9 chapter 9

Derek raised an eyebrow at her and then turned back to Jordan. Jordan gave a tight smile, "we dated back in high school".

Denise eyes went wide with shock and she turned her attention back to Jordan. That was none of Derek's business.

" Oh, really, for how long?". Derek's arm went around the booth behind her.

Jordan's eyes went cold "four years".

Derek raised both brows shocked and glanced over Denise " you never told me you had a boyfriend in high school".

Denise shrugged " I wasn't aware that I had to tell you". She stated, her tone a bit nipped.

Quinton began shaking his head knowing this was going to be a disaster.

Derek sighed, ignoring the irritation in her voice "well it would've been a nice thing to explain,since you don't have any iota of attraction towards me" His tone was smooth and deceptively soft, that and everyone at the table felt the tension building, they could feel the pain.

"I never said I didn't' have attraction towards you" she hissed, her gaze turning to his " I just want to be friends with you, is that a crime?".

Jordan's gaze went to Derek's, hating him for being here. He had no idea how close to Denise's heart he was. The further at arms length he was kept, the closer to her heart he was. He waited for Quinton to finish picking his order, because he didn't want to look as if they were together. This sent chills down his spine.

"Geez, I feel great" Derek replied sarcastically, Jordan glanced at the suit and tie, curly hair, long thick eye lashes and couldn't stand him even more. He could tell that this was just Denise's type. She'd always go for the brother in suit before any other man. This caused him to glance down at himself and feel embarrassed. He was dressed in an attire associated with people who lazy, didn't work or anything. This caused a waft disgust to float through the air. Getting up, he said, "Excuse me Quin".

Quinton got up and moved out of his way. They watched as he left the restaurant, not really saying anything. Denise felt a tug in her heart to go help him. she stared at the door he'd gone through. Quinton glanced at her, and then stood up, he went after Jordan. Derek sighed " ok....interesting". Denise not able to hold back that feeling to go to him any longer, stood up too "Excuse me".

Derek glanced up at her " you're joking right?".

Denise exhaled " move, please"

Derek stood up, shaking his head "whatever Denise"

" he is still my friend Derek and I do care about him".

Derek sighed and watched in frustration as she made her way towards the exit of the restaurant. Flustered, Derek glanced down at his watch. He hoped this wouldn't take all day.

"Since when did you start smoking?". Denise inquired as she watch Jordan lit up a cigarette and put it to his put mouth. They were standing away from the brick structure, shaded by some trees that were covering the restaurant, giving it a nice cool feeling.

" I only do it when I get stressed out " he stated, staring up at the sun.

Quinton was standing in front of the building, watching him, not saying anything. He hoped Denise was sharper than she'd been in high school. Intellectually, she was awesome, but when it came to emotional availability, she had serious problems.

Denise swallowed softly "what's wrong?"

Jordan focused his attention on her " nothing".

Denise smile" you always say that".