Love Rents A Room
Chapter 52: To Find The Spark

Chapter 52: To Find The Spark

Joanne wanted to put herself out there—to let Jonathan know she was interested. She was tired of everyone assuming she wasn’t compatible with him, tired of the whispers that she didn’t truly love him.

How could she love him without knowing him first?

She wasn’t someone who fell in love at first sight. It took time, familiarity. She was only fourteen when she fell for Liam, and she had known him practically forever.

She wanted that with Jonathan.

Maybe she wasn’t attracted to him yet, but love wasn’t just about attraction. Once she got to know him better, she believed the feelings would follow. That was her theory, anyway. And she was determined to put it into practice.

That ring—the ring—wasn’t out of reach. If Jonathan was convinced she was the one, he wouldn’t wait long to propose.

Joanne took a deep breath, steeling herself. This is war.

Once she had a man by her side, Liam and everyone else would stop looking at her with pity.

She strode into Meyer Steel’s office, exuding confidence.

The receptionist, Jenny, lit up upon seeing her. "Joanne! Good to see you."

Joanne blinked in surprise. Such a warm welcome? Even my own employees aren’t this happy to see me.

But not everyone was pleased.

A sharp, cold presence loomed from the corner of the office.

Valerie Porter.

The General Manager of Meyer Steel. Jonathan’s long-time employee. His high school junior. A woman who had known him nearly all her life.

And from the look in her eyes, she wasn’t thrilled to see Joanne waltzing in.

Valerie moved fast, cutting her off just before she could reach Jonathan’s office. The other employees scattered like they didn’t want to get caught in the crossfire.

"He’s on an important call," Valerie said, her voice clipped.

Joanne smiled, unfazed. "I just wanted to give him this pie I baked."

"I’ll inform him," Valerie said, reaching for the pie.

Joanne tightened her grip. Oh, so that’s how we’re playing this?

Her heart picked up speed, not in nervousness but in fight mode.

"I’ll give it to him myself," Joanne said sweetly. "If he’s on a call, I can wait."

Valerie’s eyes flashed, her annoyance barely concealed.

Joanne ignored her and knocked on Jonathan’s door.

Through the glass panel, she saw the moment he noticed her. His expression shifted instantly—his face brightening, his lips curving into a smile.

He gestured for her to come in.

Joanne smirked.

With deliberate ease, she turned the knob and stepped inside, leaving Valerie to scoff and storm off in defeat.

Joanne—1, Valerie—0.

Joanne stepped into Jonathan’s office and was immediately met with a wave of cold air. Does he always keep it this chilly in here? She resisted the urge to shiver, silently congratulating herself for not unbuttoning the top of her shirt. The cold would have betrayed her efforts, and thankfully she managed to gain her senses; she would’ve looked cheap and classless had she done that.

"I baked a pie and thought I’d bring it over," she said, holding it out to him.

Jonathan’s face lit up. "Oh, great! You really are amazing at cooking. I could never bake a pie as well as you do." He peeked under the lid. "Apple?"

Joanne nodded, watching as he took a deep breath, inhaling the warm, spiced aroma.

"This smells so good... Excuse me," he murmured before immediately digging in.

Joanne blinked. Does he just keep cutlery in his desk?

She watched with amusement as Jonathan took a large bite, his expression melting into pure bliss.

"I don’t really want to share," he said with a playful grin, "but do you want some?"

Joanne chuckled. "No, no. Enjoy it all yourself."

Seeing someone savor her cooking always made her happy, but watching Jonathan’s boyish delight filled her heart with warmth.

"I should go," she said, standing up. "I don’t want to interrupt your work."

"No—" Jonathan rose abruptly, his hand catching her wrist before he even realized what he was doing.

Joanne’s breath hitched.

Could this be considered holding hands?

The thought flustered her, but Jonathan seemed even more affected. He quickly let go, clearing his throat. "Since this is your first time here... want to take a look at the factory?"

Joanne tilted her head. "If you’re not busy."

They stepped out of the office together, only to be met with an all-too-familiar presence.

Valerie.

She stood stiffly in the hallway, clearly watching them.

Joanne’s lips curled into a smirk. So predictable.

But something in her gut stirred. Valerie’s gaze wasn’t just hostile—it was personal.

Does she have feelings for Jonathan?

Joanne glanced at him out of the corner of her eye. Surely he knows? Did he already reject her? If so, why is she still working here?

She pushed the questions aside and followed Jonathan. She wasn’t about to let Valerie ruin her mood. They were all adults there. Whatever this is, they’ll figure it out.

As Jonathan led her through the factory, he moved with ease, greeting employees by name, stopping to check in on their work. Despite the intimidating size of the machines and the roaring furnaces, he made it all seem natural—like he belonged here.

Yeah. Jonathan was a good man.

From a distance, Jonathan caught sight of Joanne’s truck parked outside. His lips quirked upward. She’s an enigma.

One day, she was pulling up in her best luxury car for Charlotte. Today, she’d driven this rugged truck.

But his smile dimmed as he noticed the figure standing beside it.

JD.

His jaw tightened. Why is she here with her paying guest?

Before he could say anything, Joanne’s cheerful voice rang out behind him.

"JD! I’ll be back in a moment." She waved.

JD turned, his expression neutral—until he saw her standing beside Jonathan, all smiles. His gaze flickered between them before nodding at Jonathan, forcing a polite smile. But the moment they disappeared inside, his scowl returned.

This is unbearable.

Joanne continued her tour, impressed by the scale of the operation. She hadn’t expected to enjoy it so much, but seeing Jonathan interact with his employees, she gained a new level of respect for him.

By the time she returned outside, it was nearly lunchtime.

Jonathan hesitated before asking, "Would you like to have lunch at my place?"

Joanne smiled but shook her head. "That’s kind of you, but I shouldn’t keep JD waiting too long. It wouldn’t be polite."

Jonathan’s expression remained unreadable, his face calm, composed—too composed. But after a beat, he nodded.

It was time to part ways.

Joanne hesitated, her pulse thrumming in her ears. Should she kiss him? The thought sent a nervous tremor through her chest.

They were dating, weren’t they? Shouldn’t there be something more between them? Some level of intimacy, some quiet certainty that they belonged together?

He had never made the first move. Maybe out of politeness. Maybe out of hesitation. Maybe—her stomach twisted—because he didn’t want to.

But she wanted to try.