Chapter 5
The next day when Annie went to work, she was adamant that nothing would happen between her and Leon ever again. After going home and thinking it through she realized that Leon’s advances had been extremely inappropriate. To avoid future occurrences, she knew she’d have to establish her boundaries. She walked into her office and her jaw dropped when she looked around and saw her office filled with red roses. She looked around to see if anyone else was inside but found no-one.
She walked over to her desk and took a card from one of the bouquets and read it.
“I apologize.” The note read. There was no name attached and she struggled to figure out who had sent it.
She walked out of her office and into the lobby and found the receptionist beaming at her.
“Hi Violet, I found my office filled with red roses, are you sure they were sent to me?” she asked.
Viola looked at her a bit surprised.
“Of course I am.” Viola said, “They came here with your name, office number, and title.”
Annie smiled and thanked her before going back to her office. She didn’t understand this gesture, but she knew the doer would reveal themselves soon enough. She only hoped it wasn’t Dale trying to get a second date. As she worked for the morning she found herself relishing the fresh scent of flowers in the room. She went for lunch and when she came back she was surprised to see Leon in her office. She had hoped he wouldn’t be in the office today since he hadn’t shown up for their morning session.
“Sorry to be late.” He said apologetically.
“That’s alright.” She replied taking a seat.
“So, you liked the flowers?” he asked smiling.
She realized then that he was the one who had sent the flowers and for no reason, the thought made her smile.
“Oh, yes.” She replied, “I didn’t know you sent it.”
“I wondered if I should have put my name on it.” He replied.
“They’re beautiful.” She replied, “what were they for?”
“I realize what I did yesterday was a bit inappropriate.” He said, “I can’t expect you to forgive me, but I am sorry.”
She smiled thinking about her plans to tell him off earlier and she realized with his gesture she didn’t have the heart to tell him off.
“Thank you for the apology.” she replied, “I must be honest, you weren’t the first person who came to mind when I read the note.”
“Who was the first person who came to mind?” he asked.
“A terrible date I had the other day.” She replied.
“Have you given any thought to going out with me?” he asked, “I wanted to take you someplace nice tonight if you’ll accept my invitation.”
Annie thought about it for a minute. She wanted to say yes. There was something about Leon that made her want to throw caution to the wind. She had been locked away in herself for so long that she was afraid that if she didn’t break through now, she may never be able to have a normal relationship with a man.
“Tonight?” she asked
“Yes, I have a lovely place I’d like to take you.” He replied, “we could go right after work.”
“I guess I could find a way to schedule you in.” she replied, “I can’t stay out too late though, I have to come back here and finish off some things later.”
“Great.” He replied
She was about to say something else when Alonso, popped into her office.
“Wow, did a flower store throw up in here?” he asked
“No, just another crazed fan.” She replied.
Her taunt didn’t fall on deaf ears and she heard Leon chuckling.
“I see.” Alonso said, “I hope you let the sucker down lightly.”
She couldn’t help the laughter that filled her.
“I need Leon for the rest of the afternoon.” He said
“No problem.” She replied eager to get away from him a bit. She wanted to call Lidia and tell her what had happened, and she wanted to give herself enough time away from him before their dinner date tonight.
“I’ll see you tonight.” Leon said as he stood, “we can take my car.”
She smiled and watched him walk out. She looked at Alonso who had one brow raised and a sneaky smile on his face.
“Fan huh?” he asked.
“They’re all fans.” She replied cheekily.
After he left she called Lidia who came to her office in record time.
“How come you didn’t tell me you got a truck full of roses?” she asked
“I didn’t know who they were from till just now.” Annie replied, “They’re from Leon.”
“Wait, Leon, the boss’s son who you’re trying to get rid of?” Lidia asked
Annie laughed when she remembered how she had reacted to him the first time she had seen him.
“Yes, him,” Annie replied
“Wow, your plan is going great then!” Lidia teased
“I don’t think so.” Annie replied, “I don’t think my opinion of him yesterday was fair. He’s actually brilliant.”
“Wait,” Lidia said with a cheeky grin. “are you smitten with him?”
“Smitten?” Annie asked, “what am I? Two?”
“You’re a grown woman, I’m asking if you’re into our boss’ son,” Lidia said
“I have no idea.” Annie replied, “I do like him, he’s smart, handsome and he’s a great kisser.”
“Wait, how do you know he’s a good kisser?” Lidia asked, “did you kiss him!!”
“It just happened,” Annie replied, “I can’t stop thinking about it.”
“Wow,” Lidia said, “I’m actually happy to hear about this.”
“I agreed to go on a date with him,” Annie said quietly.
“Wait for what?” Lidia asked, “all of a sudden you’re planning dates for yourself.”
“I thought, who would it hurt,” Annie said
“I encourage this,” Lidia said.
They spoke for a few more minutes before Lidia had to leave. Annie went back to work always trying to keep her mind off her upcoming date. She was both anxious and nervous. She wasn’t sure what to expect from a man like Leon, but she was also struggling to keep her mind off his lips and that usually led to thoughts of his other body parts. She was shamefully lusting after him.