Chapter 1 
It was a short train ride to downtown where her new job was waiting. Her hands shook as she walked the side walk to her building. When she came up to it she looked up at the high building. 
"Dear god I don't know if I can do this" she mumbled.
Taking a deep breath, Katie took a step towards the door. The door opened and she was greeted with a large, tall, dark haired man. 
"Ma'am." The security guard greeted her. 
"Evening, how are you tonight?"
He smiled largely. "I'm great, how are you?"
"Nervous."
She laughed when she watched his eye brow raised. "How come?"
"I start waitressing at The Metropolitan Club."
"Ah you must be Katie. John called not too long ago letting me you were starting tonight."
"That would be me." She couldn't stop her voice from wavering.  
"I'll show you up."
"Thank you," she whispered. 
"When you get more comfortable with how things run, you will be given a key. John will go over it all."
"Thank you."
He showed her to the correct elevator to take up. "It's on the sixty fourth floor. Have a good first day."
"Thanks...wait, what's your name?" Katie asked quickly before the doors closed. 
He smiled back. "Terry."
"Thank you Terry."
He gave a quick salute and another smile as the elevator door closed. Katie took a deep breath and pushed the button to bring her up high to the sixty fourth floor. 
It was a long ride up. By the time the elevator door opened on her floor Katie was ready to get out of the sea of people surrounding her, making her claustrophobic in the tight space. 
Walking out, she straightened her white shirt, closed her eyes and took another deep breath, calming her nerves. Taking a piece of paper out of her bag, she went in search of where she was suppose to be. Before she could even reach the kitchen someone stopped her.
"Miss. Visser."
Turning around she was met with green cool eyes. Her boss. "Evening Mr. Nicholas." She smiled and tried not spazzing out. 
"Evening, I'm glad you could find your way. I hope security wasn't a problem."
"No sir."
"Please come to the office so we can talk."
"Yes sir," she said following close behind him.
John, aka Mr. Nicholas was the head honcho at the Metropolitan Club. Katie knew he was firm from their very first meeting. He went over a few last minute paperwork details with her and then showed her where the back office was to put her bag and to clock in. From there she was turned over to Amy, the veteran waitress who would be training her. 
Amy was a ball of energy. She quickly treated Katie like she was her best friend. The short brunette was a force. Katie couldn't help but laugh slightly. It definitely was going to be a little easier following her around. Amy showed her everything. From where the silverware was to introducing her to each cook. The floor was full of conference rooms and small meeting room. They was a main dining room along with each room. Katie's head was spinning from all the information. But she felt like she could do it. 
"Dating anyone?" Amy asked as they sat waiting for the next customers. 
"No," Katie replied shaking her head.
"How come?" 
"I just moved to the city. Didn't have anyone back home."
"Lots of guys to choose from here," Amy said with a laugh.
"I think I'll focus on work for now then see what fish are out there."
Katie was about to ask if Amy was seeing anyone when they had more customers come in. Katie followed close and made sure to pay attention to everything she did. She would have to bring a menu home with her tonight and start to learn it if she had any hope of doing this efficiently. 
As the night progressed the clientele changed. The conference rooms started to empty and the dinning room began to fill. The patrons were dressed nice but casual. It almost made Katie even more nervous. But she followed Amy's lead and soon got into the hang of it. Even the chefs were impressed with how she was doing. At times she felt like she was being watched which she knew had to be John. All she could hope was that he felt she was doing a good job.
Later in the night, Amy decided to let her go off on her own with a few tables. Katie's first table was a group of four young ladies. They were easy to please, polite and understanding that it was her first night on the job. They made it so easy for her and she appreciated it. The next table was clearly a dinner meeting between two men. Katie guessed they were executives somewhere in one of those fancy tall rise buildings surrounding the Chicago skyline. Her last table of her shift was a single man. His back was to her as she walked up to his table. She could only see part of his profile as he looked out the window at the lit up skyline. 
His hair was black and short and she couldn't help but take notice in how well his suit jacket squared at his broad shoulders. 
Shaking her thoughts away, Katie approached the table. 
"Good evening sir," she greeted him.
When he turned his gaze to meet hers, Katie about hit the floor. His piercing blue eyes startled and captivated her. She couldn't breath. 
She was positive she looked absurd as her mouth hung open slightly and no words could come out. 
"Evening," he responded, when she couldn't. 
The struggle to breath and to find her words were real. Not only did his eyes do something to her that she couldn't explain, but the easy smooth voice that hit her ears was something she wanted to hear again. 
"I'll have a brandy on the rocks. It may need to be two. But I'll let you know. That will be it for now."
She found her voice. But it was weak. "Right away," Katie said quietly before she quickly walked away. 
She cursed are herself for being such an idiot. Amy met her at the bar. 
"Your last table is hot."
All Katie could do was nod her head. His voice was still rattling around in her ears. His smooth, intoxicating voice. Katie groaned softly. 
Amy smiled wide at the reaction Katie was having to the dark hair man sitting alone. She had felt it too with some of the patrons over the years. It came with the job. Putting her hand on Katie's on her shoulder, Amy gave her a smile. "Good luck love."
"Good luck? Have you seen him?" Katie voiced in exasperation. Amy just laughed.
"Yes. Good luck."
"God I hope I don't screw up."
"You won't. You're doing pretty good for a first timer."
"Thanks Amy." She smiled weakly. Katie took the brandy on the rocks in her unsteady hand and carried it to the table. 
Trying everything to ignore his blue eyes, Katie set the drink down in front of him and smiled as she took his dinner order. By the time she left the table her knees were going weak. Never had she felt this. What the hell was her problem?
Jc stared at the young blonde as she walked away. His heart was beating out of his chest. There was something there, he just couldn't put his finger on it. She was beautiful, that was obvious, but something else about her was holding him. 
Katie moved around the restaurant doing everything she could to ignore the mystery man that was in the corner. It seemed every time she looked over at him, his blue eyes were intently watching her. It made every nerve ending in her body tingle. 
Towards the end of her shift, she found herself staring at him, wondering about him. Why was he alone? What did he do? Why was he so gorgeous? 
"You're drooling?"
"What!" Katie exclaiming jumping up and wiping her mouth with the back of her hand. She stared wide eye at her new friend.     
"Hell I don't blame you. I would be drooling too. Get any information out of him yet?"
"Like what?! I've been too busy trying to keep my jaw off the floor!"
Amy laughed. "His name for starters. He's got to have a hot name. Hot man, hot name. It goes hand in hand."
Katie shook her head. "I can't talk when I walk up to him. I've never had that before."
"You better go bring his second drink before he asks for it. A guy like that I'm thinking doesn't like to ask twice."
The way Amy said that made Katie's skin tingle when she looked at him. Her thoughts were immediately on the two of them rolling around in bed together. Him claiming her. Over and over again. 
With a loud groan, Katie got his drink and walked it over to him. 
"Thank you," he said. 
"Can..." Katie cleared her throat. "Can I get you anything else tonight Mister..."
"Jc."
"Mister Jc?" Katie questioned. 
The man, mister Jc or whoever the hell he was laughed softly. Oh god. Katie wanted to melt.  His laugh was gorgeous too. 
"You can call me Jc. Not mister anything. It's my name. Jc."
"Oh. That's cute," she blurted out. As soon as the words were out of her mouth, Katie wanted to swallow them back up and then go die in the corner. Jc got a smirk on his face. 
"I meant that I like it," she corrected, red faced.
"Thank you."
Katie was in a serious need of a drink. Or a baseball bat to her head. Either would work fine. 
"I'll just take a glass of water and my check."
"Of course. I will be right back."
Katie turned and quickly walked away. Her hands shook. Damnit! She had made a complete fool of herself. 
"You're as red as my lipstick girl. What the hell happened?" Amy asked. 
"I opened my mouth and talked like you told me to. Actually all I did was make a complete fool of myself."
"I'm sure whatever you said he thought it was cute."
"His name is Jc by the way. And I told him it was cute," she said giving any a hard stare. 
Amy snorted back a laugh. "Like I said. He probably thought it was cute."
"Yea right."
Grabbing his check that had printed out, Katie got a glass of ice water and with still shaking hands, she brought it to Jc's table.
But as she went to put the glass down in front of him, her hands shook so badly and the glass fumbled right out of her hand. The ice water, glass and all landed right in his lap. He jumped up and Katie covered her mouth in shock. 
"Oh my god, I am so so sorry," Katie shrieked. 
He brushed the water and ice off of his suit and looked up at the highly embarrassed but highly cute waitress.
"It's alright. It was an accident. I think. Right?" He asked with a smirk. 
"God yes. I'm so sorry. I'll go get napkins."
Katie scurried away before he could open his mouth again. 
Bringing napkins and a refill she left quickly again. Wanting nothing but to drink a whole bottle of tequila and cry in her pillow. 
She forced herself to get through her shift. Doing everything she could to get over all the feelings she was having. 
Paying his bill and making sure he left a good tip, Jc got up and left. He tried finding her before he left but to no avail she was back in the kitchen. He just couldn't shake her. Heading down the elevator he met Terry. 
"Evening Mr. Chasez." 
"Evening Terry. You watch the game on Sunday?"
"I sure did. They sure made some good passes."
"They did if they keep that up we might have a chance this year."
"Let's hope Mr. Chasez. Did you have a good meal?"
Jc smiled wide. "I did." 
"Well good night."
"Good night Terry."
Jc headed towards the street where he saw his car waiting for him, but something in him told him to wait. Something told him not to get in his car yet. 

Katie and Amy finished up with the last of the patrons then started cleaning up, helping to closed down the dining room getting it ready for the next day. It didn't take them long doing it together. They had quickly become a great team. 
When their shift was done, John divided up their credit card tips and kicked them out for the night. 
The two girls walked to the elevator and made their way downstairs to leave. Katie couldn't believe the tips she had made. It made her slightly confident that she could make it. Overall it had been a good first shift...besides Jc. Just thinking about him made her skin get goosebumps. That man did crazy things to her and she didn't know a thing about him. 
"Night Katie see you tomorrow," Amy called walking the opposite direction. 
"Night Amy, thanks."
"Be safe."
"You too." 
Watching her leave, Katie pulled her phone out and sent a text to her best friend. 
"Girl wait tell you hear about my night."
She got a reply back fast. "Ooh sounds interesting. I'm all ears."
"How was school today?"
"Don't go asking about my day when you obviously had a much more interesting one."
"I need to have a drink before I go telling you. I'm walking to a bar."
Jc watched from his spot in the dark. She was walking by herself. Was she insane? It was past ten at night in Chicago. Anger quickly rolled through his body. His fist tightened into balls. He couldn't help himself from following her. 
Katie walked into one of her favorite bars. She had come her several times when she had visited Chicago in the past. It was busy, people standing around drinking, laughing, and talking. Moving herself to the bar, she raised her hand getting the bartenders attention. 
"What can I do for you sweetheart?"
"Shot of tequila and a bud light."
"You got it." 
Taking her phone out she sat down on the stool. 
"Alright so here it is. First day went alright."
"But..."
"There was this really HOT guy. God he was gorgeous. Whenever I got anywhere near him I couldn't do anything. It was ridiculous. I was ridiculous. I spilled water on his lap. I was so stupid." 
"Here you go." The bartender said placing her drinks in front of her. 
Taking her wallet out she handed him the money. "Thank you."
He nodded then walked away. Katie picked up the shot and threw it back. It burned as it ran down her throat. Quickly she took a drink of her beer. 
"Did you speak to him or just spill water on his lap?"
Katie rolled her eyes. "Oh yea I spoke to him. He told me his name and I said it was cute. Cute! Dear god I wanted to crawl in a hole and die. I just blurted it out. So humiliating."
"Oh my god Katie! That's so classic you."
"Yea thinks. I just can't believe I did that. Hopefully I won't have to see him ever again."
"I hope you do. I get good stories."
Katie shook her head at her friend. "Thanks." 
"Where are you at?"
"The bar having a drink. I'll need to go wait for the train."
"Oh sounds fun. How's the place you're working for?"
"Girl I'm working for the billionaires."
"Money, money, money," she sang through text. 
"You're telling me. I had great tipstonight. It's going to be nice."
"Well good I'm glad. Sounds like you had a great first night even though you embarrassed the hell out of yourself."
"I did. Hoping for better tomorrow night. Alright, I've got to go catch the train."
"Call me tomorrow and let me know if mister hot man is back."
Katie groaned. "I will."
"Be safe Kate."
"Will do. Bye."
"Bye."
They hung up and Katie finished the last swallow of her beer then left.
Jc sat at the booth at the back of the bar and watch her leave. He followed behind. He didn't want to act like a stalker even though that's pretty much what he was doing. But all he wanted to do was make sure she was safe. For some reason unknown to him he felt the need to do it. It was late at night in a big city and she was by herself. 
He watched her closely. Everything in him became fire. He wanted her. The hardness in his pants told him too. What was it about this girl? He had never experienced this before.
The train was almost empty when Katie walked on and sat down. Pulling a book out of her purse she started reading to pass the time. 
Jc sat far enough away so she wouldn't notice him. He watched as she read then looked up to see what stop they were at. The way she sat he could tell that she was tired. He wondered where she lived. Did she live alone? That thought made him nervous. He hoped it was in a safe area otherwise he was going to have a hard time leaving. 
A few more stops Katie thought to herself. Then a short walk and she would be home. A long hot shower was waiting for her. After that she would be able to crawl into bed. Putting her book away she stood up and waited by the door. 
Jc wasn't just watching her though, he was watching the guy at the other side of the train. He was watching Katie. His lip curled and his fist tightened. No one should be able to look at her. She was his. 
The train stopped and Katie walked off, jolting him out of his thoughts. He walked out the same door only seconds later. To his relief the guy didn't follow. 
It was only a short walk to the small apartment. Relief flooded him knowing the area was a safer one from a lot in Chicago. But still she shouldn't be out by herself. 
He watched as she took her key out then unlock the front door, disappearing behind it. Looking around, he figured out what street and address he was at then called his driver. 
"What are you doing way out here sir?" Bill, his driver asked when he arrive thirty minutes later. 
"Checking up on something." 
Bill knew not to press anymore. He put the car in drive and headed towards home. When Jc walked into his loft, he suddenly felt lonely. His large and open place was missing something. And Jc knew it was her. 
His place, he never really considered it home, was on the top floor of one of the largest buildings in downtown Chicago. He had a perfect view out of his ceiling to floor windows of Lake Michigan and the surrounding lights of the city. He looked out, and crossing his arms, he watched the city below him, wondering what she was doing right now? Running his hand through his hair in frustration he headed towards the bedroom to call it a night.

Jc's job kept him busy over the next week. He thought it would help keep his thoughts away from the mystery girl. The sad thing was, he didn't even know her name. But no amount of work helped to keep his mind off of her. He thought constantly about her. Wondered about her. He groaned and pounded his fist into his desk. He needed to see her again. He needed to make her his. 
Glancing at the clock, he figured he could cut his day short by a little. Before he could press the intercom to tell his assistant, the door opened. The women who walked in made him sigh.
"What do you want Aubrey?" He asked in a clip. 
"Aww come on baby. I thought you would be happy to see me."  She walked over and rubbed his shoulders. 
"I told you the last time that I was done."
"Oh but I've missed you." Leaning down she whispered into his ear, then softly kissing his cheek. 
"You've misses my wallet."
"Baby you mean more to me than that."
He couldn't stop the moan that slipped from his lips as she moved her hands down his chest. 
"I'm hungry. Let's go out for something to eat. I made reservations."
"Not tonight."
"Please, I've missed you so much baby."
Jc looked up at her. She was a pretty woman. But nothing like the woman that all of his thoughts were about. He groaned softly. 
"I have a lot of work to do still."
"Take a break for dinner. Then you can come back and work. You need to eat."
"Not right now Aubrey."
"Tell me you have you plans and I'll leave."
Jc could only look at her. He wanted to lie, but she would see right through it. Sighing he stood up and grabbed his coat. 
Aubrey grinned widely. "So I was thinking the Willis Tower and up to the Metropolitan."
He looked up at her with wide eyes. "No." He snapped. "I'll choose." 
"Ok, ok."
There was no way in hell he was bringing her up to the club now or anytime from now on for that matter. He had high plans for him and the mystery woman. Aubrey in the mix would ruin all of that. 
Aubrey walked over and placed her hands around his neck. Moving in she kissed him softly. 
"Let's go have some fun." She took his hand and dragged him out of the office. 
They headed to one of Jc's other favorite restaurants. He wasn't in the mood for Aubrey, but yet he had felt lonely. So her company was only half appreciated.  

Jc's job kept him busy over the next week. He thought it would help keep his thoughts away from the mystery girl. The sad thing was he didn't even know her name.He needed to know her name. He needed to see her again. He needed to make her his. Glancing at the clock, he figured he could cut his day short by a little. He pressed the intercom to his assistant. "Gabriella, I'm going to be leaving for the day. Please take my messages and leave them on my desk for tomorrow.""Of course, Mr. Chasez."His early departure from work was rare. And early wasn't really early by most standards. It was almost six at night. But most people left work at five. It had been a long time since he had done that. Nobody questioned why he was leaving early. He was the boss. He could do whatever he wanted. Jc had built this empire. He was the most respected and successful architect in Chicago. Most of these buildings that littered the skyline were his, including his office building and his home. He could do as he pleased when and how often he wanted. And nobody ever asked why. Taking the elevator down to the main floor, he walked outside where the windy cut right through his coat. His driver was waiting in front with the door to the back open. "Thank you Matthew," he said getting in."You're welcome sir. Hope you've had a successful day.""I have, thank you. I hope your day has been good," Jc returned with a smile. Matthew tipped his hat and with a smile, he closed the door and walked around the car to the drivers seat. "Home sir?" Matthew asked."Willis Tower for dinner please.""Good choice."They pulled out into traffic and headed straight for the Willis Tower. Jc was known here and was greeted when he walked in by Tony. "Evening Mr. Chasez. Have a great dinner.""Thank you Tony," he replied with a hand shake.Jc walked to the elevator and up to the Metropolitan Club. He praised the heavens as soon as he walked off the elevator his girl was standing near the hostess stand talking with her coworker. Katie and Amy stopped talking as soon as he walked off the elevator. It was like the air in the room had been sucked out when he showed up. For the past week, Katie had been praying not to see him again. But yet, all she seemed to do was think about him all day, every day, hoping and praying to run into him again. She shook her head at her own thoughts. She was ridiculous. Her breathing slowed as he walked right to them. "Good evening ladies.""Welcome back," Amy spoke. Katie thanked her silently for talking instead of relying on her own voice. Amy grabbed a menu and walked him to a table at the window. Jc looked back at her and smiled, making her weak at the knees."Katie will be with you in just a minute. Can I get you something to drink until then?" Amy asked as Jc had a seat at the same table as last time, looking out over the skyline. "Brandy on the rocks. Thank you.""Right away." Amy left and Jc sat there and mused as he watched her walk back towards the girl he now knew was Katie. He let her name roll softly over his tongue and liked how it felt. Soon he would be saying her name as he took her over the edge. Amy walked over to her friend with a giant smile on his face. "He wants a Brandy on the rocks."Katie looked at her wide eyed and her mouth open. "Wait, I thought you were taking him!""Oh no, he clearly wanted you. He looked straight at you and smiled when he walked off the elevator. You better go. Not best to keep him waiting."Katie didn't know what to do. She stood staring at her friend. "Amy," she said desperately. "Go.""Amy..." She tried again. "Go, go," Amy said waving her hand at her. "You're so not nice.""Just trying to help you out. You said the other day you needed someone for bed. Well, there you go."Katie's mouth fell open. "And here I thought you were my friend!"Amy laughed and walked to the gentlemen that had just walked off the elevator, ready to be seated. Katie's hands already started shaking. She swore under her breath as she got the familiar drink, brandy on the rocks. Taking a deep breath she headed for the table telling herself to clam down. The last thing she needed was to spill another drink on his lap because of her damn shaky hands. "Evening.""Evening Katie," he said looking up at her with a warm smile.All of the air was sucked out of her lungs. Jesus Christ, get a grip Katie. But her knees were going weak. "So how's the job going?" Jc asked. "Good.""John treating you good?""Yes sir, he's a good boss.""If he's not you can come work for me." Katie was taken aback. "I..." She stuttered. "I'm ok here.""Alright. But the offer is good any time. Just keep that in mind."A lump rose in her throat. "I'll keep it in mind.""Good."Jc looked over the menu then placed his order. Katie willed her hand to stop shaking as she took the menu. Purposefully Jc brushed his fingers against hers. He wanted to hold her hand and kiss it softly, but he refrained. Katie tried smiling as she walked away. "Katie," John said firmly walking up. "Yes.""Take care of your tables.""Yes sir." She quickly put in Jc's order then headed to her other tables. She pushed all her feelings aside and did her job. Jc was disappointed by the way she acted when she returned with his food. John had scolded her for talking to him. He looked over towards the bar and spotted him. He scowled and tightened his fist. When he finished eating, Katie came back and handed him his bill. "Can I get you anything else?" She asked. "No, I'm perfect thank you. The food was great as always. Compliments to Chef Grady.""I'll relay the message," Katie said. Jc handed her his card and she smiled politely then walked away to take care of it, returning a minute later. "Thank you Katie.""Have a good evening Jc. It was a pleasure seeing you again.""The pleasure was all mine." He said smiling. Jc watched as she smiled at him. It lit up her blue eyes. His pants tightened making him shift in his seat trying to relieve some pressure. He needed to get her alone. All he wanted was to be close to her. He couldn't describe the feelings he had when she stood next to him. Every nerve ending in his body was on fire when they were close. To have her in his arms would send him straight into a frenzy. "You ok?" She asked quietly. He could see her eyes were full of concern. "Yes everything is fine Katie been a long day." He said sitting up straight and looking at her. The way he said her name sent her heart into over drive. What she would give to hear him moan it. Just the thought made her panties wet."I hope you have a good night," she said quietly, wanting desperately to walk away from his stare now. "I hope you do as well. I will see you soon."Katie couldn't breath. She literally lost the ability to breath. He would see her soon? Oh dear god. She smiled and with a nod, she quickly excused herself, not knowing what else to say.Jc was amused. She was clearly affected by him just as he was of her. This was a good sign.  Signing the receipt, Jc left her a nice tip. He stood up and fixed his suit then put his jacket on. Looking around he spotted Katie standing by the bar putting in an order. He was falling for her fast and he knew absolutely nothing about her other than her name and job. But God he wanted her. He needed to just walk away.  Katie turned and watched the mystery man. She knew nothing about him. She needed to stay away from the man, but yet she was drawn to him. He walked to the elevator and waited until the doors opened. After pushing the button to the main lobby, he turned and met her eyes from across the room. Their gaze held intensely until the elevator doors closed, breaking it.Katie took a deep breath when he was out of sight. Amy walked up other then after seeing the whole silent interchange between the two of them. "Damn girl. I'm going to start taking bets on how long it is until you're rolling around in bed with that one."Katie scowled. "Knock it off.""Just saying. In this city, you could do a hell of a lot worse than a man who's rich, has manners and who's pining over you."Amy gave her a wink then walked away, leaving Katie to her thoughts. Which lately was never a good thing. Because he was all she thought about.