She walked out of his bathroom wearing the clothes he had given her, only for him to start laughing at her as she bent down to fold the sweat-pant legs up in order for her to not trip. She walked to him with a serious look as he stopped laughing.
"You did this on purpose didn't you?" She asked poking his chest.
"I thought about shorts but this is way better," he said. "This way all your curves are hidden from the lustful eyes of man," he said as he gave her a once over loving how his shirt looked oversized on her.

"Hmmm is that so," she said with a frown as he looked at her.
"Myself included," he added as she gave him a questioning look.
"I am a man love. I might not be able to touch but I can surely look and appreciate," he said with a smirk.
"Just as I can do the same," she said as she slowly trailed her gaze down his body making him shift his stance as he took her hand pulling her towards him.
"Feel free to touch as well," he said as she looked up at him before they both erupted into laughter. "Let's get you home," he said planting a kiss on her forehead before leaving his room.
"Thank you for being a gentleman," she whispered.
"Anytime Esther," he said with a serious expression.

—————

He held her hand in his as he slowly drove to her apartment. She took the time to observe the contrast in their skin tones hers darker than his. His hands larger, stronger and tougher than hers. Hands that actually worked unlike Benjamin who rarely did manual labor. Her eyes left his hands running up his arm as she took in the muscular detail of his arms. Not an ounce of fat most likely because he was a hands on kind of businessman. A humble one for that matter.

"Whatcha thinking?" He said taking a quick glance in her direction.
"How I am actually friends with a man like yourself," she said making him smile.
"Is that a bad thing?"
"Well not really," she said as he chuckled at her response.

Arriving at her apartment she stepped out only to find Brian standing in front of her building.
"Hi there beautiful," he said greeted her giving Jake a quick once over in hate.
"Brian. I didn't expect to see you here," he said. "I'm sorry about last night I had to take care of this big baby over here," she said. "Brian meet Jacob, Jacob this is Brian," she said as Jake nodded his head in acknowledgment.

"Pleased to meet you," Jake murmured.
"Breakfast tomorrow?" He asked her.
"Hmmm I'll have to check with my schedule."
"Okay," he said smiling at her before he turned to his car.
"Excuse my dressing," she said shyly turning to Brian as he looked at her attire before he chuckled.
"I only came by to see if you got home safely. You where not answering your phone last night," he said shoving his hands into his pockets.
"How thoughtful of you Brian. As you can see I am very much alive and kicking," she said with a smile.
"Would you mind joining me for breakfast tomorrow?"
"I believe that can be arranged," she said in thought as he looked at his watch.
"Great. See you tomorrow then," he said as he leaned forward giving her a slight bow with his signature smile.

—————

"What will you have?" Brian asked as she looked over the menu.
"A simple English breakfast will suffice," she said as he nodded his head in acknowledgment before a waiter came to take their orders.
Making small talk she wore a smile constantly as she laughed at his corny jokes.
"Can I ask?"
"Ask away my dear," he said.
"Why....," her question died on her lips as she saw Jake walking into the restaurant with a lovely woman.
He was laughing at something the lady said which made her feel a tad bit jealous.
Turning back to Brian she smiled as he looked at her.
"Your question," he encouraged.
"Oh I forgot what I wanted to ask," she said taking a sip of her tea. "I should be heading to work now," she said seeing he was done with his meal.

He stood and held out his hand to help her up. Accepting the offer they left the establishment as made their way to the parking lot.
Once inside his car she turned to her.
"I really enjoyed your company during breakfast," he said.
"Same here," she said trying to hide her emotions with a smile remembering his Jake had been smiling at that woman.
"I would like to see you again this evening," he said.
"I don't know," she said as he placed a finger upon her lips.
"Don't deny me this," he said moving his hand to cup her cheek as he leaned closer.
Before she knew it his lips were upon hers as she froze in shock. He unfastened her seat belt pulling her closer as she was still in shock as to what was happening. It was only after a few seconds did she try to pull away from him but he would not release her.
"Come on Esther. You know you want this," he said as she struggled to push him away from her.
"Brian let go of me," she begged tears welling in her eyes.

Before he could say anything he froze when he heard another voice. He could not react quickly as he was pulled out of his seat by Jake who looked murderous.
A single swing sent Brian falling onto the ground as he held his bleeding nose.
"Jake," she whispered still seated in the car.
Jake rushed to her side opening the door he helped her out removing his jacket to cover her up.
Brian had ripped her blouse leaving her exposed.

He looked her over to see if she was hurt and sighed when he found no injury. Pulling her close he felt her tremble as she clung onto him.
Soothing her he led her to his car and informed his driver to take them to her house.
She fell asleep in his arms before they reached her apartment and he didn't have it in him to wake her up.

As he settled her down he heard the faint whisper of a thank you upon her lips. Leaning down he kissed her forehead before leaving the room.

---------

She woke up to find herself held in his arms as he was fast asleep.
"How are you feeling?" He murmured his eyes still closed.
"I'm alright," she whispered as he stroked her arm in a soothing manner. "I was really scared. If you hadn't been there he would have done much worse," she said tears running down her face. "I'm sorry for blowing you off for him Jake," she cried.
"To be honest I just need some time. When I saw you with him I was not happy," he said. "I have to leave now. Sarah should arrive in a couple of minutes," he murmured as he got up grabbing his jacket and keys.
She watched him walk out the door without another word.