Page 6 of Out of Bounds

"We can start tomorrow," I say as she turns to leave.

"Really?"

"Yes. I'll grant you an interview, but it'll be on my terms."

"What terms?" She says, raising an eyebrow.

"I'll let you know soon enough."

"You have to tell me now so I know if it's something I can do. Or something ridiculous."

"Olivia, I won't ask you to do anything ridiculous. Trust me … Those are my terms, Miss Torres." I smile at her. This will give me ample time to spend with her. Let's see what's beneath that beautiful harsh exterior.

Chapter Four

Olivia

I can't believe my luck. Five days ago I was thinking about how to get an exclusive interview from Jesse Edison—and now here I am! About to interview one of sports most talented men in town. Not to mention arrogant.

Ok, and maybe a little hot, too.

I scribble some questions that came to me during the night, in my notepad, and check my recorder to make sure it works. Today's the first day of the interview and everything has to be perfect.

I hop into the shower, then afterwards put on a pair of blue jeans and a white casual shirt. As I brush my hair, I remember the conversation Jesse and I had in the kitchen. What the heck did he mean by "his terms?" If he thinks I'm going to sleep with him, then he's got another thing coming.

Hal says to keep an open mind, so I'll try and do that. I head downstairs to make breakfast for myself, as Hal and Jesse have gone for a run. They walk in just as I'm eating the last bite of my toast and eggs Benedict. My fork doesn’t quite reach my open mouth as I stare, wide eyed, at the panting and sweaty tall basketball player enter the cabin before me. His hair is disheveled and his arms and shoulders look mighty toned. His little tush in those shorts … I can almost see the outline of his … Oh my …

"Hey, sis ... leave any for me?" Hal says, as he removes his shoes, breaking me from my reverie. Jesse looks at me, looking at him, making me blush slightly. Jesse beams that smile at me in response.

Damn!

I pick up my plate and move over to the sink to wash up. “I thought you had breakfast before your run?"

"Nah, I’m starving now though. Jesse, do you want some eggs?"

"I’m ravenous,” Jesse says, still looking at me with a smile. He wipes his brow with his arm and walks over to the sink.

“Can I just grab some water?” He leans across me to fill an empty glass with tap water and drinks the whole lot next to me. I can feel the heat and smell the perspiration radiating from his body.

"Thanks." he says to me and holds my gaze for a second longer than anticipated. I stand there looking at him with a mix of emotions.

When I heard him coming down the stairs with Hal yesterday, my guard was up. Hal must have told him about the interview so I expected him to have an attitude. But he has been quite the opposite. Ever since yesterday he has been charming, disarming and not to mention helpful around the cabin; like the way he offered to do the dishes last night. Jesse Edison is indeed a fine specimen. Was that why the tabloids hated him? Because they were jealous? I haven’t made my mind up about him just yet, especially with the strange conditions he’s mentioned.

"So what's next for today? Liv, do you want to ..." Hal's phone rings, interrupting him. He frowns and reaches into his pocket for it.

"Hal Torres speaking ... what? When did they arrive? Well we can't keep them waiting ... it's alright ..."

"Is something wrong, Hal?" I ask as he ends the phone call.

"My business partners from Japan are at work, and I have to get to Los Angeles as soon as possible." Jesse and I look at one another, the realization that the rest of our holiday will be spent together. Just the two of us. There’s an awkward silence that passes between the three of us. "I'm sorry guys, but you'll have to enjoy the rest of the weekend without me. I can come back but it'll be in five days or so. Liv, can you stay till then? I really want us to spend some time together."

"Of course, she can. We both can. It’ll give us time to get to know each other better, isn’t that right Olivia?" Jesse interjects, my legs beneath me about to give way at the very thought.

"I'll call my office and tell them. Technically I'm on an assignment so I'm sure they won't mind."

"Excellent. I need to get packed and out of here," he says, and runs upstairs.

"So ... I guess it's just me and you for a while." Jesse says.

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