Chapter 6
“Do you want to come in?” Leila asked as she opened the door to the suite.
“Sure,” Jeff replied surprised as he followed her into the suite surprised at being invited.
“I actually had a lot of fun,” Leila admitted with a smile as she leaned on the back of an armchair.
“I’m glad,” Jeff replied, “maybe we can do it again sometime.”
“Maybe,” she said with a grin.
“Well, it’s past midnight and your birthday is officially over, you feel any older?” Jeff asked, walking closer to her.
“No… not really,” she started as she watched Jeff walk slowly towards her. Her words were lost in her throat as she concentrated on Jeff standing in front of her.
“I feel the same about…” she managed to squeak as she looked up into Jeff’s face, a small smile on his face. She could hear her own heart pounding, and she prayed that Jeff wouldn’t be able to.
Part of her wanted Jeff to kiss her. To just place his lips on hers and wrap his arms around her and hold her close, but her smarter half knew that it would be better if he didn’t.
“Happy birthday Leila,” Jeff whispered as he softly placed his lips against hers.
By instinct, she pushed Jeff’s shoulders softly and pulled her head away as she stared at Jeff, who looked both embarrassed and self-conscious.
“I’m sorry,” Jeff apologized looking at Leila as she looked at the carpeted floor, “I shouldn’t have…”
Leila nodded as she continued to stare at the ground. More then anything she wanted to kiss Jeff again, just grab him, but she resisted as she fought an internal battle on what to do. It was her brain vs. her heart, and she was scared her heart would overtake her.
“Why not though?” Jeff asked after a minute of silence, “I know you’re attracted to me, and I’m incredibly attracted to you. So what’s the problem?”
“I’m not ready for a relationship,” Leila said looking up, “especially since we’re working together. I’m just… not looking for one.”
“You’re scared aren’t you,” Jeff said studying her carefully.
“I have no idea what you’re talking about,” Leila said crossing her arms over her chest.
“You’ve had some bad past relationships haven’t you,” Jeff replied, “what happened Leila?”
“I should never have opened up and let you into my life,” Leila cried suddenly as he watched in shock as tears started pouring out of her eyes, “I knew better! I knew better then to open myself up and let someone else in.”
“Leila,” Jeff whispered softly as she fell to her knees and continued crying, “I’m so sorry.”
“It’s not your fault,” Leila said as she looked up at Jeff, “it’s mine, I should have never opened myself like this.”
“Sweetie, you have to open yourself up once in awhile,” Jeff soothed as he got to his knees and took her hand, “it’s ok to show emotions.”
“No, No! It’s not!” Leila yelled, “I promised myself I wouldn’t, not again and…”
Her voice broke off as sobs overtook her and more tears flooded down her face.
“Leila,” Jeff whispered again as he tried to wrap his arms around her shoulders and pull her into a hug.
“Please leave,” she cried as she pushed him off her, making him fall backwards.
“Leila?” Jeff asked as he got to his feet and looked down at the crying woman on the floor.
“Leave Jeff,” Leila begged, looking up at him with a tear streaked face, “please.”
With one more look behind himself and at the shaking Leila as she picked herself off the floor, he opened the door slowly and walked out.
~~~~~**~~~~~~~
Chapter 7
Chapter 5