Free Fallen for You by Carlie Sexton

mentor stood me up,” she said shaking her head.
    “That’s a bummer.”
    “It gets better. He proceeded to track me down at Nordie’s and he was seriously relentless. He sent me flowers, then came to the store to shop for baby clothes for his pregnant sister, and then insisted on buying me a coffee after work. We went to The Cheesecake Factory. At first his persistence was totally annoying,” Kate said sipping her coffee. “But by the end of our coffee date, I found it charming. His determination won me over. We have a lunch date today,” she said, relaxing in her chair.
    “It sounds like Neil is very interested in you,” Charlie said with a great big grin. “It’s about time you get out there again and have a life. David would want you to have a life,” Charlie said as she reached her hand out to touch Kate’s.
    “I know,” Kate whispered, too emotional to say anything else. “But something weird happened last night, too,” she said with concern.
    “Weird? What do you mean by weird?” Charlie asked.
    “Roger seemed to be waiting for me when I got home. He was upset that I was getting home so late. He said that he was worried about me. Then he questioned me about my flowers. It really startled me.”
    “Oh, I bet he just has a crush on you. It will probably go away. You have to realize that men are going to like you. Sounds like you had a banner day in the man department yesterday.”
    “You could say that. Oh, I almost forgot to tell you. I also have a date with Neil on Friday night as well. We’re going to PF Chang’s for dinner after I get off work. But I am really nervous about it. I have found myself imagining what it would be like to be with him. I dreamt about him last night. I don’t want to go too fast but I’m not sure how long I will be able to resist him. He is gorgeous and commanding,” Kate said. “Let me show you what I mean.”
    She got up to get her cell phone from her purse. She Googled Neil and then handed her phone to Charlie.
    “Yeah, I see what you mean,” Charlie said, gazing at his picture. “Well, if he has half a brain in his head, he will realize that you are worth the wait. You don’t have to do anything that you are not ready for. But do try to be open. This is really exciting, considering everything that has happened. You deserve to be happy,” Charlie said, still looking at Neil’s picture. Her eyes were riveted to the phone.
    “Thanks, Charlie. I really needed to hear that.”
    Charlie nodded. “You’re welcome. I’ve got to get going,” she said before putting the phone down. “I have a meeting at work this morning. I’ll see you tonight,” she said, reaching down to hug Kate.
    ***

When Neil strolled into work, he had a spring in his step that had been missing for quite some time. The ridiculous grin plastered on his face got the attention of the other lawyers and assistants as he sauntered past them, saying his good mornings and wishing everyone a wonderful day. Kate had occupied all of his waking time since their coffee date. He couldn’t wait for their lunch date or for Friday night. He wanted to take her in and not let her go.
    “Good morning, Mr. Statton,” his assistant Laura said as she looked up at him from her desk.
    “Good Morning, Laura.”
    Neil entered his office, keeping the door open. That was Laura’s cue to come in. He sat down at his oversized desk and began rifling through the files that she had left for him. She peered her head in. “Can I get you some coffee?” she asked. Laura was always smiling at him. He knew that she liked him, but she was his assistant. He knew it wasn’t wise to screw around at work. His father had taught him that. She was smart, beautiful and sweet, but he never acted on his attraction for her.
    “Coffee would be great. I’ll take it in my father’s office,” he responded. Laura hurried to get the coffee. She was always eager to please her boss.
    Neil knocked before entering his dad’s office