Chapter 352 - Misunderstanding

~Seattle area~

That evening, Sarah and Aiden came to dinner tired, achy, but in high spirits. Both of them got first aid and had numerous bandages.

"It gets better, you will see." Sarah encouraged him.

"Oh, don't worry about me. I'm excited about tomorrow." Aiden responded to Sarah and then faced Stella. "I must admit that I am impressed with what I saw today, and I really look forward to receive your teachings." His expression matched his words.

Facing Aiden's honesty and enthusiasm, it was difficult for Stella to reject him. "Tomorrow you will take a break." She didn't lift her gaze from her food.

"Why? I can continue." Aiden objected. He was tired and bruised up, but the rush he got when thinking about learning new moves from someone as skillful as Stella, made him forget about his fatigue. Besides, one good night sleep and he will be like new.

"Your body needs rest." Stella didn't give him any room for negotiation.

Aiden reluctantly agreed. "OK." He found it ironic that previously he was trying to avoid the training, and now he wants to get in while Stella is telling him to take a break.

'He appears to be such a good kid...' Stella sighed. 'I hope this is all some misunderstanding.' But she made a decision that until she gets the report from Oleg, she is not going to work with Aiden. What if he is a spy? She is not going to teach anything to a spy. That would be like shooting herself in the foot, on purpose.

~Salina~

Next day, late afternoon, Sophia joined Jeff and JoAnna in their hotel suite. They are summarizing their day before they part and each goes to their home.

They assessed Lambert's company and came up with a plan for Isabella so that she can learn about the business, company and how to be successful leading it. Sophia praised Isabella's intelligence and conveyed her confidence that plan will not fail as long as Isabella stays on track.

Jeff got a call from office and went to another room to take it.

Sophia used this chance to talk to JoAnna, "Anna, I'm not sure if I should bring this up..."

JoAnna lifted her head and looked at her sister.

Sophia was hesitating, but she felt that she needs to tell this to her sister. "Didn't you notice that Jeff was sticking close to Isabella most of the day?"

JoAnna giggled, "I was there... working on my research paper, but I was there. How could I miss it?"

"And you are not worried about that?", Sophia was confused. If Felix is not letting another woman out of sight, Sophia would give him a piece of her mind.

"You are misunderstanding the situation... " JoAnna leaned toward Sophia and whispered. "Jeff was keeping an eye on Isi because of me."

Sophia didn't understand. "What does that mean?"

"Well, yesterday..." JoAnna told Sophia how Isabella made a move on her.

"Oh!" Sophia was surprised. "Oh! I really did misunderstand... I didn't know..." Sophia was in thoughts for few seconds. "Wait a minute... Should I be worried that she complimented my knowledge, my lipstick choice, and how my skirt fits..."

JoAnna shrugged. "I don't know. You tell me... But lipstick and skirt compliments are not really professional, are they? Take my advice and for every in-person meeting with her, bring someone to accompany you. I was caught completely off guard. One minute we are chatting, next one she is on top of me. I mean... I was really caught off guard. Luckily, I realized the situation on time and managed to react. Otherwise, I don't want to think what the outcome would be... And how come you are by yourself? Where is Leah, or Felix?"

"It's only a day trip, and not related to work. I left Leah to handle some things at the company, and Felix is also busy. I will see him tonight when I get back. Next time I will make sure to come with someone."

Jeff returned and heard last thing that Sophia said. He frowned. "Yes... you should not be alone with Isabella."

Sophia glanced at Jeff. "I'm curious how come you are able to stay so calm, knowing that she tried to snatch Anna away from you."

JoAnna hugged Jeff and glared at Sophia. "Don't put ideas in his head! Besides, he knows that my eyes see only him."

Sophia laughed. "I was not worried about your eyes." Sophia pointed at the lips.

JoAnna was outraged, "All parts of me are only for Jeff!"

Jeff was happy to see JoAnna respond so resolutely.

Sophia was still laughing. "Right, right... no need to get so upset. You know that I'm only teasing you." Sophia looked at two of them as if she is measuring them up. "Now with that pesky agreement out of the way, are you two thinking about the wedding?"

"That... well... we did mention it..." JoAnna looked up at Jeff.

"I will go with whatever you say." He kissed her on the forehead.

"Hmm... I do have few things I would like. But I think that wedding is something that involves whole family." JoAnna looked at Jeff. "We should talk with our parents and siblings, and hear their ideas, and then see if we can accommodate them. It would be best if everyone contributes in some way."

"Let me start!" Sophia was excited. "Beach wedding!"

Both Jeff and JoAnna glanced at Sophia and then at each other.

Jeff saw excitement in JoAnna's eyes and smiled. "That can be arranged."

Sophia clapped with enthusiasm. "How many requests I get to make?"

"One at a time." JoAnna laughed. "Leave something for others."

Shortly after that, Sophia left for the airport.

"We should finish packing, and go home as well.", JoAnna reminded Jeff.

Jeff pulled JoAnna close to him and whispered in her ear, "How about this weekend we go to Reno and you meet my parents?"

JoAnna looked at him with eyes open wide and whispered back. "I work on Saturday."

He was happy that he managed to surprise her. "We can leave as soon as you finish work."

"I will put a request for a short shift." JoAnna was very happy. 'Meet his parents... wow!' Then she got nervous. 'What if they don't like me?'

Jeff kissed her on the lips. "You are amazing."

JoAnna was not sure if his last statement was because of her short shift request or because he was able to read her mind and comforted her due to her insecurities. In any case, her heart was full. JoAnna is looking forward to her future with Jeff.