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and seeing as you are lovely, it’s an added bonus in my business negotiations.  That’s all, nothing more.  My intention wasn’t to insult you. Or insinuate that our spending the night together has anything to do with this.”  His tone is sharp and forceful.  He’s made it perfectly clear that what happened last night will not happen again.  I let out an exasperated sigh which I’m sure was completely audible.  “Ms. Brooks” – he is back to being professional and slides a portfolio across the table to me – “inside you will find the detailed job offer with salary, benefits, and bonus schedule.  Please take the remainder of the day to look it over and we can meet tomorrow to discuss any questions you may have.  How about tomorrow over lunch?”  As much as my pride wants me to shove the portfolio back in his face, I just smile.
    “Mr. Jacobs, I think that would be perfect.  Should I plan to come here tomorrow at noon or is there somewhere that I should meet you?”
    “Yes, please come by the office tomorrow at noon and I’ll have Danielle get us some lunch and we can discuss the terms of the contract.”  His tone is completely business-like and his demeanor reflects the same but the look in his eyes says he would prefer to have me for lunch tomorrow.  As I leave the building I wonder if I’ve made another mistake in agreeing to meet him tomorrow to discuss this contract.

Chapter 3
     
    Tomorrow cannot come soon enough.  Upon getting home and opening the last bottle of Sauvignon Blanc in the house, I settle into the sofa with the portfolio in hand.  The pay is substantial; much more than I would’ve made working in the accounting department.  With this, I could finally afford to pay some of the association fees for the apartment and get a car.   The benefits and bonus schedule are also more than generous.  Behind all of that is the contract detailing the terms of the job, job requirements and schedules; this explains all of the generosity on the first page.  I’ll basically be devoting my life to this job.  There are no set hours as I will be required at times to spend evenings, very late evenings, into the wee hours of the morning entertaining clients at functions hosted on behalf of Mr. Jacobs and accompanying Mr. Jacobs to other events and charity functions.  Looks like there will be no time in my life for a man now either.  Well, no man except Ian Jacobs.  The idea is pleasant and terrifying at the same time.
    Then there ’s the travel; it is spelled out as not less than two weeks every other month to be spent abroad and then various trips within the States.  Poor Gavin, I will hardly ever be home. 
    As if he can hear the wheels in my head turning, Gavin decides in that moment to rush into the living room from his bedroom. “Gav, where’s the fire?”  Gavin Shaw has been my best friend and knight in rumpled armor since I moved to the city three years ago.  He was born and raised here in New York City so he’s my lifeline to everything.  He takes me to all of the parties he’s invited to as part of his modeling and has shown me all the best restaurants and clubs.  If it wasn’t for him and his family, I have no idea where I would be right now.  He saved me without even knowing that I needed to be saved.  
    “Oh Celeste, I’m sorry. I didn’t even hear you come home.  I’ve been so distracted today.  Scatter brained you might even say.”  As if this is anything new. 
    My roommate may have a body to die for, at 6’2 he is lean and toned in all the right places with sandy blond hair and just the right amount of chisel to his facial features, the statue of David really has nothing on this man but sometimes I worry about him.  I’m especially worried now that he will be left on his own so much.  Man, I’m talking like I’ve already agreed to take the job.  “Hey Gav, do you have a minute?” 
    “For you , always.”  He says plopping down next to me