Shane's POV

I turned to see who had poured two glasses of water on my woman - my future woman. My mood changed from happy to livid when I saw who it was.

"Of course, it would be her."

"What the heck, Amy?!! Why did you interrupt a business lunch with my future employees to pour water on someone?!! For goodness sake, have some respect for someone else!!"

"For the simple fact that you have your arm is resting on her chair!! And, not to mention, I see you touching her arm!!"

Okay, I blushed after she said that because I did not want anyone to notice it. Bliss was about to get up and beat the crap out of Amy. And she had every right to kick Amy's butt. So, I told her, "I will handle it. Excuse me, everyone."

I got out of the chair and dragged Amy out of the restaurant.

"Listen up and listen good - stay away from my employees and me!! We have been over for a year! You do not own me! Get that through your thick head!! You have no say over who I choose to date!!"

"You're dating her?! But, she is......"

"Do not finish that sentence! I can date whoever I want - race does not matter to me! It is none of your business if we are dating or not! Now, if I ever see or hear about you hurting her in any way, you will regret it!! Now, get out of my sight!!"

As I walked away, Amy yelled, "This isn't the last time you will see me, Shane!!"

"Try me!!"

Once I returned to the table, I asked Ms. Sanders, "Are you okay? I am sorry about what happened. She is an obsessed ex of mine that I broke up with over a year ago. If she ever bothers you, please let me know?"

"Okay. Other than being wet, I am fine. I need to get out of these wet clothes as soon as I get home."

I just got a chill down my spine, picturing her without clothes.

"Would anyone like dessert?" The servers came by to ask.

"I would like key lime pie, please?"

"She is so polite and humble. And, has a feisty side."

After everyone ate their dessert, I handed the waiter my company card to pay for lunch. Then, we left the restaurant. While outside, I walked over to Bliss. "Ms. Sanders, I am sorry about what transpired in the restaurant. I want to make it up to you. And don't think of it as a date. I will be holding one on one chats with everyone. So, consider it a business lunch. How about Friday? And dress casually. Are you allergic to any Italian dishes?"

"So far, I am only allergic to shellfish. Italian is fine."

"Okay, so how about we meet at The Vine at 12:30 pm?"

"That is fine. I'll see you on Friday, Mr. Landes. Enjoy the rest of your day."

I watched her walk over to her Chevy Suburban. It was the 2018 model that just came out. Her dress was clinging to every curve she had. Her 'assets' are apparent now.

"Man, I need a cold shower."

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Narrator's POV

Sure enough, Bliss found herself sick with a cold. She took out the business card Mr. Landes gave her and called to let him know she would not be able to send the email because she was sick. He apologized over and over again. But Bliss reassured him that she would be okay.

As for Mr. Landes, he saved her cellphone number in his contacts. He found himself thinking about Bliss - day and night. Shane knew it would be difficult to break her independence wall. But Bliss is the one he wants. So, he is willing to do whatever it takes to make her his.

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Friday afternoon

Shane's POV

"She looks scrumptious in those hip-hugging jeans."

We walked inside the restaurant. "Good afternoon, Mr. Landes. Your booth is ready, sir." As we were led to my favorite spot, Bliss asked,

"Are you a regular here?"

"This is one of the restaurants that I own. It is one of my favorite places. When I heard the owner was trying to sell it, I swooped in to buy it. I promised the owner I would keep the original name and decor because this restaurant was his baby. When he came to America from Italy, he wanted a place that would create authentic Italian dishes. So, he bought the land it is currently on and created The Vine. He calls it The Vine because the wine here is from a family vineyard they own in Italy. I also own The River Cuisine and I am sorry about what happened."

"Mr. Landes, stop beating yourself up. It is okay. You saved that chick. I was about to beat the crap out of her. One thing about me is that I am not shy. I will defend myself and my sisters, no matter the situation. Both restaurants are my favorites for seafood and Italian. That's why I go to the gym every week - sometimes twice a week."

"I would love to see her in workout clothes."

"Let's get started with your one-on-one."

While listening to Bliss speak, I thought of the perfect position for her and how to tell her so I could see her sassy side. I found her strength is public speaking, and her weakness is talking back with sass. I will have my office remodeled so both of us can share it. And that way, I get to see her every day.

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Narrator's POV

Time flew by fast because it was the end of June - the last day of work at Primedia, Inc., working for Mr. Anderson.

Everyone packed their files and placed name tags on them. Shane told them they would have brand-new computers, file cabinets, and the latest equipment, such as calculators, fax machines, printers, etc. Whatever else they need, he will let them order it.

Shane still hadn't told Bliss what her work tasks would be, and it was making her nervous. After packing, everyone left to go home and prepare for Mr. Anderson's retirement party.

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Bliss POV

(Picture of Bliss' outfit)

It was nice of Mr. Landes to throw a surprise retirement party. Everyone from the company is here, along with his family. I still have not heard what my position will be on Monday, and it worries me.

Mr. Anderson and his wife should be arriving soon. I heard my text notification ringtone. It was from his wife. I opened it, and she said they were 5 minutes away. So I made an announcement.

"Ladies and gentlemen, they are 5 minutes away, so if everyone can quickly take their seats."

Mr. Anderson will have a blindfold over his eyes, so he will not know what is happening. I saw them pull up and get out of the car.

"Can that man be any sexier? He looks yummy in that navy blue suit."

Once they were inside, I took off the blindfold that Mr. Anderson had on him.

"SURPRISE!!!"

Everyone yelled, and his grandchildren ran over to him. We sure did get him, and he was definitely surprised. I noticed he was getting a little emotional, so I gave him a big hug. Then, I made another announcement.

"Now that the guests are here, dinner will be served."

Mr. & Mrs. Anderson was seated with his family. There was assigned seating for everyone else. And guess who I was sitting next to? You got it, mister sexy himself, Shane Landes.

"Why does this keep happening?"

Jessica, Andrea, Kamilah, Jillian, Mariah, Adam, Angelo, and Jacob sat at the same table.

"Thank you for throwing this party for Mr. Anderson. He told us he didn't want us to throw a party for him because he didn't want us to be sad. He really deserves this night. And this place is beautiful."

My friend Jacob added, "Mr. Anderson was the best boss I have worked with in my young career. No offense, Mr. Landes."

"None was taken. I had this place built specifically for company parties, mostly. I do let others rent it out as well."

"Wow, you own this place too? Awesome."

We sat there, eating our dinner and discussing our new start working for Mr. Landes. I have to find a way to talk to him tonight. We saw Mrs. Anderson stand and walk over to the podium.

"Ladies and gentlemen, tonight we come together to honor my husband. His success with Primedia Inc. has been tremendous, thanks to all of you beautiful people here. On behalf of our family, thank you so much for your support and dedication. And thank you for this wonderful party."

Everyone cheered and applauded Mrs. Andersons' speech. The floor was now open to the guests to speak about Mr. Anderson and their time working for him. A few people did. I will speak because we all pitched in and got him a gift. I was really nervous because now it was my turn to speak. So, I made my way to the podium.

Shane's POV

It was now Ms. Sanders's turn to speak. The way she looked in her dress was flawless.

"I have been dreading this moment for the past two months. It is sad to see Mr. Anderson go, but I am so happy for him. He has been there not just for me but for my sisters, Jessica and Andrea too. I have been working for Mr. Anderson for five years. When my parents died three years ago, Mr. Anderson and his family did much for us. They took us under their wing as their family - his additional daughters. I will never forget that. He always had so much faith in me that he gave me the secretarial position after being an intern for two years. I didn't think I was qualified for it, but he always told me not to think that way, and he used the Nike slogan on me, 'Just do it.' I have been just doing it for the past three years. Thank you so much for having that faith and giving me a chance. On behalf of everyone here, thank you, Mr. Anderson, for all you have done for us."

That speech right there is why I want her by my side. It was beautiful, just like she was.

"I will win your heart one day, Bliss Sanders."

After her speech, she dropped whatever she had in her hands and ran off the stage and out of the reception area.

"I'll go after her."

I stepped outside and heard crying. Bliss was sitting on a bench, crying and shivering from the chill in the air. So, I took off my jacket and put it on her. Bliss tensed up when I put my jacket over her arms.

"You're shivering." I pulled her into a hug. We didn't say anything until she broke the silence.

"I feel like I am losing my dad all over again. It hurt like crazy when my parents died. And it feels that way again. No offense, Mr. Landes. I'm sure you are a great boss. But he treated my sisters and me like daughters. I didn't even get a chance to give him the gift we all bought. I'm sorry for crying on your clothes. They probably cost a fortune. I'm not a crybaby, but it feels like I am hurting again."

"I don't think you are a crybaby at all. And I am not offended at all by what you said. Don't worry about the clothes. Take as much time as you need."

"Thank you. Can I ask you a couple of questions?"

"Sure, that is fine."

"If you don't mind me asking, how old are you?"

"I am 30 years old." She shot up, and my blue eyes met her brown, beautiful eyes.

"No way! That's amazing! You are a billionaire at such a young age. I turn 26 in August."

"Yes! Perfect age for me to date!"

"What is your other question?"

"Well, now that I think about it, it is not really a question. We start working in your building on Monday. And I don't know what I will be doing."

Here comes the feisty side that I want to see. I took a deep breath and said, "You're fired from Primedia, Inc."

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Thank you all for reading chapter 2.

The pictures from Can Stock Photos:

1. opening picture - © Can Stock Photo / hollandphotos

2. purple gown image - © Can Stock Photo / Oksvik

Thank you all for the votes and comments. 😘