Jack Nickelson's POV:

 It has been a few days since the kisses and I feel she is avoiding me. I sighed. Why do I care so much? The relationship is not real. Maybe that is the trouble, I thought. 

   Nah, I shook my head. I should not let the kiss she gave me and the ones I had given her in the copier room a few days ago, four get to me. I am the boss. The man, the tough one, I do not get all mushy over a woman.

      I heard the bell ring. I swung it open and saw it. A package, strange I didn't remember ordering anything. I pulled it inside and opened it. Inside was a red jacket, some blue dress pants, and a brown belt. There was also a note enclosed. "Thought, it would be smashing fun to dress alike when we visit your folks, so what do you say? Are you in?"  It was signed, by Barbara Laws. No Love, just Barbara Laws.  

   I packed the items and then slammed my fist against the door. Why was I so furious? One little note, and I went off like a timing bomb. I better watch my attitude. I could not let it get the better of me—not again. 

    I fixed coffee, got ready for the day, and then started to head out the door when it dawned on me that I had almost forgotten my tie. Who needs it, I thought. I headed to work for the first time in years without my signature tie, and it felt great. Yes, I will be fine without one. Besides, there are extras in my desk drawer. I can't be late; if I am, she'll give me $%%^&*% over it, I thought.

        I arrived on time.  I made it ten minutes before any of the employees arrived, what a relief. I heard her laughter as she entered the room. The same woman who had kissed me then avoided me for the next few days. What was she up too?

       "Barbara, darling, is that you?" I asked hoping to catch her off guard.  "Jack, sweetie, glad you are here, there are some documents I was hoping you could give me your opinion on and.." she started to cringe. "Whatever is the matter?" I asked.  "You are not wearing a tie, oh, dear, we must fix that right away, the investors are coming and we must not let them see you all out of sorts," She scoffed. She opened the drawer, removed a tie, and leaned in close. I gasped in surprise as she fastened it. 

          "Why so close?"  I asked. "Why so close? Oh, you dare to ask me this, when you are the one who dragged me into the copying room, and kissed me rather passionately I might add, and in front of the staff," Barbara remarked. I saw her wink at me. 

          "Are you ashamed of me?" I inquired. "No, are you ashamed of me, dear?" she asked. "No, of course not," I blurted out. "Good, glad all is well with us then. I do hope you liked my gift for you," she said.

    "Gift for me," I stated. "yes, the package, and one more thing," She said. "Oh, and what might that be?"  She leaned in more sealing what little space was left between us, "You're smoking hot when you are like this, like a deer in the headlights," She whispered. Then, she pressed her lips into mine.  I  kissed her in return, why should I let her have all the fun?  I felt her relax as she kicked the door shut with her foot. 

            She heard me sigh. She shoved me into my desk, then, she laid one hand on my chest and the other on my left leg. I moaned. She kissed me more. I held her close with one hand on her waist and the other I placed on her left shoulder. 

            So, hot, I thought. Wait, what?  

       A  knock was heard at the door, and she pulled away. We both stood as if nothing had happened when someone else entered the office. It was an investor, she went and got the coffee ready for them and I smirked. When she returned, I introduced her as an adoring fiance. They got the message.  The investors ate it all up. It was like they wanted to hear good news for a change. 

         Once they left, Barabra, reached up and loosened the tie. "You looked like you were about to choke, I could not have that now, could I?"  I stood there dumbfounded. 

        "See you later, Pookie," She said, blowing a kiss in my direction. I nodded, "Later, darling."

              What was with that woman that threw me off guard? I better watch it around her, I thought.

             Little did I know she had a few more tricks up her sleeves.

Until Chapter 8

  bye-bye,

little owlets!

Summer out!