by Kandi Jaynes
Steve looked at Drake. "We wouldn't let him go first. There wouldn't be anything left for the rest of us if he did." The men all laughingly agreed as they went their separate ways.
Instead of being worried, Drake felt his feelings for Kate grow even stronger. He'd heard the way some of the men talked about other single women in the building. It often wasn't very flattering. He knew others were well liked, but it was obvious Kate had earned a special place in the shop.
*****
As Kate was getting ready to leave for the day, Mr. Denison stopped by the cage, leaning on her desk. "Hi Kate. How are you today?"
"I'm fine thanks. How is your day going?"
"Not bad for a Monday. Did you have a nice weekend?"
"Yes."
He picked up a pencil and studied it. "So how did your dinner with Drake turn out?" He asked casually. A little too casually.
"It went well I guess. I think I managed to answer most of his questions about the tool crib."
"I've known Drake a long time. What do you think of him?"
"He seems to know his stuff. The people in production really like him. I think they like the fact he's trying to learn how things are done and is genuinely asking for input and not just coming in and trying to take over. People tend to respect that."
Bill studied her for a moment. "That's nice to know, but I didn't ask what everyone else thinks of him. I asked what you think of him."
Kate started to fidget not sure how to answer. "I think I really don't know him that well. I think from what I've seen, he'll be a good asset to the company."
Bill looked at the roses. "Nice flowers."
"Yes."
"Any special occasion?"
Her response was guarded. "Just a thank you."
He grinned. "My dear, a note or a phone call is a thank you. A small arrangement of spring flowers possibly, but a man doesn't send two dozen dark red long stem roses and a gift unless he means business." He chuckled when she blushed and patted her shoulder adding, "Drake is a good man."
She had started to suspect before, but now she knew. "You set me up." her disbelief obvious.
"Now my dear, Drake did need to talk to you, and you have to admit, it would be difficult during work hours. I didn't see any reason why the two of you couldn't discuss work over a nice dinner." He gave her a quick wink. "I didn't have anything to do with the flowers though. That was strictly Drake's doing. By the looks of things, you made quite an impression."
"You set me up," she repeated, still stunned. If her friends had tricked her into a date or someone in production had set her up with somebody as a joke, she wouldn't have been so surprised. Bill, however, was the CEO of the company. And he had set her up with a VP!
A buzzer rang in the shop signaling the end of the shift. Kate, still in shock, picked up her purse and walked toward the door. "Kate." Bill called after her. "You forgot your flowers." He stood up and chuckled as he left through the back door.
Chapter Four
That evening Kate fixed herself a quick supper and soaked in the tub for an hour. She slipped into a nightshirt and curled up on the couch in front of the TV. The kitchen door opened and Sue yelled her name. "I'm in here," she answered, not bothering to get up.
Sue came strolling in a minute later with a satisfied smirk on her face. "Should I ask who the roses are from, or would you like me to guess?"
"Give me a break I've been harassed enough for one day."
"Okay I won't harass you about the flowers. I do have to wonder though, how he found out about your white chocolate fetish. It usually takes years for a man to learn even the simplest personal details about you. Yet Drake found out your biggest weakness on the first date. How exactly did that come about?"
Just then the phone rang. Kate rolled face down on the couch and groaned. "I don't suppose you'd be willing to answer that and say I'm not home."
"No, I wouldn't."
"Okay, then I'll let the machine get it."
Sue jumped up and grabbed the phone. Kate listened to the one sided conversation. "Hello. Hi, Drake, this is Sue. I'm fine. Yes, she's here, I'll get her for you." Sue held the phone out. "It's for you. I'd love to stay, but I know if I had a guy like Drake is on the line I'd want a little privacy so I'll leave you two alone."
Kate sat up and took the phone. She held her hand over it and took a deep breath as Sue scooted out the door. Bringing the phone to her ear, she said, "Hello."
"Hi, Kate."
"Hello, Drake. Is something wrong at work?"
"Not that I'm aware of. The reason I'm calling doesn't have anything to do with work."
Kate closed her eyes. "Why are you calling?"
"We didn't get to finish our conversation today."
"We didn't?"
"No, we didn't. I'm confused by a couple of things you said."
"Which things would that be?"
"First, you said we both know I shouldn't have sent the flowers. I want to know why you think I shouldn't have. Second, I'd like to know what you meant when you said you'd be safer with the chocolate than with me."
"I don't suppose we could do this some other time. I've had a rough day and am not thinking too clearly right now."
"We could do it over dinner tomorrow," he offered.
"Then again, maybe now isn't such a bad time after all." She sighed. "Look, it was really nice of you to send me flowers. I just think it was inappropriate. I didn't notice you sending flowers to anybody else at work after talking to them." Kate ran a hand through her hair. "As for the other thing, people are already trying to find out who sent the flowers. If they found out it was you they would make my life miserable. The rumor mill at work has a life of its own. If we were seen together and my name got linked with yours it would be terrible. I've seen what such rumors as secretaries and their bosses, or copy girls and supervisors have done to a few people. I can't imagine what kind of havoc the tool crib attendant and the Vice President would cause. It's bad enough my friends saw you the other night. They're still not finished badgering me about our dinner."
His voice slid into that soft sensual tone again. "Well then we better start coming up with a plan."
"A plan for what?"
"A plan for how we're going to see each other without the rumors getting out of control. I want to see you Kate, and not just at work in passing."
Kate's heart skipped a beat. Her lungs constricted and she couldn't breathe.
"Kate?"
She forced air into her lungs and tried to form some sort of rational thought. "Yes I, ah..." Her voice cracked and she cleared her throat. "I'm flattered really." She swallowed hard and continued. "It's just not a good idea. You're new in town and don't know anybody here yet. I understand if you're feeling lonely and want someone to spend time with. We had dinner together and it was nice, but that doesn't mean we should see each other. If you'd like I could introduce you to some of my friends. Like Sue for instance, she loves to go out and have fun. She knows lots of people. She could help you have a full social life in no time and--"
"Kate." She was startled into silence. "I'm not lonely or lacking for a social life. Nor do I want to go out with Sue. I have nothing against her, but she's not the one I want to spend time with. I would like to get to know you better. I don't mind keeping a low profile for now if it makes you more comfortable."
Kate was surprised to find she was almost in tears. She must be more tired than she thought, and getting overly emotional. "I don't think it's a very good idea."
"I think it's a very good idea." he said with a self-assured laugh. "I know you've had a long day so I won't keep you any longer. I'll see you tomorrow." Before she could hang up, she heard him softly call her name.
"Kate?"
"Yes?" she whispered.
"Sweet dreams."
She heard a soft click on the line and he was gone. She replaced the receiver and sat hugging her pillow.
Kate was again awake half the night tossing and turning trying to
convince herself Drake hadn't meant what he said. An hour before her alarm was set to go off, she woke from a dream. The most erotic dream she'd ever had. Unlike most of her dreams, she could remember this one in vivid detail. Even now that she was awake it still felt real. Her body tingled and her breathing labored. If she closed her eyes she could feel Drake there.
She threw back the covers and climbed out of bed. Walking into the bathroom, she caught sight of her reflection in the mirror. Her face was flushed and her eyes were puffy and underscored with dark circles. "I can't believe you're letting a man do this to you." She grimaced. "Not only do you look terrible, but you've started talking to yourself on a regular basis." She shook her head and turned on the shower. "I must be going insane."
After her shower she was cleaner, but didn't really look any better. Of course few at work were tactful enough not to mention it. "Wow, you look terrible." Or "Rough night?" followed by winks and smirks were the most common statements she endured all morning. After she barked at enough of them they decided she'd had enough and left her alone. It was the longest day she remembered ever having since starting at Denetech. It wasn't simply the comments and questions, or even the fact she was dead tired. It was the fear Drake could come by at any minute and she would have to face him. By lunch time she almost wished he would come by and get it over with so she could stop worrying about it. Her entire shift passed, however, with no sign of him.
Relieved to be home where she was safe she finally relaxed. She was hungry, but decided she needed a nap more than food. She woke an hour later feeling somewhat groggy. After a long stretch and a yawn it was definitely time to eat.
As she left her bedroom familiar voices drifted down the hall along with a welcomed aroma. "I smell pizza, I hope there's some left," she said as she entered the room trying to rub the gritty feeling from her eyes. "I'm starved." Kate walked to the cupboard beside the stove, stretching up on tiptoe to retrieve a box of tea bags from the top shelf. "What kind is it?" She filled the teakettle with water and set it on the stove.
Suddenly she realized it was much too quiet. An uneasy feeling crept up her spine. The friends she knew were never quiet. Slowly she turned and looked toward the table. There sat Sue, Missy, Kelsie, and Drake. Her eyes locked with his. "What are you doing here?"
"I heard you had a rough day so I brought pizza. There's also chips and soda."
"He was thoughtful enough to bring extra in case we were here," said Sue. "Isn't he a nice guy?"
Kate knew Sue was trying to get a rise out of her. "Yes, isn't he," she agreed sarcastically. Kate opened another cupboard and started to reach for a cup.
"You might want to rethink stretching for another top shelf," Kelsie said.
Kate turned, "Why?" Kelsie looked slightly embarrassed, Missy giggled, and Sue had a Cheshire cat grin on her face. It wasn't until she caught Drake's look and comment, however, understanding dawned on her.
She stood immobile as his gaze traveled the length of her, then returned to lock with hers. With a soft voice and inviting grin, he said, "I don't mind if she gets herself a cup."
Kate looked down remembering she had changed into a nightshirt before her nap. It wasn't bad enough her bottom half was only covered to about mid thigh, the shirt she had picked was missing a button that left a very deep V of her top half exposed as well. Kate had blushed many times in her life, but this was the first time it was so severe her ears burned and her temples throbbed. She turned without a word and walked back to her room. She closed the door and leaned against it a moment hoping to calm her rattled nerves. When the solitude of her room helped ease her tension, she stepped over and dropped down on the bed. She was still sitting there when she heard a soft knock on the door. She didn't respond, hoping whoever it was would go away, but seconds later the door slowly opened. Drake walked over and offered her a cup of tea. Kate took it without looking up as he sat beside her on the bed. She sipped the hot liquid while he arranged her nightstand to accommodate the tray he'd also brought with him. He cut a bite of pizza and held the fork to her mouth.
"Here, I know you're hungry."
Tired and hungry, a feeling of defeat washed over her and she took what was offered.
They sat quietly as she finished the pizza. When it was gone he set the plate on the nightstand and gently pulled her onto his lap. He placed a hand on her head drawing it down to his shoulder. She sighed and relaxed against him too drained to fight.
She hadn't felt such an overwhelming need to cry in years. She had managed to keep her life on a very even plain for a long time, and now it was all falling apart. She was no longer used to such emotional turmoil. She didn't know what to cry about first. The fact Drake had disrupted her serenity? That her friends and even the CEO were conspiring against her? The fear of people at work finding out? Or the worst thing of all, that some part of her wanted to give in to what she was feeling.
It felt so good to be in his arms. He was warm and strong, he smelled of outdoors and after-shave. She had been alone for so long, the idea of having someone to lean on was incredibly tempting. Someone to laugh with, to go out with, to curl up in the evenings with. Someone who would hold her when she had a bad day, to kiss her when...
Kate lifted her head and slid off his lap. "Thanks for the pizza. It was good. If you'll excuse me I need to get dressed."
Drake stood up and softly kissed her forehead. "I'll wait for you in the kitchen." He picked up the empty dishes and carried them out of the room, closing the door behind him.
*****
Kate's friends were still at the table when Drake returned to the kitchen.
"I'm glad to see you're still in one piece," Sue observed. "I wasn't sure how you'd be received back there."
"I wasn't either," he admitted. "I think she'll be out in a minute."
"Well," Missy said. "I believe we all have somewhere else to be. Thanks for the pizza, Drake."
The three stood and gathered their things. Sue walked over to Drake and held out a piece of paper. "Here, in case you run out of ideas and need help. She's very cautious, and can be irritatingly stubborn, but if you're willing to stick it out you won't find a more incredible woman."
Drake took the paper and unfolded it. It contained the names and phone numbers of the three women in the room. "I realized she was an incredible woman the moment I met her." He held up the paper. "Thanks, I really appreciate this." They filed out the door, but before Sue was all the way out she turned, "Drake?"
"Yes?"
"We're crossing our fingers for you, but I should warn you. If you hurt her, your life won't be worth living. Have a nice evening." She smiled as she pulled the door shut behind her.
Drake shook his head. He had never had his life threatened before. Since meeting Kate, however, it seemed as if one false move would have the whole world gunning for him. He looked toward the hall. He'd be willing to bet she wasn't even aware of the kind of love and protectiveness she produced in those who knew her. He stowed the leftover pizza and chips and was wiping the counter when Kate emerged. She looked around cautiously.
"The others left," he stated.
Kate walked to the stove. "I'm going to make more tea. Would you like some?"
"No, thank you."
Neither spoke as she went about her chore. When she was done she strolled into the living room and curled up on the couch. Drake sat next to her. This new mood of hers was strange. She didn't completely ignore him nor did she completely acknowledge him. Her indifference gave him the impression she resigned herself to accept him as an unavoidable presence. She turned on the TV and browsed the listings. "Do you like action movies?"
"Yes."
"There's one coming on."
"Sounds good to me. Do you have any popcorn?"
"There should be some in the pantry." She started to get up.
Drake placed a staying hand on her shoulder, "I'll make it, you stay put." He pulled the navy and white fleece throw off the back of the couch and covered her up.
Ten minutes later, he was back with a bowl of popcorn and two cans of soda.
By the time the movie was over the popcorn and soda were gone. Drake got up and pulled Kate off the couch. "You look exhausted," he told her as he pulled her gently into his arms. "Thanks for the popcorn and movie." He lowered his head and kissed her softly before whispering, "Sweet dreams, Kate." Reluctantly, he released her and let himself out.
*****
Kate went through the motions of preparing for bed, sure, as tired as she was, sleep would come instantly. Instead Drake's kiss kept replaying in her mind. It had been quick, but soft and warm. A whirlwind of response spun through her, wreaking havoc with her senses. She moaned and rolled over. "I need to get some sleep." The more tired she got the more defenseless and vulnerable she would become. That would be dangerous. Her reaction to a simple goodnight kiss from Drake was much more intense, and unnerving, than it should be. If she let her defenses down enough for him to really kiss her, she knew she would be lost.
She crawled out of bed and headed to the bathroom down the hall. Opening the medicine cabinet, she immediately found what she was looking for. Sue occasionally took an over-the-counter sleep aid and had left a bottle here. Kate took half the recommended dose and went back to bed. "That jerk!" She yelled out loud. She never had trouble sleeping before and as far as she was concerned the fact that she did now was all his fault.
The next morning when Kate's alarm went off it startled her. She jumped and knocked it off the stand. She flopped back down on the mattress for a moment to catch her breath, then rolled over and retrieved the clock.
By the time she arrived at work she felt really good. It was amazing what a full eight hours worth of sleep could do for you. She felt ready for anything today. Which turned out to be a good thing because almost everything that could go wrong, did.
She'd been waiting a week for an order of dovetail cutters ground with a special radius. They were needed for a high priority job. They finally arrived, but turned out to have the wrong radius. A fixture someone needed for a mill had been issued out on third shift the week before and hadn't been returned. She spent an hour tracking it down, finally finding it on a cart back in the shipping department. An order of six-foot band saw blades had arrived, but the company that sent them had transposed the numbers and instead of receiving the eighteen she'd requested she ended up with eighty-one sitting on pallets outside the cage.