Did you figure out what you would
like to eat?"
Bruce took a seat, leaning back in his chair. His shoulders were
broad and he was tall, so he was always leaning back in chairs in
order to sit comfortably.
"I thought that studying the menu would make me look a little
less lonely than sitting here alone reading posts on my phone."
Kate knew that it was a small dig about her time management skills.
"I accept that. Sorry I was late."
Bruce nodded. "I was thinking of ordering the egg and cheese
omelet with a side of spinach artichoke dip and chips. What about
you?"
"I think that I'll have the steak frittata and a side of hash
brows."
They ordered and sat back drinking their coffee.
"It's such a beautiful day. What's on your agenda?"
"Well, I have a few rounds of golf this afternoon and a phone
meeting with a potential client. A pretty productive but calm day. I
try not to pack too much into my twenty four hours, love."
When Bruce made comments like that, it made her feel guilty for being
so driven. At least that's what Kate called it. Driven. Bruce said
that it was a bit more than driven. It was borderline psychotic to
cram ten hours of work into an eight hour work day.
"Sacrifices," Kate sighed.
Bruce raised his eyebrow. "Is that what we are calling it now?"
She wanted desperately to change the subject. "What about plans
for dinner?"
"I wanted to surprise you. Come over and pick you up in my
chariot, complete with chocolates, flowers, and the man of your
dreams."
The thought made Kate giggle. "I would love that."
Lunchtime conversation was not filled with talk of work and for once,
that was refreshing. Bruce's parents were expecting them to come up
to the ranch soon and Bruce was asking her to pin down a time when
they could make that happen.
"I'm thinking that maybe we can do that next week."
"Sounds like a plan. My mother was just going on and on about
you. Saying something about having you help her do some gardening?"
Kate nodded. "I did promise her that I would help with the
planting this Spring. Thanks for reminding me."
They finished lunch and opted to skip the dessert. Kate had a few
more appointments that afternoon and she made herself a promise that
she would be on time for dinner.
Bruce walked her to her car, they were hand in hand. It was the
little things that he did that made her feel like the luckiest girl
in the world.
Looking into his deep blue eyes, she felt a warmth that let her know
all was right with the two of them.
"Dinner is at seven. Sharp. Be ready."
"I will." After all this time, being so close to Bruce
still made her dizzy.
"And where something sexy."
His lips brushed hers and for a split second, she contemplated going
back home with him to spend a little time in bed. But work awaited
her.
"Until tonight, my love."
Kate wiggled her fingers, waving goodbye as she drove off back to
work.
*****
Kate knew that there was no wiggle room this evening. She had to be
early in order to be on time for her date with Bruce.
Her last appointment ended at four, just in time for her to get home,
squeeze in a little yoga, shower and dress for her date. Luckily, she
did not live far from the boutique, so she did not have to worry
about L.A. traffic.
A car service showed up to her home at quarter to seven. She was
happy she did not have to make the car service wait, as she usually
did when she was running behind. Bruce was right, in that she needed
a bit of time to relax her mind and switch off work mode.
She did as Bruce asked and put on something sexy. Wearing his
favorite color was sure to get his attention. Her red dress fit all
of her curves and paired against her mahogany skin perfectly. She
wore her hair in an upswept ponytail and spritzed on some of the
peony scented perfume that he could not resist.
Giddy with excitement, Kate tried to figure out where her destination
could possibly be. Bruce was always so full of surprises. She loved
the fact that he was so spontaneous. It was a
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