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“I’ll walk you to the lobby.”
He got out of the car and rounded it to open the door for her. Gentleman like he held out his hand for her to help her out of her seat.
With a huge smile she took it. “Thank you.”
Returning her smile he helped her out of the car and closed the door behind her.
She saw his clear blue eyes dart towards their hands before they searched hers and she saw his hesitation, his silent request. When she continued smiling he laced his fingers through hers and she could feel herself colour slightly.
She intently mustered the asphalt underneath her feet for a moment, needing time to compose herself and get to terms with her nervousness. Come on, Karen, it’s not the first time. You’ve been there before.
And yet… Bill was…
“Karen.” His voice filtered through her thoughts when he stopped her in front of the entrance.
Turning towards her he searched for the right words for a moment, and a half-apologetic, half-embarrassed smile crossed his features when he realized his nervousness wouldn’t let him come up with them. Almost bashfully he ran his free hand over his neck, his eyes steadily meeting hers and simply smiled at her.
She thought he had never looked more attractive and had difficulties to ignore her racing heart.
“Listen, I…” he finally began. “I just wanted to tell you that I had a really nice evening.”
She answered his smile: “Me too, Bill.”
“And I’d really like to see you again” he added and blushed just a little, still very conscious of his every word in her presence. And of his heart demanding that he'd see her again.
"I’d like to see you again, too. Very much” she said, and he swore there was the same hint of nervousness in her voice that he had detected in his own.
His smile made her pulse accelerate even more and she knew she’d blushed, too.
“And I” he said quietly, causing a shiver to run down her spine when he took half a step towards her, “and I really would like to kiss you.”
Even if she could have held back the huge smile spreading over her face she wouldn’t have tried to. Her reaction was all the encouragement he needed. Leaning into her he captured her lips with his, kissing her softly.
When his lips met hers and he wrapped his arms around her and drew her closer she knew she had finally come home.
„Bill, it’s Karen.“ She hesitated briefly before she added:
„Karen Hayes“, as if unsure if he’d remember who she was.
“Hi” he said, trying to keep his voice even and not to sound too enthusiastic. Or desperate.
“Hi” she repeated, and after taking an audible breath she said:
“Listen, I’m in L.A. next week and I… well I was wondering if the dinner invitation still stands.”
Behind her light tone he could hear the only too familiar traces of insecurity and the fear of making a fool of herself by calling him after all those weeks.
He felt himself smile into the receiver: “It certainly does.”
“I hoped you would say that” she said and he knew she was smiling, too.
“When are you flying over?” he asked.
“On Wednesday. What about Thursday evening?” she said, sounding anxious as if fearing he might change his mind.
“Thursday’s good. Why don’t you call me Thursday morning and tell me where you’re staying? I can meet you at the hotel” he said and hoped that hadn’t sounded to bold.
“That sounds great” she said.
Neither of them said a word for a couple of seconds, wanting to prolong the call.
“Well…” Karen I finally said, “I should probably continue working.”
Bill sighed in agreement: “Yeah, so should I.”
“I’ll talk to you on Thursday?” she asked.
“Thursday” he confirmed. “Any cuisine you don’t like?”
“I’m sure that whatever you choose will be great” she answered.
“I already have something in mind.”
“Great. So, um, I really should…”
“Karen?” he interrupted her.
“Yes?” she asked breathlessly.
“I’m really looking forward to seeing you” he said, feeling himself blush like a schoolboy.
“Dito” she said softly. “Until Thursday then. Bye.”
“Bye.”
He let the receiver sink and couldn’t help but smile. He hadn’t dared to hope he would see her again. And now… Thursday.
There was a sharp knock on the door and Chloe O'Brian entered his office.
Suspiciously she eyed his grin for a moment before she asked: “Are you alright, Sir?”
His smile widened as he almost bashfully scratched his brow: “I’m fine, Chloe. I’m fine.”
Chloe/ Chase friendship :)
( What ifs )
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