The calm before the storm

It's 5pm on a Friday. I already know how my evening is going to go down. I'm going to go home to my apartment; shower, eat leftovers, watch rubbish TV while drinking red wine and go to bed by 10. My life was so dull lately since my friends were away on a girls trip

"Hey Anna! You fancy going for a drink?"(J) I turn around to find Jack standing right behind me flashing his smile. He has been asking me out for a while now. Jack has joined the campaign about three months ago. He's the Mayor's handsome nephew. Since he has joined he has had all the women in the office gushing over him, even my best friends Rebecca and Jojo. He is tall, dark wavy hair, sexy smile, pointy nose with a strong jaw and don't get me started on his lips! They were full and the perfect shade of pink. His skin was tanned and so smooth. I could tell he was muscular by the way his shirt clung to him. Not the 'I'm at the gym everyday' muscular but more of a light workout and runs kind of muscular. He was hot, stupid hot. I can't lie he has caught my eye, many times I'd find myself just staring bitting my lips, but I do not dare to get involved with him.

He was a player, massive player. Since he joined the campaign he had already slept with two girls from the office. Word gets around quick. Well, in the toilet. That's where I heard about it, when one of the girls was bragging about her amazing night with him. Anyway I have been on his hit list lately. He has been trying his hardest to get me to have a drink with him.

I have been badly hurt in the past, and it has been at least 4 years since my last involvement with a guy. I'm pretty sure I'm a virgin again ha! Nevertheless I steer clear of him, I know what guys like him are like.

"Not today Jack, sorry!" I give him an apologetic smile.

"I have a date with my sofa and the TV" I continue

"Come on! It's Friday. One quick drink and I'll never ask again?" He tilts his head to the side holding his hands together and pouting. Great! He had to pull this crap. Well maybe if I have one drink he'll actually leave me alone. It's not like I'm planning on sleeping with him. I've never been the type of girl to sleep with guys very quickly I like to take my time and get to know someone first. Fuck it. One drink- what's the worst that can happen.

"Fine! Sure- one drink! " I raise my finger at him as a warning. "Great! Grab your stuff, we'll go now" he says happy with my answer. I quickly grab my bag and jacket. He moves out of my way and gestures for me to walk out first. Total man move, so he can watch my ass - I shake my head and lead the way.

The bar was around five minutes walk from the town hall. As we get out of the building he hooks his arm in mine. I look up at him in shock. He is unbothered by my reaction he smiles down at me as if this was a complete normal thing to do.

"I can't wait to have a beer! Today was such a shit day" he says softly.

"Yeah, Elections are the hardest part. I'm glad it's Friday. I get to lay in tomorrow" I reply relieved.

"Apart from laying in, you got other plans?" he asks

"Erm not really, my friends are away on vacation so not much going on. Usually I meet them for brunch or something " I reply. I really wish I was with them right now.

"Rebecca and Jo right ?" he asks

"Yeah! that's right" How did he know?

"Well if you don't have any plans. We could do something together?" He asks. Ha me and Jack doing something together. I'm pretty sure there's only one thing he wants to do with me.

"Erm I'm not sure" I say softly. We get to the DEJ and he pushes the door open and waves for me to go in. I make my way to the bar and sit down. The barman smiles at me

"What would the beautiful lady like to order?" I look at jack and he's face looks serious at the barman's comment. He moves closer to me to make it obvious that I'm with him. I'm kind of surprised by his behaviour, why so possessive? I glance at him and back to the barman.

"Hey ben! How're you doing?!" I give him my warmest smile, leaning over I kiss him on the cheek. He kisses me back

"I'm good baby!all good with you?"

"Yeah I'm great! Can I have a beer please and he'll have" I turn to jack whose face has change from serious to relaxed after realising that I know the barman and that he is also gay. "Erm, yes, I'd like a beer too" he replies. "Two beers coming up" Ben smiles and winks at me- I'm sure he'll want details next time I see him.

I've know ben for a long time, me and my friends are regulars at the bar. Ben is pouring the drinks and Jack turns to me. "So, tell me about yourself?" He asks smiling down at me. Jack is tall so tall that even when he is sitting he is still not eye level. Ben puts our drinks in front of us. "Enjoy!"

I grab my drink and take a sip while looking into his eyes from behind the glass.

"Hmm Um, not much to know to be honest" he is about to say something and I cut him off

"Look jack,I know the drill. I've heard quite a few stories about you at the office and I've been messed around before. I'm not interested in that kind of relationship" there's a sly smile dancing on his lips.

"Oh really? What kind of stories did you hear?"

"Well actually I heard you were good - erm just not the kind of story that you want travelling around" I'm mumbling. He brings his glass to his lips but his eyes don't leave mine. It's like he's burning holes in my head.

"Well, I do know what stories you are referring to- and last time I checked my private life is none of anyone's business. Besides the ladies I was involved with had the time of their life with me. They knew it was a casual thing" I almost spit out my drink at his comment 'time of their lives' typical player behaviour.

"And who said anything about relationship, I just wanted to take a pretty girl out for a drink, what's so bad about that?" He asks Coolly.

"Really ? Out of all the beautiful women in the office, you had to take me because you wanted to have a drink?" Haha I laugh out loud.

"That's right!" He pokes my nose with his finger

" hey!" I frown. For someone who has only known me formally for three months he seems too comfortable around me. Me on the other hand finding it hard to see straight around him.