her boss snoring at his desk.

     "Jack, sweetheart, I came." She said.

        I  blinked my eyes, feeling embarrassed she had seen me sleeping. How would I explain that to her? Wait, I owe her nothing, I am the man in charge. I smiled.

      "Ah, yes, you did. Well, I could use the company tomorrow during the break." I explained. 

    "You mean you wish me to accompany you for the noon meal?" Barbara asked. She appeared to be even more surprised about this than the deal she agreed to with me.  "Yes, it will be our date," I responded. "Date?" She repeated. 

       "Must you repeat everything I have told you," I said.

          "Sorry, I was surprised. I did not know you wished to date me," She answered. 

       "I  suppose it is best, so I will be glad to see you tomorrow  to eat with you."  She started to leave.

          I  grabbed her hand and kissed it. "I look forward to it, darling." 

           She blushed. I did not know if I was glad or sorry that she reacted in such a way.

            The next day, the day went by rather slowly.  I thought so anyway. I didn't know what had come over me.

            I shook my head.  I did not have feelings for anyone.  "I don't..."

            "You don't what dear? Are you ill?" I  heard a voice say. A voice I found myself happy to hear, but would not dare admit it. 

            "It is nothing, let's  go on our date."

             I could tell she was concerned. I  stood up, combed my hair, and straightened my tie. 

              Barbara and I went to a nice restaurant. I felt nervous. Why should I? It is not like we meant anything to each other.  She sat across from me. 

                The food was rather dull. I don't recall much about it. I do remember I liked the company as much as I tried to deny it. 

               "The place is fancy, but the food is rather dry," She said. I chuckled. She had said, the one thing on my mind that I dare not to state.   After I paid for the meal, I went on a walk with her. 

                   It was during the walk that I heard her sigh. I didn't know what had caused that reaction. I noticed she started to shiver. It was a bit windy out, and no wonder, she had not worn a jacket. "Here, there is no sense in you freezing," I said, placing my jacket over her shoulders. "I mustn't take it," She said. "Nonsense, I insist you wear it," I said. 

                   Soon we stood outside the place of business, and I heard myself sigh. It was as if I did not want it to end. Wait, what?  I lead her to the door.

                   "Jack," She whispered. I did not know what came over me. I reached up and tucked a loose hair behind her ear. "You are even lovelier with your hair down, darling." I meant it to tease her, but she blushed. I saw her start to faint. I held onto her.  I carried her to my office, shutting the door behind us. I  locked it. I could not have someone barging in. 

                     "Barbara," I placed her in the chair. "what is it?" I asked. She opened her eyes and slapped me. "What was that for?" I asked. "You are to ask?" She scoffed. I did not understand. " I thought the date was splendid."  "You would," She shouted. I kissed her. That is to say, I kissed her cheek and then pulled away. 

                  "What have you done to me?" I asked. Barbara laughed. She did not understand how serious I was. Fine, let her make a fool of me. See if I care. 

                   Barbara grabbed my collar and pulled me close. "W-what?" She pressed her lips against mine. I did not know how to respond. I had never kissed anyone. Yet, she was kissing me. I gasped and pulled away.  "Well, the date is over," She said. She got up, unlocked the door, and walked away. I was left stunned. She had taken my first kiss. 

                      The story continues in Chapter 6

                     Until then, 

                   bye-bye,

                 little owlets!

               Summer out!