“Well, that’s okay. I’m very resourceful. I can figure things out and anything that I don’t know I’ll just ask. I better get going. Tell your friend Neil thanks a lot for standing me up. It’s a real ego boost,” she said sarcastically.
“Don’t worry. I’ll be sure to tell him.”
She walked out, but little did she know that before Mac had introduced himself he had covertly snapped a picture of her with his phone. After she walked out the door, he sent Neil a text along with her picture.
Mac Jacobson: dude, you blew it. this hot, sexy woman was waiting for u. if i were u, i’d track her down. i got the 411. She works at Nordies Fashion Valley in kids dept. Her name is Kate Simmons.
***
When Kate arrived at work, Maria asked how her meeting went at school. “My mentor was a no-show. I waited for twenty minutes. But what can you do? I met his very cute friend, Mac, who was polite and took up some of the time waiting.”
“Oh, well, it’s not like it was an actual date that he stood you up for. Maybe he got caught at work and couldn’t leave to meet with you,” Maria said.
Just then, the phone rang. Maria answered it and then handed the phone to Kate saying, “It’s for you. It’s a man.” A sly smile stretched across her face. Kate figured it was her brother. Only one other man besides her brother had ever called her at work and she knew she wouldn’t be hearing his voice again.
“Thanks for holding. This is Kate.”
“Hi Kate, this is Neil Statton,” a very deep sexy voice said. “I’m your alumni mentor. I tried to get word to the alumni coordinator that I got held up at work and couldn’t get away, but I couldn’t get through. I’m a lawyer and we had a break in the case I am working on. I would really like to make up for my rudeness for standing you up. Do you think that I could take you out for dinner one night this week?” he said very smoothly without skipping a beat. She could tell he was accustomed to women being putty in his hands.
“That won’t be necessary, Mr. Statton. Your friend kept me company. He’s a very sweet guy. He answered a few questions for me when he was done with his mentee. Besides, I’m very busy and I’m working right now. I really need to go. But thanks for the call, Mr. Statton,” she said sharply. Then she hung up the phone.
“Was that the guy who was supposed to meet you?” Maria asked. Nothing got past her.
“Yes.”
“What did he want?”
“He wants to take me to dinner to make up for standing me up.”
“And you said no? You haven’t been on a date in such a long time. Don’t you think it is time to get back out there? You are young and beautiful and life is meant to be lived. I don’t think what you are doing is living. You should go out with him.”
“I already said no and that’s that. Besides, do I really want to see someone who is too rude or immature to keep his appointments?”
Customers walked into the department and Kate and Maria each had someone to help find a baby present for. It took Kate’s mind off of her conversation with Neil to put together a basket of baby supplies for a shower. She always loved selling the baby clothes. About an hour later, a delivery guy walked up to the counter with a beautiful arrangement of flowers. He asked for Kate Simmons.
“I’m Kate Simmons,” she said, wondering who the flowers were from.
“Please sign here,” he said, handing her his clipboard.
She signed for the flowers and thanked him. By now Maria, Brenda, and Natalie had congregated at the counter to find out who sent the striking bouquet.
“Maybe you have a secret admirer,” Natalie said with a giggle.
“I don’t know,” Kate said as she slid the card out of its envelope. She read it to herself first while her co-workers waited impatiently.
“Well, are you going to read the card to us?” Maria asked exasperated.
“Absolutely,” Kate responded.
Dear Ms. Simmons, Please forgive me for standing you up today. I can assure you this has never happened before. I would like to make it up to you by taking you out for dinner. Please call 619-299-7140.
Yours Truly,
Neil Statton
Needless to say, she was flabbergasted. Who did this guy think he was? She had already refused his invitation over the phone. Looks like he has a hard time hearing “no.”
“This is so romantic,” Brenda said with her hand on her chest.
“It’s kind of like having a secret admirer. You haven’t met him before?” Maria asked, her eyebrows raised. She couldn’t hide her “I told you to go out with him” smile.
“No, I haven’t,” Kate said, shaking her head.
“When we go to lunch, we can Google him on my cell phone. I can hardly wait to see this guy,” Natalie piped in. Natalie and Kate were working the same shift, so they would be going to lunch together at 4 o’clock. They only had to wait an hour to learn more about this Neil Statton, aka Mr. Pushy.
Time went by quickly because the department became busy. It seemed like 4 o’clock arrived instantaneously. She decided that she would find out more about Mr. Neil Statton before calling him to thank him for the flowers. This was a case where the benefits of modern technology knew no bounds.
Kate and Natalie entered the employee lounge. There were tables and chairs in the middle of the room with cushy sofas along the walls. The first thing that Natalie did was sit at one of the tables, whip out her cell phone, and Google Neil Statton. Kate sat at the table while her frozen dinner was heating up in the microwave. A whole list of sites came up with Neil’s name on them. Natalie clicked on the first one. It contained a picture of Neil. Both of their jaws dropped. He was one of the most mouthwateringly handsome men either of them had ever laid eyes on before. He was the epitome of tall, dark, and handsome. He was a ringer for Aidan, a character on her all-time favorite soap opera, All My Children. She never missed an episode until the show was canceled. Like Aidan, Neil had jet-black hair, hazel eyes, and a Hollywood smile. His cheekbones were high and his jaw was firm and chiseled. Kate was speechless.
“Wow, look at that face! He is the most beautiful man I have ever seen,” Natalie exclaimed.
“Yes, he has a face that only every woman could love,” Kate replied.
Natalie began to read the article. “Neil Statton attends charity fundraiser with his parents, Sophia and Magnus Statton. The black tie gala raised $3 million for the San Diego Children’s Fund.” Words still failed Kate. Natalie noticed her silence.
“Are you okay? I’ve never seen you at such a loss for words,” Natalie said, grinning at her friend.
“Yeah, I’m fine,” she said, scrunching up her nose. Neil Statton seemed too good to be true. He was gorgeous and a philanthropist. He helped raise money for children. And he was a lawyer.
Kate asked Natalie to click on another page. They ate their lunch and read more about the impressive Neil Statton, corporate attorney, humanitarian, and Greek god. He was from a wealthy family of lawyers and he was a junior partner in his dad’s firm.
She realized that this man was going to be persistent. He’s most likely used to getting his way. She wasn’t quite sure what to do.
“It would be rude of me to not call him and thank him for the lovely flowers,” she mumbled to herself under her breath. “Nat, I’m going to call him right now to thank him for the flowers,” she said firmly.
“Are you going to go out with him? If you don’t, I will,” she said, probably a little to eagerly. “He’s a whole lot of scrumptious.”
“I’m not sure. I’m going to see how the conversation goes.”
She dialed the number on the card. His phone rang, but the call went straight to voice mail. A busy lawyer probably doesn’t answer calls from numbers that he doesn’t recognize. She left a brief message thanking him for the flowers and ensuring him that he was forgiven and off the hook. No need to go to dinner. Part of her hoped that would be the end of it, but the other part longed to be pursued by him.
/> “I hope that he calls you back tonight,” Natalie said with a gleam in her eye.
“He’s not going to call me back. I think I made it clear in my message that there was no need for him to take me to dinner.”
“Somehow, he doesn’t seem like the type to give up that easily. He sent you a huge bouquet of flowers to get your attention. Do you really think that your message is going to be the end of it?” Natalie asked.
“Well, I guess we’ll see what happens. But, honestly, I’m not sure that I want him to call me back. He seems very intense. I don’t know if I can handle someone like him.”
“Kate, it’s been a long time since things fell apart in your life. You need to move on. It’s time. Give him a chance,” Natalie said, great kindness showing in her eyes. She was a caring and a devoted friend.
“I know you are right, but it is so hard to let go. If I move on, I feel like I am betraying my past. I should be ready, but sometimes I just feel stuck.”
“No, Kate, it’s not a betrayal. He would want you to move on. We all want you to move on and be happy. Try to be a little open and see where this leads. You never know what’s going to happen. Life is full of mysteries and things that we can’t understand. Please stop beating yourself up,” she added encouragingly.
“Thanks, Nat. You are a good friend. I appreciate your advice. I know that you are right. I’ll try to be more open.”
“Good! Oh, our time is up. We need to get back to work.”
They returned to the department. Maria and Brenda went home for the day, leaving Kate and Natalie in charge for the evening.
***
Neil stepped off the escalator and watched Kate from afar. He had listened to her message, but decided that this required his personal touch. She could hang up on him if he called again, but she couldn’t get away from him while she was working. For some reason that he couldn’t explain, he needed to meet her. She had gotten under his skin when she refused his dinner invitation.
She was helping an elderly couple and she looked like she was enjoying herself. He was without a doubt enjoying himself as he studied her every movement. She was even more beautiful than the picture that Mac had sent him. He planned on doing everything in his power to get her to accept a date with him. Seeing her in person only heightened his interest. He could feel his blood coursing through his veins. It was more than just wanting her. He somehow felt a need for her. He was drawn to her. He could hear her laughing with her customers. He was jealous. He wanted to be the one laughing with her. This was an instance where he wasn’t going to take her “no” for an answer. He would convince her to give him a chance. After all, he was a pro. He convinced people to see his point of view for a living and made a lot of money doing it. He hadn’t met a woman yet that didn’t succumb to his good looks and charm. It was just a matter of time before he wore her down.
***
Kate had finished with the first couple and began helping another couple find a birthday gift for their niece. Neil strolled into the department with his chest out and chin high, dripping sex appeal with each step. Natalie recognized him right away since she and Kate had gawked at just about every picture of him posted on the internet. She greeted him with a smile and asked him if he needed any help. By this time, Kate was ringing up the couple’s purchase and had begun to put their merchandise in a gift box. Neil declined Natalie’s help, saying he was “just looking.”
Kate noticed him, but decided not let on that she knew who he was. He must really think that he is clever. Well, two can play that game. She handed the package to the couple and thanked them for shopping at Nordstrom. When they walked away, Neil suddenly needed help. As he approached her, she felt a surge of electricity run through her body, something that she hadn’t felt in eons. He was intoxicatingly handsome and standing very close. Close enough to touch. His gaze was intense and she swallowed hard, shifting her weight from one leg to the other. Wow, he’s sexy as hell.
“Excuse me, miss. My sister is having a baby and I want to buy her some baby clothes,” he said nonchalantly. He would figure out a way to bring up the flowers as soon as he could.
So, he’s going to play it this way. “How wonderful,” she responded with a smile. “Do you know if the baby is going to be a boy or a girl?”
“Yes, she is having a daughter. It’s her first child, so she needs everything,” he said, running his hands through his hair. Kate started by showing him the layette items and then moved to the three-months clothing. He took one of everything that she displayed in front of him. Anything that she suggested he was inclined to accept. Pretty soon, a huge pile of baby clothes, blankets, accessories, and stuffed animals covered the counter just like his sex appeal had overwhelmed her and probably every woman he had ever come into contact with. She felt like they were playing a game of chicken. Who was going to blink first? Then he commented about the ostentatious display of flowers on the counter.
“Did someone send you those lovely flowers?” he asked with a coy smile.
“Yes, they are from a very pushy man who can’t seem to take ‘no’ for an answer,” she responded, playfully tilting her head to one side.
“Well, perhaps he is very interested in getting to know you,” he offered, his eyes blazing.
“How do you know that he doesn’t already know me? Maybe these are from my boyfriend who is trying to make up with me after a fight. After he didn’t get his way,” she countered with her own intense stare.
Neil smiled. “Touché, Miss Simmons,” he said. “I think we both know who these flowers are from. You Googled me earlier today, didn’t you?”
“Guilty as charged, Mr. Statton,” she countered with confidence. “So, will this be cash, check, or charge?” If he thought that he was going to waste her time he had another thought coming. “Do you really have a pregnant sister?”
“Yes, I do,” he said. “And it will be charge.”
“Would you like me to put these in gift boxes?” she asked, maintaining her professionalism. She was enjoying their exchange, but she didn’t want him to know that. Keeping him guessing gave her the upper hand.
“That would be so helpful. Wrapping up gifts is not my forte,” he said with a sexy smile that hit her right between her thighs and made her want to gift-wrap her body around his. He sure wasn’t lacking in charm or sex appeal. He had purchased so many items for his sister that she used the largest gift boxes she had. The only problem was that he had too many boxes for one person to carry. So, being the Customer Service All-Star that she was, she offered to help carry his bags out to his car.
“I would really appreciate that,” he said with a wink, his eyes radiating the heat that she felt deep down. It was slow in the department and Natalie had things under control. She had a great big smile when Kate told her that she was going to help him with his bags.
“I’m just fine,” she said loudly. “Take all the time that you need.”
“Thanks, Nat.” Why did she have to say that? It’s bad enough that she was succumbing to his masculine wiles. Does Nat have to encourage him? Like he needs encouragement. Kate followed Neil onto the escalator. “I’m parked on the second floor of the parking garage.”
“Great! Then you should be on your way quickly,” she said, not wanting to give anything away. She wasn’t going to blink first in this game that he had initiated. As they walked out the doors, he commented on how beautiful the moon looked. She concurred. He got out his keys and pushed the button that popped open the trunk on his BMW. It was black and sporty. Very elegant. He put the packages in the car. Then he turned and looked at her. He took her hand and said, “Please meet me for a late dinner after you get off of work.”
“I’ve already had dinner and I really should get home. I need to study.”
“I remember those days,” he said, brushing his thumb over her hand. Chills ran up and down her body, making her squeamish inside. “Tell me, when you get home from work, do you go straight to bed or do you take time to unwind?”
he asked, the intensity of his eyes searing into hers. He was making his case.
“It takes me a while to decompress,” she relented, realizing that she wanted him to continue his pursuit. It was hot and she was enjoying it.
“Then meet me for coffee. That will take no time at all,” he said, oozing school-boy charm.
She felt her defenses lowering as he continued to hold her hand in his. His thumb continued to stroke the back of her hand. Touching him stirred desires that she had forgotten about. Desires that she had not felt for anyone since that day. The day that had broken her heart into a thousand pieces. Neil could see that she was contemplating his invitation. It was written all over her face.
“Please give me twenty minutes for a cup of coffee. We won’t even consider it a date,” he said persuasively.
She found herself agreeing to have coffee with him. “Okay, I’ll meet you at The Cheesecake Factory. I’ll be done here by ten.”
He pulled her body close to his and whispered in her ear, “I’ll see you then.” Feeling his body against hers not only made her weak in the knees, it made her start to tingle all over. She pulled away and walked back into the store quickly. She could feel his eyes on her as she walked away.
Chapter 5
Kate returned to the children’s department. “What happened? Are you going out with him? What did he say?” Natalie asked flustered. Apparently, it had been an eternity since she had walked Neil to his car.
“Well, we are going for coffee at The Cheesecake Factory after I get off of work,” Kate said as nonchalantly as possible.
“How did he ask you?” Natalie could barely contain herself.
“He took my hand in his and basically wouldn’t take ‘no’ for an answer. But the really sexy part was when I agreed to meet him. He pulled me close to his body and whispered ‘I’ll see you then’ in my ear. I could barely breathe. There is something about him that I am finding difficult to resist,” she said wearily. She leaned against the counter to support her weight.
Fallen for You Page 4