She looked at her clock. “Oh, no!” she said, jumping out of bed and rushing to take a shower. Her thoughts immediately landed on Neil. Everything he had done to her the night before came rushing back, causing her to clench deep down. She might have been upset with him, but damn if she didn’t want him fiercely.
She got out of the shower and dressed quickly. She zipped through the kitchen, making toast and throwing a frozen meal into her lunch bag along with an apple. She smeared almond butter on her toast and ran out the door. She would have to put her make-up on at work before the store opened. She had managed to put on foundation and powder before she left the bathroom. She would just make it to work on time. It was Sunday and she worked ten to five. Sundays were quick and easy. It was always busy, so the day flew by virtually without notice. She loved working Sundays. Plus, getting off at five gave her plenty of time to have an evening.
Her drive to work was easy. There was no traffic to speak of. Now she could focus on Neil. She had promised herself when she and Charlie moved in together she was going to have a life again. Well, life was messy. It was time to take a risk. She had been playing it safe ever since she had lost David. She met guys on a regular basis. She just wouldn’t give anyone a chance. Not until Neil. He was relentless, and wouldn’t take “no” for an answer. There was something very alluring about that. About him. She knew he wanted her. There was no guessing, no games. She decided she would get Nat’s version of the story and then determine if she was going to give Neil yet another chance.
Kate got to work with only a minute to spare, punching in at 9:59. She hadn’t turned on her cell phone yet. She wasn’t ready to deal with any messages from Neil, or worse, no messages from him. What if he decided she wasn’t worth the trouble? She couldn’t imagine anything worse than that in this moment.
She made her way into the children’s department. Racks of clothes were waiting for a home on the sales floor. She and Nat would have to rework the front pad to make room for new merchandise. Nat came bouncing in from the back, excited to hear about her date.
“How did your date go last night?” she said, her excitement barely containable. Kate proceeded to tell Natalie everything that happened as they put out the new clothes. A look of despair spread across Natalie’s face when Kate got to the part about David.
“Oh, my goodness! I thought that he already knew about David. It didn’t occur to me that I was betraying your trust. He just seemed to know. I’m so sorry, Kate. Please forgive me.”
Natalie’s eyes filled with tears. Kate wrapped her arms around her friend.
“Of course, I forgive you. You have been there for me through so much. You are a dear, wonderful friend and this isn’t your fault,” she said, pulling Natalie close. They hugged for a moment. Kate realized that Neil had said the same thing to her. Natalie thought she had told him. This said a lot about his character. He wanted to protect her relationship with Natalie more than he wanted to defend himself. Her decision was made. She would give Neil Statton another chance.
***
It was 5 p.m. The day had evaporated rapidly. They had been so busy that Kate scarcely had time to take a lunch break. She took 15 minutes to eat and then returned to work. Her phone was in her purse and had been locked up in security all day. She hadn’t turned it on to check messages during her short lunch break. The fear of having no messages from Neil had overtaken her and she didn’t want to spend the afternoon broken-hearted. She and Natalie punched out and proceeded down the back stairwell. They were both glad that the day was over.
“What a crazy day,” Natalie said. “I can’t remember being that busy in September.”
“I know. I love busy days like this. But it is exhausting,” Kate said.
“Are you going to call him?”
Kate took her phone out of her purse and turned it on. She had seven messages. Relief spread across her body. She read the latest text from Neil.
Neil Statton: any chance for another chance?
She smiled. She was relieved. He was still pursuing her. Reading his text sent a warm feeling over her, causing her heart to feel lighter.
“Yeah, I’m going to call him.” She dialed his number and got voice mail. She was disappointed, but got ready to leave a message. “Hi, Neil, this is Kate. The answer to your question is ‘Yes.’ I’m going to give you another chance. Call me.” She hit the end button.
“I’m so relieved that I haven’t blown things for you” Natalie said.
“Oh, Nat, you’re such a good friend. You could never blow things for me.”
As they climbed the stairs to the parking deck, she saw Neil leaning against her car. He looked so good in the black slacks and white shirt that showed off his broad shoulders and highlighted his golden skin.
“Looks like you have a date tonight,” Natalie said with a wink. She squeezed Kate’s hand and moved toward her own car. “I’ll see you on Tuesday.”
Kate didn’t even respond. Her eyes were locked on the handsome man waiting for her. Her pace quickened as she approached him. Flashes of Neil’s head between her legs flooded her mind. She became flush. She wanted him and she found it sexy as hell that he was waiting for her. She stopped inches away from him, pressing her body against his.
“What are you doing here?” she said, smiling up at him and breathing in his scent.
“You didn’t answer any of my messages, so I thought I would make my plea in person. I’m so sorry…” she put her finger to his lips to stop him from talking.
“I spoke with Nat about it this morning. She didn’t realize that you didn’t know, just like you said. I can understand that it would be easy for something to be shared and you not know how to react. I know that you are curious. I want to tell you more about myself.”
Then she reached up on her tip-toes and lightly kissed him. Her light kiss turned into a ravenous one as Neil grabbed onto her head and invaded her mouth. He seized her and she let him. It felt so good to kiss him. She put her hands around his neck and pressed her body into his. He had taken her breath away with his passion. He slowed and began trailing kisses over her face and down her neck.
“I’m really glad you’re here. Have you been waiting long?” she asked.
“No,” he said. “But even if I had, you’re worth waiting for. I became worried when I didn’t hear back from you today.”
“I’m sorry. I turned my phone off last night and just turned it back on again a few seconds ago. I left you a message.”
“I know. I heard it as I saw you coming up the stairs,” he said, putting his hands on her hips to keep her body connected to his. She could feel his erection against her stomach. “I realized that I had left my phone in the car when I heard it ringing. I just missed you.” He looked into her eyes and planted another soft kiss on her lips. His kiss turned more fervent, his mouth suddenly engulfing hers again. He invaded her and his tongue made sweeping strokes over hers. His kiss slowed and he gently bit her lower lip. Then his mouth released hers. “Are you hungry? I made reservations for us at George’s.”
“Yes, I am,” she said, letting her body melt into his. She was really hungry for him.
“Good. I’m parked right next to you. I’ll drive and bring you back to your car later.”
Kate loved that he was a take-charge kind of man. She was content to have him make the decisions. He took her by the hand and led her to his car. He opened her door and she climbed in. It had a new-car smell that she loved so much. He closed the door as she buckled her seatbelt. Somehow, everything felt right with the world. She was going to dinner with a handsome, articulate man who wanted her. More importantly, she wanted him. It was scary, but she was willing to take a chance on finding happiness again in her life.
Neil pulled out of the parking lot and headed toward the freeway. “So, how was your day?”
“We were insanely busy, so it went by quickly. I love busy days. It helps out since I cut my hours back to go to school full time.”
/> “Oh, well that’s good.”
“How was your day?”
“I had an 8 o’clock tee time with my dad. After golfing, we had lunch with my mom. I took the liberty of telling my mom about you. I had already talked to my dad on the course. They both want to meet you.”
“Wow, so you were pretty confident that I would forgive you, huh?”
“Like I have said before, I am accustomed to getting what I want. Plus, I argue my point for a living. I figured if I could get you in closed quarters then I would have a chance to convince you to at least have dinner with me so I could state my case.”
“Tell me, counselor, how would it have gone if I hadn’t let you off the hook?” she asked playfully, placing her hand on his thigh.
“After apologizing I would have pulled out the stops by kissing you passionately, reminding you of last night, the first of what I hope will be many nights together. I would have told you that meeting you has changed me. You have made me want more.”
He picked up her hand and kissed it.
“That would have worked, counselor,” she said, her smile widening. “You have changed things for me, too. I feel safe enough to be real with you. That’s huge for me. I’m only my real self for a select few.”
As she finished her sentence, they pulled up in front of George’s. Kate had never eaten there before. It was an expensive restaurant in La Jolla. She had never been able to afford the dining experience of George’s. The valet opened her door and held out his hand to help her out of the car. He greeted Neil, calling him Mr. Statton. Obviously, Neil was a regular.
“Good evening, Jim. How’s business tonight?” Neil asked, throwing Jim the keys.
“A little bit slow so far, but it’s still early.” Jim took the car to park it. Neil held out his hand to her. She took it eagerly. Their fingers interlocked.
“I hope you like this place,” he said, looking at her with one thing in mind.
“I’ve never eaten here before, but I have heard the food is delicious.”
“It is, but not anywhere near as delicious as you,” he said, raising her hand to kiss it. She felt a jolt between her legs as she heard his words. She blushed. He was pretty scrumptious himself.
They walked up to the hostess. She seemed extremely happy to see Neil.
“Good evening, Mr. Statton,” she said, grinning from ear to ear.
“Good evening. I have a reservation, but we’re a little early.
“That’s not a problem. We have a table ready for you, Mr. Statton,” she said, her eyes fixed on his. Kate wasn’t too happy to see the hostess staring at Neil, her eyes cascading over his body. But he was a beautiful specimen so she really couldn’t blame her.
They followed the hostess out to the patio. The view of the ocean was breathtaking. She heard the waves crashing on the beach below. The trees were swaying in the breeze as if the wind was serenading them. The air was crisp with a hint of saltiness. Neil pulled out Kate’s chair for her. Then he sat across from her. The hostess handed them their menus. Neil ordered a bottle of Riesling and some crab cakes. The hostess walked off to put in their order.
“It looks like you have an admirer,” she said, mock jealousy in her voice.
“I have that effect on women,” he said, sporting his sexy panty-dropping grin.
“Wow, and you are so humble, too. How do you handle all of the admiration?” she asked sarcastically, shaking her head.
“It’s a challenge, but somebody has to do it.”
They both laughed.
“So, what’s your favorite dish on the menu?”
“There’s too many tasty treats to have one favorite. But you have to start with the pear and arugula salad. It’s the best. We’ll end with the chocolate cake for dessert, but I thought we could take that back to my place. After last night, the only way I can eat dessert now is off of your luscious body. You have ruined me forever.” His salacious smile made her squirm in her seat. She flushed as her mind recounted him licking cheesecake off her body.
“Mm,” she moaned softly. “Last night was the best dessert I have ever had. I especially enjoyed how you served it to me.”
“Me too, my beauty.”
Their waiter walked up with their wine. Kate’s eyes were locked on Neil’s. She didn’t realize right away that their waiter was Mark from school.
“Good evening, Mr. Statton,” Mark said, nodding and smiling. Then he turned to greet Kate. He didn’t say anything at first. “Miss,” he said coldly. Mark’s smile turned to a flat line.
“Good evening, Mark,” Neil said.
Kate was at a loss for words, so she just nodded back at Mark, mentally recalling their interaction on Thursday. So much had happened since then and Mark hadn’t called her like he said. Why was she feeling so uncomfortable? She wasn’t cheating on him. He wasn’t her boyfriend. Nothing had happened between them.
“How are you doing this evening?” Mark asked Neil as he opened the bottle of wine and began pouring.
“I’m wonderful. It’s a beautiful night. I’m here with my beautiful woman. What could be better?” Neil said proudly.
Mark gave a curt smile and a nod. He turned his gaze to Kate, his glare like daggers slashing at her heart. She could tell he was angry, but there was nothing she could do about it. Neil didn’t seem to notice as he took a sip of wine.
“Is the wine to your satisfaction, sir?” Mark asked.
“Yes, everything is beyond my satisfaction,” he replied, looking across the table at Kate. She gave a slight smile back at him. She couldn’t help but feel awkward.
“Very good, sir. The crab cakes should be out momentarily. Are you ready to order?”
Neil looked at Kate with raised eyebrows. “Sweetheart, do you know what you want?”
Mark’s jaw dropped.
“Yes, I’ll have the pear salad and the halibut,” she said, handing her menu to Mark.
“And for you, sir?”
“I’ll have the pear salad too and the filet mignon.”
Neil lifted his menu and Mark took it.
***
Mark turned quickly and walked away. He was pissed. What the hell is she doing here with him? He put their order in and then punched the kitchen wall. “Damn it,” he exhaled loudly, shaking his hand. He saw that their crab cakes were ready. Now he had to go back out there and see her being ogled again.
Mark brought out the crab cakes, placed them on the table and scurried away without speaking. Usually, he was very engaging with Mr. Statton, but he didn’t care about his tip right now. He hoped that he would somehow have a chance to talk to Kate privately. Maybe she would excuse herself to the ladies room.
***
“Do you two know each other?” Neil asked. “You both seem uncomfortable and Mark is acting strange. Is something going on that I should know about?
Kate took a big sip of wine. “I see why you are a good lawyer. You’re very perceptive, counselor. Mark goes to school with me. He has expressed interest in me. He’s the one I told you about at lunch on Thursday who wants to be my study partner. I gave him my phone number, but he never called. So, technically nothing is going on between us.” She took another sip of wine.
“Technically…I see,” said Neil. “So he isn’t just some random guy who wants to fuck you, he’s someone you see every day who wants to fuck you. It’s written all over his face,” Neil said exhaling sharply. He was infuriated.
Kate didn’t know what to say. She took a bite of her crab cake.
“How many classes do you have with him?” Neil growled.
“All of them.”
“Great, so you see him every day the entire time that you are at school.”
“Yes, but like I said, nothing has happened between us. Plus, he has so many girls interested in him, I’m sure his feelings for me will fade away quickly,” she said, reaching her hand out to his, but not quite touching him.
Neil took a bite of his crab cakes. Kate stared at him, hoping he would s
ay something. An awkward silence fell between them. They both drank their wine. Mark delivered their salads and refilled their wine glasses. The silence was deafening.
After Mark strolled away, she broke the silence. “I’m not interested in him. I want you. I gave myself to you last night. I’m not the kind of girl to sleep around with a bunch of different guys. Last night was special to me.” She couldn’t mask the hurt in her voice.
Neil sighed, relaxing. “That’s what I needed to hear, baby. I told you last night that I want to be your man. I can’t stand the thought of you being with anyone else. You have completely dazzled me. I don’t want anyone else to have you. Tell me that you are mine, that you won’t be with any other man,” he pleaded.
Kate could see the need in his eyes. She reached her hand out to his again. He placed his hand on hers and began stroking her thumb with his. She was taken aback by his openness, but it gave her courage to be honest.
“I’m yours, Neil. I don’t want anyone else. Please believe me.”
“Good, baby. That’s what I need to know. I know that I sound desperate, but I don’t care. I want and I need you. You’re the first woman I’ve needed since – in a really long time. I just don’t want to lose you.”
He motioned to a waitress walking by. “Please tell our waiter that we need our dinner to go. We’ll also need these salads wrapped up. Please have him include one slice of the chocolate cake,” he said authoritatively.
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