“Wow, that sounds so hot,” Natalie said turning a little red in the face. “I can see why he would be hard to refuse. He’s absolutely gorgeous.”
Kate nodded. “I’m really nervous about seeing him again. He is so handsome and worldly. I feel like he’s out of my league.”
“Are you kidding? You have nothing to worry about. You are a beautiful, intelligent, incredible woman. If anyone should be nervous, it’s him. You, my friend, are a real catch. Any man would be lucky to have you,” Natalie said, hugging Kate.
“Thanks Nat.” She always said the sweetest things. After working together for the last four years, they were very close. They had shared both happy and sorrowful times together. They knew each other’s secrets. She was Kate’s next closest friend after Charlie.
They spent the rest of the evening organizing and straightening up the department. It was a slow night.
“Well, my sales were good. Neil dropped $850 on presents for his sister’s baby. He made my day sales wise,” she said to Natalie.
But he had made her day in another way as well. He had put a chink in the armor that protected her heart. He had found a way to get in. She had agreed to see him and the time was rapidly approaching. As the store closed, butterflies began to stretch their wings in her stomach. She felt warm and flush. After she and Natalie punched out and retrieved their purses from security, Kate found mints in her purse, bent over to tussle her hair, swished powder over her face, reapplied lipstick and gloss, and lightly dusted more blush on her cheeks. Since she worked at Nordstrom, she always kept make-up in her purse so that she looked her best at all times.
Then it hit her like a thunderbolt. She wanted to look her best for him. She wanted him to find her appealing. Her attraction for him scared her. She hadn’t cared if any man found her attractive since – no, she wasn’t going to think about him right now. She was going to concentrate on the opportunity at hand, her coffee date with a delectable man.
As she and Natalie walked down the back stairwell of the store, Natalie again assured her that she was doing the right thing. Kate realized that she should call Charlie and let her know that she was going out after work.
“Hi, Charlie. It’s me. I just wanted to let you know that I am going out for a little while after work. I won’t be home too late,” she said, leaving her a voice message. Charlie was probably spending a quiet evening with Mitch, curled up in his arms.
“Nat,” she said, her nervousness increasing, “I don’t know how to be on a date. It’s been so long.”
“You’ll be fine. Just pretend that you are talking to me, Charlie, or Mitch.”
“Well, that’s easier said than done. I don’t find you, Charlie, or Mitch completely irresistible,” she said with a wry smile. “I better go. I told him I would be there by ten. I’d hate to be late.”
“Good luck, Kate. I have a good feeling about this guy,” Natalie said, giving her a hug before getting into her car.
Driving to The Cheesecake Factory seemed to take a long time even though it was located in the mall. Kate began to feel herself shake as she parked her car. She took several deep breaths in an attempt to calm herself down. She saw Neil’s car parked a few spaces away from hers. What was she going to talk about with him? The cat had snatched her tongue and ran out of the building. She was at a complete loss. She needed to get a hold of herself. He’s just another human being. An incredibly gorgeous, sexy human being.
When Kate walked in, she saw Neil sitting in the lobby with his eyes glued to the door. She saw him relax when their eyes met. She had felt a spark for him from the moment he had walked into her department. When he pulled her body into his, that spark turned into a raging inferno. He smelled musky, sensual, all man. He had enchanted her and didn’t want to let go of her, but she had pulled away from him abruptly. He had come on a little too strong, but she wanted to see where this might lead. He wasn’t just gorgeous. He was stimulating to her as well. The restaurant was quiet and they had their pick of any table in the house.
He stood up quickly and held out his hand to her. She took it, glad to have him to hold onto. She hoped that he couldn’t feel that she was a little shaky.
“How was the rest of your evening at work?” he asked.
“It was good. It went by quickly,” she said looking into his dark eyes.
“I’m really glad that you agreed to meet me. Thanks for coming.”
“I’m glad, too,” she said, still a little guarded.
Neil nodded toward the hostess. As they followed her, he gently placed his hand in the small of Kate’s back. She felt the electricity of his touch run through her. She realized that she wanted his hands to touch a lot more than just her back. He guided her as they walked to their table. The hostess quickly seated them in a booth toward the back of the restaurant. Neil had obviously indicated where he wanted to sit for his coffee with her. They sat across from each other with awkward silence for a minute or so. At first, all he could do was gaze into her big brown eyes. She stared back at him with the same intensity. In that moment, she knew that she wanted him as much as it seemed he wanted her.
The waitress approached and asked what they would like to drink. Neil ordered a coffee and Kate asked for a decaf. She didn’t want to be awake all night. She had a feeling that thoughts of Neil would be keeping her awake anyway. As soon as the waitress left, Neil began talking.
“So, where are you from originally?” he asked, trying to break the ice.
“I was born and raised in Louisiana.”
“Oh, a Southern belle. What part?” he asked.
“I’m from Lafayette, but I was born in New Orleans.”
“I’ve been to New Orleans many times for Mardi Gras. It’s a great city. I always really enjoy myself there.”
“Most people do. It’s a very entertaining city. So, what about you? Are you from California?”
“Actually, I was born and raised in San Diego. I am a rare native born Californian,” he said with a grin. Kate found his smile irresistible. He was too handsome for his own good. He most likely had gotten every woman that he had ever wanted.
“Again, I want to apologize for not being there today,” he said, a sheepish look on his face. “We are working on an embezzlement case that involves one of our corporate clients and some important evidence was uncovered today. It could break the case wide open.”
“I understand,” she said sweetly, nodding. “Your work has to come first. Let’s just put it behind us.”
“Sounds like a plan to me,” he said with relief. “So, what do you like to do for fun when you are not working or going to school?” he asked. This was a question that she dreaded. She hadn’t done anything for fun in ages. She used to go kayaking with her old boyfriend David, but she hadn’t kayaked since…
“Well, working full time and going to school keeps me very busy, but I used to enjoy kayaking,” she said, the words just spilling out of her mouth. Words she suddenly wanted to reel back in, but couldn’t. She was so not ready to answer questions. Why didn’t life come with a rewind button like her remote? Kayaking was a painful subject.
“Wow, kayaking sounds like a blast. When do you go? I’d love to go with you,” he said.
“Well, I haven’t gone for a long time. I work on the weekends and my friends are not available during the week to go kayaking,” she said, trying not to give him a reason to ask any more questions about it.
Before Neil could press the issue, she changed the subject. “What about you? What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?” she asked.
“I play golf and tennis. Pretty boring compared to kayaking.”
But Neil seemed to want to uncover more about her, so he redirected the conversation back in her direction. He obviously wanted to be in control.
“What are you studying at SDSU?” he asked as the waitress brought their coffees.
“What can I get you to eat?” the waitress interrupted.
“We’re just having coffee,” Kate
said quickly.
“Well, actually, I would love a piece of cheesecake,” Neil said. “My favorite is the red velvet.”
“Okay, one red velvet. Any cheesecake for you?” the waitress asked Kate.
“No, it’s a little too late for me to have cheesecake. The coffee is fine.” Neil had a frown on his face, apparently disappointed.
The waitress hurried off to get his order. Kate began the answer to his question. “I am studying speech communications, but I’m considering getting my teaching credential and becoming a teacher. I thought a liberal arts degree would be more versatile than an education degree. The downside is that right now the teaching profession is saturated and a lot of teachers have been laid off. But I’m just a junior, so I still have two years left.”
“You seem very mature to be what, 21?” he said.
“Actually, I’m 24. I took some time off from college the last few of years.”
“Oh, what did you do during your time off?”
“I was just working,” she said, looking down at her hands. She didn’t want to answer questions about her past. She wasn’t ready to tell a complete stranger what had happened and why she had dropped out of college. She knew from studying communication that her body language indicated that she was feeling strong emotions. Hopefully, Neil was perceptive and would realize that she didn’t want to elaborate, especially on a first date.
“So, how long have you been working at Nordstrom?” he asked, taking a sip of coffee. She was still adding her cream and sugar. Her friends teased her all the time about drinking cookies, not coffee.
“I’ve been there for four years now.”
“Do you like it?”
“I love it. I work with great women who I consider my friends. Natalie, who I was working with tonight, is one of my closest friends. We have been through thick and thin together. It has been amazing. Plus, most people who come shopping for baby clothes are really happy about the new addition to their lives. It’s a great department to work in.”
“Sounds like you are happy there. That’s good. Work is too important to dread it.”
“You’re right. So, how about you? How do you like being a lawyer?”
“I have to say that my job is continually fascinating. I get to witness the triumph and defeat of the human spirit on a regular basis. It is both exhilarating and humbling. There’s never a dull moment.”
“I bet you could write a book on all of the crazy things that people have done to each other.
“Yeah,” Neil said, chuckling. “I sure could.”
Just then, the waitress returned with his cheesecake. “Here you go, sir. Can I get you anything else?” she said, batting her eyelashes at him. Does every woman he meets throw herself at him. Who could blame her? He was a beautiful man.
“No. That will be all. Thanks,” he said, dismissing her. She sauntered away.
“Okay, I will be highly offended if you don’t try a bite,” he said with a sparkle in his eyes. She opened her mouth indicating that he could feed her. He scooped up a piece with his fork and gently placed it in her mouth. She closed her mouth around the fork and he smoothly pulled it between her lips. He heard her moan softly, indicating that he had made a good choice and she blushed a little.
“Oh, this is so good,” she said after swallowing the cake. He took a bite for himself, but he clearly wanted to feed her more. He scooped up another bite and moved the fork in her direction. She took the next bite that he offered. Again, he slid the fork slowly between her lips. She let out another soft moan while she savored the cheesecake. He ate another piece. He then offered her more. She could be fed by him this way all night, finding this to be an extremely sensual experience. She was enjoying having him feed her. It was a great surprise. Feelings were stirring deep down within her. She could feel herself becoming aroused. Who knew that eating cheesecake could be so sexy? What would it be like to kiss him, lose herself in him, be with him?
She needed to get a hold of herself. She barely knew this man. But, she wanted to take a chance and get to know him. She needed to take a chance. She had been without anyone special in her life for a long time. But was he special or just a guy who wanted to get her into bed?
The feeding continued until the cheesecake was gone. Their sensual interaction had taken the place of conversation. But they were communicating in another way. A way that caused a sensation between her thighs.
“That was the best cheesecake I have ever had,” she said, sighing heavily while shifting in her seat slightly.
“I agree. It was especially good feeding it to you. I’d like to have the opportunity to feed you again. How about dinner on Friday night?” he asked.
“You sure are a very persistent man, Neil Statton. I suppose that you are used to getting your way?” she asked, tilting her head to one side.
“I am, and I’ll take that as a yes. I’m a man that has grown accustomed to getting what I want when I want it. I’m tenacious like a pit bull.”
“Well in that case, it’s a yes. I get off of work at seven on Friday. I could meet you,” she said. She wasn’t ready for him to pick her up at her apartment. Having her own car to escape in if necessary gave her a sense of control.
“Okay, how about we go to PF Chang’s since it’s in the mall. That will make it easier for you.”
“PF Chang’s is perfect,” she said.
The waitress arrived with the bill. Neil took out his wallet and paid with cash.
“Well, I know you are tired. We should get going,” he said.
“You’re right. I am tired and I have three classes tomorrow. I need to get home.”
They got up to walk out of the restaurant. Again, he placed his hand in the small of her back. She was so happy to have his hand on her. She was hoping that he would touch a lot more of her on Friday night. His touch sent simultaneous sparks and shivers throughout her body.
He walked her to her car. “Thank you for the coffee and dessert,” she said.
“Thank you for agreeing to meet me. I’m looking forward to our date on Friday.” “Date?” she asked, raising an eyebrow.
“Yes, date,” he said forcefully. He went in to kiss her, but she offered him her cheek instead. She was worried that if she kissed him on the lips, she might not be able to stop. He had managed to lower all of her defenses. He pulled her in close for a hug. She could feel the length of his erection against her stomach. She felt her muscles clench deep down between her legs as he pressed his chest against hers. He was so muscular.
She tried to pull away, but he didn’t let her go. He instead whispered to her “I’m really looking forward to spending Friday evening with you. You have captivated me with your beauty and intellect.”
She felt her insides pulse as his hot breath tickled her ear. “I’m looking forward to it too,” she whispered back. Then he let her go and she opened her car door.
“Here’s my card in case you need to get in touch with me. My home number is on the back,” he said. He whipped out his phone and asked for her number. He stored it safely in his cell.
“See you at seven.”
“See you then,” she said as she got into her car.
As Kate drove away, she couldn’t help but feel a warm sensation flood her body. Neil was the first guy she had let get close to her in what had felt like forever. The first guy she had been on a date with in years. The first guy that she had wanted in years. Well, with the exception of her classmate Mark. Maybe she could move on and have what everybody else had. It was worth a try.
It was about eleven when she pulled into her parking space. She carried the huge bouquet of flowers up the stairs. Roger’s door was open which struck her as odd. She really wanted to get inside and put on her pajamas, but he called out to her.
“Hey,” he said with a hint of worry in his voice, “I was beginning to think that something had happened to you.”
Roger stood at the threshold of his doorway, staring at the flowers. His brow was creased and h
e looked visibly upset.
“Oh, everything is fine. You don’t need to worry about me. That’s my mom’s job,” Kate said, growing annoyed that she was explaining herself to him. Who does he think he is?
“Oh, of course it is,” he said carefully, trying to salve the irritated tone he detected in her voice. “I just hadn’t heard you come home and I thought that something might have happened to you. It’s a big city with a lot of crazy people in it.”
“Thanks for your concern, but I am a big girl and I can take care of myself,” she said coolly.
“Those are beautiful flowers. Are they from a friend?” he asked, sounding like a jealous boyfriend.
“Yes, they are from a friend,” she said, uncomfortable with the fact that he was so interested in her and her flowers.
“Oh, well, it’s just that I told Rose all about you and she wants to introduce you to a great guy that we know. I didn’t want to get his hopes up if you are seeing someone.”
“That’s really sweet, Roger. Maybe I could meet him sometime. Right now I am beat and want to get to bed. Well, good night.”
“Good night. See you tomorrow.”
***
Roger stepped back into his apartment as he watched Kate’s door close. He couldn’t believe that she said the flowers were from a friend. His fists clinched into balls. There’s no way that was possible. He had a rival for her affection. Who was this guy that sent her flowers? He needed to read the card to find out what was going on. In about an hour or so, he would sneak in with a flashlight and get to the bottom of this. Maybe he would watch her for a while. It would be a pleasure to be close to her and she wouldn’t have anywhere to go. He just had to be patient and wait. Rose was passed out in his bed, so she wouldn’t be a problem.
***
Kate stepped inside her apartment and locked the door. What a strange interaction. Was Roger stalking her? She strolled in and set the flowers on the dining room table. They brightened up the apartment considerably. It had been ages since anyone had given her flowers. She wanted to talk to Charlie, but she was already asleep. All of her news would have to keep until the morning. She was tired too and got ready for bed. It had been a big day for her. Just as she was slipping between her sheets, her phone rang.
Fallen for You Page 5