Free Erica Lucke Dean - To Katie with Love by Erica Lucke Dean

was that it was nonexistent. I toyed with changing my computer password to PaTh3T1c.
    June popped her head into my office at two o’clock. She had the funniest expression on her face.
    I laughed. “What?”
    “He’s back!” she exclaimed in a whisper.
    I didn’t need to ask who. I jumped out of my chair, caught the back before it tipped over, and ran to my office door just as Cooper came in through the main entrance. He had a very determined look on his face. Serious, yet smoldering. I darted back to my chair and fell into it. I put my hands on my desk, then changed my mind and pulled a sheaf of papers in front of me just as he walked through my door carrying the most wonderful scent of peppermint and spicy citrus with him.

 
    DINNER?
     
    “S ilvia,” I whispered from the doorway of my office the minute I was sure Cooper was gone. When she turned to look at me over her leopard-print reading glasses, I frantically waved her over.
    She stood and came to my door. “What?”
    “Cooper asked me to dinner,” I choked out, gripping my long pearl necklace in one hand for support.
    “Well, it’s about damn time.” She gave me that wicked little smile, making me think she knew something I didn’t, and perched her perfectly manicured hands on her hips in triumph.
    I looked down at my own hands as I mangled the long strand of pearls between my fingers, twisting and untwisting until the necklace creaked under the pressure. “I’m not going. I told him, as his banker, I really should maintain some level of professionalism.” I was seriously getting tired of that word.
    “Katherine Grace James! You did not say no to his dinner invitation?”
    A chill cut through me at the way she said my full name. I’d never heard Silvia quite so upended. I was almost afraid to answer. “I didn’t actually say no , but I didn’t give him much to hope for, either. I just said it wouldn’t be a good idea for us to get any further involved.”
    “Oh, Katie… you didn’t. What did he say when you turned him down?”
    “It was awful… the look on his face. He just nodded and walked out. I feel horrible.”
    Silvia glared at me. “You know damn well you’ve been pining for him for almost as long as he’s been pining for you. It’s been ridiculously difficult to watch without interfering.”
    Her revelation shocked me. I had no idea Cooper was pining for me. In fact, I found it pretty much impossible given the other choices he had.
    “How could I possibly say yes? He’s my client! You know the bank frowns on things like that. We’re not just their bankers; we’re accountants, priests… babysitters .” I tried to sound firm, but my voice came off weak. “And I seriously doubt Cooper has been pining for me. He’s just like Dean or Mrs. Gilroy or your Mr. Hannigan. They all come in once a week for us to hold their hands through the process.”
    Silvia clicked her tongue. “Oh, for heaven’s sake, do not compare Cooper with other clients. He doesn’t come see you twice a week because he’s worried about his money. And don’t you dare blame the bank for your fear of relationships.”
    That was precisely why I had refused his invitation to dinner. Fear.
    “I’m serious, Katie. I’m going to kick your butt if you don’t go.” She took me by the elbow, steered me back to my desk, and gave me a little shove into my chair. “Dial.” She pointed at the phone. “Get him on the phone and tell him to pick you up at five.”
    Yes, Mom . “What if he’s already made other plans?”
    “I seriously doubt he’s made other plans in the less than ten minutes since he left here. Now dial.” She tapped a pointed-toe pump against the low pile carpet.
    I dialed Cooper’s number from memory—a fact Silvia seemed to relish, given her smirk. I looked away from her to stare at the digital display on my phone, counting the seconds as I waited for him to answer.
    “Hello?”
    My breath caught in my throat. “Um… hi…