Jonathan

Moving... The bane of my existence but a necessary evil in my line of work. I despise it enough to practically start fresh each time, opting to sell the last place fully furnished. Normally it takes me nearly a week to accomplish what's been done in twenty-four hours. And why? Izzy.

That woman is a beautifully broken puzzle and the moment I saw her I knew I wanted to help her. Anne's club Bliss has been one of my favorite investments, one that I happily remain partnered in.

Hearing that someone was attacked in it was upsetting enough but to see Izzy and know it was her... I have no words. My temper is usually under wraps but this makes my blood boil, and that the cops are no closer to finding this guy only makes it worse.

Watching Izzy check out my new bed and seeing her reaction is unexpected for sure. The way her delicate fingers travel over every detail...how her pupils dilate and lips part...the slight blush on her porcelain cheeks...

I don't need to be a mind reader to know what she's thinking. The spark of curiosity in her eyes and how she bites her lower lip is sending my blood rushing somewhere else entirely.

And now here I sit awake in bed at one am thinking about shit I shouldn't be. Like how attracted I am to Izzy and how much my mind is viewing her less as my assistant and more as something else.

I know she's been through a lot, and I know she should be off limits, but as much as I tell myself this I keep slipping because deep down I don't believe it. Deep down I know she needs me, like I need her.

But right now I need sleep, so I push those thoughts away for the millionth time and roll over. My day is packed tomorrow, well today now and I need a clear head.

-----

A morning run helps to clear my mind. Truth be told I'm happy she picked this house, I prefer the space and privacy but the practical side of me was pushing for the condo.

The lot is spacious and the neighbourhood is dotted with classic homes on large lots with mature trees. Everything adds up to give the neighborhood an old time and park-like feel.

I'm sweaty and breathing hard when I walk through the front door and part of me is relieved that Izzy isn't up yet. Based on the dark circles around her eyes I don't think she sleeps very well. Hopefully a change of scenery will help that.

The fridge is painfully bare, so I drink some water and head upstairs for a shower. My first meeting is in two hours so I have plenty of time to go over things with Izzy and grab a bite beforehand.

"Izzy?" I call, gently knocking on her door.

"Coming!" She answers. I hear shuffling across the room then the click of her door lock before she opens it.

Poor thing looks like she didn't sleep much last night either, the dark circles are still there and her hair is messy from tossing and turning. The thin tank top and small sleep shorts cling to her like a second skin, beckoning my gaze.

"Sorry, I should have set an alarm," she mumbles, hastily wiping the sleep out of her blue eyes.

"You look like you could use a bit more sleep," I say, addressing her state. "I just wanted to touch base before I left, I've got meetings all day but should be home by seven for dinner. I'll leave a credit card on the table for you to grocery shop and use for household expenses."

Izzy nods but before she can say anything my cell goes off. "Sorry I need to take this, try and get some more sleep."

With a final nod I head off down the hall towards the front door. "Fletcher," I answer.

"Jonathan! I hope I didn't wake you?" Andre replies.

"Not at all, I was just heading out," I mumble, locking the front door behind me.

"Any chance of moving our meeting up? I've had something come up..." he trails off.

"I can be at your office in twenty minutes," I say, inwardly cursing his timing.

"Perfect, see you then!" Andre replies before hanging up.

I climb into the drivers seat and turn the key, pausing as something nags at me, like I've forgotten something... After dwelling on it for a moment and drawing a blank I pull out and head downtown before I'm late.

Taking just enough time to grab coffee and bagel from a drive through I make it just in time for my first meeting. Unfortunately my phone is going off like crazy, clearly news that I'm back in town has spread.

By the time I finish up with Andre there are half a dozen messages waiting for me, all looking to set up meetings. Success has its bonuses and drawbacks, I no longer have to hunt for clients, but I get a lot of toads too.

Two more meetings that go over their slotted time leaves me rushing to make the next one. My stomach growls, reminding me lunch was nearly two hours ago and breakfast was a joke.

Clearly I need to spread myself out a little less, this is ridiculous. I snag a crappy hotdog from a street cart and devour it to keep my stomach from growling. After a day like this I can't wait to get home and have some real food!

My afternoon and evening meetings all go over so I send Izzy a quick text to let her know I'll be a bit later than expected. As the last meeting finishes up I see several more messages, but all I care about is the reply from Izzy.

Izzy: No problem, just let me know when you're on your way and I'll have it hot and ready for you.

Instantly my mind sewers, conjuring provocative images of it's own version of 'hot and ready for you.' I groan and force those mental pictures out of my mind and focus on finishing up.

"Everything ok?" Adam asks, eyeing me up as he holds out a file for me.

"Fine," I dismiss, taking the folder and slipping it into my briefcase. "Just a long day."

"I bet, you've always made waves coming back but it's a hell of a splash this time," he says with a cheeky grin. "Take your time, let me know what you think, and I look forward to hearing back from you." He holds out his hand for a final shake and walks me out.

An easy smile slips on my lips as I walk to my car, thinking about Izzy and what she's making for dinner. After the crap I ate anything will be good but I find myself looking forward to seeing her smiling face more than anything.