Charlene

[intriguess]

Charlene loved cooking, and after High School had gotten into a prestigous academy and furthered her knowledge of sweets. She worked nights at a bakery and after graduation the hours stuck. She was used to sleeping from 5pm to midnight and had missed out on a lot of partying, but it paid off and eventually she opened her own place.

It wasn't until she turned thirty that she realized how much she'd missed out on. She could no longer count her white hairs on her fingers. Each time a niece or nephew celebrated a birthday she felt an odd sadness.

Then when she finally did set her mind to dating, the process was ardorous. Most were divorced and had all the children they wanted, and Charlene's sexual experience was limited to heavy petting during high school and it seemed every date wanted to get into her panties.


"Why can't dating be more like baking?" she bemoaned early one morning. "Chocalate and sugar are easy, and finding a favorite is fun, not a chore." Charlene set aside the petite fours and started in on a wedding cake. "Frosting never leaves you feeling stupid or used."

 

[SparkyMan]

Paul Ashton

Paul Ashton
Age: 35
Height: 6'3"
Weight: 200 lbs
Short, well groomed, brown hair, with hazel eyes that change color with his mood
Athletic build, not overly muscular
Marital status: Single
Occupation: Business owner

----

IC:
I had to do something for my employees. They pulled off a seemingly impossible project, working hard, diligent, and tenaciiously to complete it to perfection, and on time to boot! It wasn't much, but several boxes of sweets over an extended morning coffee break meeting, would be a simple way to say thanks to my core group of employees.

I stopped into this new bakery that had opened up around the corner from our office, delighted by the aromatic odor surrounding the tiny shop tucked between the large buildings. "Charlene's Confections," was emblazened on the door and the overhead sign that jutted into the sidewalk.

I opened the door walking into the empty establishment, a tiny bell attached to the door announcing my arrival. "Mmm," the smell of fresh donuts, creme puffs, eclairs, cakes, pies, and various tarts assaulted my nostrils as I inhaled deeply. I was staring at the display case when an equally sweet sounding voice interrupted my gaze.

"Hello. How may I help you."

I looked up half expecting to see some overly large Swedish type of marm peering at me from behind the counter, and was caught by surprise by the young lady, who looked to be my age, smiling pleasantly back at me. I immediately noticed the lack of any significant jewelry on her hands as she placed them on the counter. She could have taken it off to do her baking?

"Oh! Hi!" I exclaimed, trying my best to match her warm and inviting smile. "I ... I um ..." I was suddenly at a loss for words, seemingly captivated by this woman's beauty. It's the last thing I had expected to happen.

I blinked my eyes several times and regained my composure. "Oh hi! I'm sorry! I should have expected a sweet lady in a sweet shop!" Damn that was corny! I kicked myself for sounding so stupid.

"I was wondering if I could have a variety sampling of your treats." (Hmm, I'd like to sample her treats) "I own a small company three buildings down, and want to treat my staff of twenty to something special. What do you recommend?"

 

[intriguess]

She probably had flour in her hair, or something the way he was looking at her. Charlene smiled and smoothed the apron, wishing she could just stay in the back baking. However in the begining, she knew she'd have to do it all, and so she greeted the new customer.

"Chocalates? Pastries? Something en masse or individual?" she tucked a wayward strand of russet hair behind her ear as she tried to figure out what had caught his eye. She bit her lower lip as his gaze was a little too high to be the top shelf, but too low to be on the display items. She glanced behind her wondering if something behind her had caught his eye.

"Do you have a price range in mind?" she asked. "The dutch strips are an easy favorite, pretty much everyone likes them and they go well with coffee. Or the danishes are fabulous if you care for more variety. The triple chocalate cheesecake is sinful if your staff isn't counting calories. Of course there are also bon bons, which are rather irresistable and tend to vanish as soon as they are made."

She was unaware of how her full lips moved as she talked. She offered him a bon bon. "Try it," she mentally kicked herself for not using a wrapper and it was too late now to correct the tiny error. It was only then when she took a moment to look at him rather than assess his bakery needs that she noticed he was rather good looking.

 

[SparkyMan]

Paul Ashton

"Chocalates? Pastries? Something en masse or individual?"

Her words sang like music to my ears, a sweet lullaby. A song lost forgotten but quickly recalled. The glow surrounding her face from her beaming smile ... a heavenly angel, with heavenly music.

"Um ... a little bit of everything?" It was a question, because I was so lost in her that I didn't even realize what she was asking me. The way she bit her lip and played with her hair, almost childlike, sweet and innocent. I've never met a woman that had so many appealing qualities.

"Do you have a price range in mind? The dutch strips are an easy favorite, pretty much everyone likes them and they go well with coffee. Or the danishes are fabulous if you care for more variety. The triple chocalate cheesecake is sinful if your staff isn't counting calories. Of course there are also bon bons, which are rather irresistable and tend to vanish as soon as they are made."

I had no idea there would be so many choices. I thought I'd just stop in for several dozen donuts and be on my way. Now I was mesmerized, more so by her beauty than the surrounding delectables. "I really don't know. It's a rather diverse group. I do know however, that I am a cheesecake fanatic, and the triple chocolate is definitely sinful enough for my appetite." I hope it didn't sound as a come on line. I really did love cheesecakes, and chocolate! "Oh! I'm sorry. Money is no object. Just enough to satisfy about 20 employees! I don't want to have to eat all the leftovers." I laughed nervously, seeing her giggle at the image of me gorging on the high calorie goods.

"Here. Have a bon bon. Try it."

I took the sweet from her outstretched dainty hands, flour caked into the lines of her palm. Electric! The mere touch of our hands was electric. The tiny span of a split second, seemed to last forever as skin touched skin. There was something special about her, and I needed to know more about her.

I placed the bon bon in my mouth, closing it politely as she watched for my reaction. "Mmm," my eyes rolling to the back of my head as it simply melted in my mouth, savoring the intoxicating flavor of the offered morsel. "Out of this world," I commended, hoping that over time, she'd let me sample every delicacy before my wandering eyes.

She seemed nervous though, and I silently wondered why? Could it be concern on whether I would approve of her baking? I most certainly did.

Trying to make casual conversation, I asked, "Am I to assume you are Charlene?"

I admired the way her skin changed color, a slight pink hue to the otherwise pale skin, void of natural sunlight, due to hard working hours. I was in the same boat. I knew what it was like! I had lost the bronze color I was once so proud of in my younger days, trading the sun and fun, for money and success.

She had said she was. I held out my hand, eager to touch her again, to experience that electricity once more. She reached across the counter as if to shake my hand. I gripped it firmly, but softly relishing the feel, storing the memory of this moment for private recollection. I placed my other hand atop hers, gently stroking the skin, wondering if I should kiss her hand like a lady? I wanted to, but it was not appropriate ... not yet! "Paul. Paul Ashton. Nice to meet you!"

A pleasant smile slowly spread across her face as more and more color raced to her cheeks.

 

[intriguess]

The contact was intense, whether from a lack of such things or a real chemistry she wasn't sure, but being a pessimist about romance tended to opt for the former. He was charming, a little rusty perhaps, or was he distracted? She couldn't remember if there was a clock behind her or not at the moment.

She hoped she managed to read what he wanted, at least in terms of baked goods as she finally drew her hand away. "The pleasure of starting a business means I get to work all the hours. That way I know every aspect intimately," she turned her face away, goodness was she flirting?

"I'm sure you'd have no problems burning off the extra calories, and I know how cheesecake can call to you in middle of night," okay so she was flirting to some extent. She noticed he lacked a wedding ring, it was something she looked for quickly now a days. She pulled out 4 one dozen bon bon boxes and set them on top. "The cheesecake would require plates and forks," she stated it matter of factly, he seemed to be doing this last minute and she doubted he had such things at his place of business.

She decided to fish, just in case there was something going on. "I could box up a slice of cheesecake, perhaps your girlfriend would like to share the calories."

Charlene hoped she wasn't blushing again as her brown eyes tried not to be obvious as she began thinking of ways to burn off calories. It had been a long time since anyone made her think of such things. Perhaps too long.

 

[SparkyMan]

Paul Ashton

Oooh the touch. The mere touch of her hand in his. He would savor this moment for an eternity. Her big brown eyes capturing his gaze as he fell into the deep pools. All he could think about was that lovely tune from Van Morrison, singing in his head.

"The pleasure of starting a business means I get to work all the hours. That way I know every aspect intimately,"

Overworked? Underpaid! Not much social life? It sounded all too familiar, bringing back unpleasant memories of how he considered his *prime* years wasted. But he could make up for that now! The business was finally stable. He could ... if he wanted to ... make time. Make time ... for her ... for Charlene! Yes that's what he wanted to do. He wanted to make time for Charlene.

I watched her float ... yes, she was floating ... around the room preparing four boxes of those delectable bon bons that had just melted in my mouth.

"I'm sure you'd have no problems burning off the extra calories, and I know how cheesecake can call to you in middle of night."

What did she mean by that? Was she flirting with me? I looked down at myself, thinking, was I too thin? Was that a complement? And how did she know that I had indeed finished off a piece of cheesecake just last night before I tumbled into my lonely bed? I laughed nervously at her acute perception, or was it insight? "Actually, I did have a piece last night. How'd you know?" Again I laughed nervously, not realizing she had continued talking ...

"The cheesecake would require plates and forks ... I could box up a slice of cheesecake, perhaps your girlfriend would like to share the calories."

Cheesecake! Ummm, delicious! "Uh ... um... n-n-no," I stuttered. "No plates or forks. Cheesecake is all mine, for when I get back home." I laughed that damn nervous laugh again, it was sooo embarrassing. Girlfriend? Did she say girlfriend? "Uh ... um ... n-n-no," I was stuttering again, "no girlfriend." I recalled her earlier statement. "Like you said, I too, get to work all the hours, so I know every aspect *intimately*!" Damn was I flirting with her? It sure felt like it.

Her face seemed to sparkle even brighter as she finished boxing up the bon bons, adding a generous sliver of the deacadent looking cheesecake on top. I was about to pay her when I jumped out on a limb. "So tell me, does your other half mind all the hours you put in here?"

Oh damn! I struck a nerve. I could see her face sour at the subject. I blew it!

 

[intriguess]

He seemed nervous and she was wondering if she'd read him wrong, when he stammered on about eating cheesecake and not having a girlfriend.

He was cute when nervous, and she just about thought he was interested, especially the way he echoed her intimate comment, when he asked about her other half. Her face scrunched up and she hated the idea that she was missing part of herself even as she longed for someone to share her dreams with.

She opted for humor in what could have been a very awkward moment, "The only time I see my better half is in the mirror," the comment was sincere but lacked feeling. She sighed, if only life were a matter of mixing the right ingredients, season to taste and heat to perfection.

Charlene wondered if she was putting her foot in her mouth, "The sacrifice was worth it." She slipped one of her cards in with the cheesecake, "If you ever need to satisfy your sweet tooth, I make over a dozen different types of cheesecake. I also cater special events."

The reminder of being alone hit a little hard and she hated the bitter taste it left in her mouth.

 

[SparkyMan]

Paul Ashton

I had to chuckle inwardly at the quick witted reply Charlene offered about her better half. It was one I 'd have to remember to use next time I got confronted with a similar question. The moment was coming to a close, but I didn't want it to. I wanted to stay here with Charlene... she made me feel alive again

I pried the business card from the box, perusing it carefully, before securing it safely in my shirt pocket. "I wouldn't want to eat it by mistake," I poorly joked. I was making such a fool of myself. It was suddenly awkward for me, being with such a captivating woman, and being speechless. It's not that I didn't know what to say. It was that I didn't want to say the wrong thing.

I had to be getting on my way, but felt compelled to stay. I wanted to stay. I wanted to be here ... talking to Charlene ... finding out more about her ... all about her. I wanted to know what she liked ... what she didn't like ... movies or television ... eating in or dining out ... operas or concerts ... the list was endless. I wondered if she felt the same way? I've heard it said ... when you find the person you're destined to spend the rest of your life with ... you'll know it the first time you meet them. Could Charlene be the one? God I wished so! But alas, we were both two single business owners comitted to money and success. There's never time to develop relationships ... unless you make the time. I looked at Charlene again, once more she daintily tucked that annoying wisp of stray hair behind her hair to keep it out of her face. Charlene was that person! The person I was willing to sacrifice some of my business time for. There really wasn't a *need* for me to be at my office nearly 80 hours a week! All I had to do is let any of my competent employees pick up the *slack*, which I'm sure they'd eagerly do. I just had to make the time for Charlene.

I went out on a limb with the *other half* question, and was pleasantly rewarded with a positive response. It was time for me to stick my other foot onto the limb to test its sturdiness. Retrieving the card once more I reviewed the business hours. "Hmm. It says here you're open till 6 tonight." I looked at Charlene who politely nodded. I gently pushed her generous offering of cheesecake back towards her. "How about if you keep this here for me? I wouldn't want to further tempt any of my employees and show them my selfishness. I'll come back right before you close and get it then. Would that be okay?"

I desperately hoped and prayed she would. It would give me the opportunity to spend more quality time with her. It was subtle, but it gave me a reason to see her again.

 

[intriguess]

Charlene hated to say no to a customer, and admitting she'd been working since midnight and typically was sleeping at 6pm seemed perhaps like a bit too much information and yet she didn't want to be straining to stay awake. She opted for a neutral answer, hoping it wouldn't sound like rejection. After all he had created the perfect reason to come back, she just needed to figure out another option.

"I typically leave around 2, I have a part timer who does afternoon sales and cleans up." She smiled and nervously ran her tongue across her lips, her schedule had never been so frustrating before. "I can set it back for you or," she drifted off unsure of what exactly to say, or imply, she didn't want to be wrong.

 

[SparkyMan]

Paul Ashton

Damn! Blew that one! She leaves at two and someone else comes in! I don't want someone else. I want Charlene. Damn I sounded like a little kid, a selfish bratty one at that! "Backpeddle," I told myself, "retreat, regroup, and try again."

"Oh! You leave at two? Well then, I guess I'll have to *sneak* out of the office then! I winked as I flashed a crooked smile. Would you mind if I stopped by then?" I waited for her response, suddenly realizing it sounded like a pickup line. I quickly added, "to pick up the cheesecake that is!"

I felt like a monkey hanging on a loose branch with only one finger curled around the branch, ready and destined to fall to the ground, seemingly miles below. But then again, how could she say no? I'm a paying customer.

 

[intriguess]

Okay he was definetely interested, in cheesecake, she mentally joked. "That sounds fine, that way I don't have to worry about it accidentally going home with someone else." She paused, now thinking about what she was going to look like at 2pm and wishing they had met somewhere else, even as she knew that would never happen as she was either at work or home. "I'd really like to see your face when you take that first soft delicate bite," okay she knew food could be sexual but this was just impossible. He looked like he could explode at any second and she didn't mean below the belt. She wasn't sure if he was holding something in or just excited, heck her stomach was filled with nervous butterflies and she realized she knew next to nothing about him, but there was no way to really ask him about his business without seeming either nosey or being a distraction.

A distraction, she almost laughed, while she hoped she was pretty she had never really thought of herself as the distracting type. "If they can work without you, 2 would be fine."

She felt like a school girl, and she pulled her thoughts away from a time that had been far less pleasant. Besides someone else was coming in and surely he was late already.

 

[SparkyMan]

Paul Ashton

Darnit! An interruption! Ah, but it is another paying customer. Glancing at my watch ... no it can't be ... I've been in here all this time? "Oh my, I'm sorry. I must be going." I hand Charlene the company credit card ... business expense ... a genuine perk indeed. She processes it and hands it back to me along with a receipt as I pick up the boxes.

"Thanks a lot," I beam, giddy as a young kid. The monkey once hanging on the limb is doing backflips in mid air as he jumps nimbly from limb to limb and vine to vine. Vine to vine ... I feel like pounding my chest like Tarzan! I can't remember the last time I felt so ... alive and ... HAPPY! Happy to be in the position I am... happy that I didn't settle down too early ... happy that I put in all that hard time ... but most of all ... happy to have met Charlene. "See you later."

Carrying the boxes out of the store I turn to the new customer, "Gotta try those bon bons! They're good enough to die for!" A little sales pitch to help her out! That's what I was good at ... sales pitches. My marketing firm had landed some lucrative accounts recently and put together some remarkable ad campaigns, gaining us some notariety! Life was good!

Safely outside the door I had to shake my fist and audibly cry out, "YES!" I had a date! Well ... sort of a date for later this afternoon!

It was going to be a long day. I knew I wouldn't get my mind off Charlene!

 

[intriguess]

Charlene took a moment to wash her hands as the new person perused the assortment. It was tough to believe she'd only been here a month, business was doing well at least and the bills had been paid without panicking. The down payment had about choked her, but it was all worth it. The day passed quickly as usually and she snagged a bowl of soup at ten.

It slowed down after 1 as lunch hours ended and she had time to organize for the next days baking and put finishing touches on the wedding cake. She was glad her part time help was reliable.

"Are you humming?"

Charlene smiled and turned to her part timer, "It's been a good day." She carefully boxed the cake and glanced at clock. "You're late, it's nearly 2."

"The joys of dealing with a sick kid, the daycare doesn't want to spread stuff around and I know you are counting on me."

Charlene's smile faded at the mention of kids, she faked a smile, "Well I'm just glad you're here. My days are long enough as is you know."

They both headed out front to go over some final instructions, and Charlene took out the bank deposit. "Stop eyeing the last slice of triple chocolate cheesecake, it's already sold." Charlene glanced up to see him enter, "In fact he's here for it now."

 

[SparkyMan]

Paul Ashton

Man this has been the slowest day of my life! I haven't stopped peering at the clock since I walked in with the bon bons. That went over with a bang! Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the little surprise, and all commented on the exquisite taste. I silently cursed Maria, my secretary, who came into my office at one, to discuss the spreadsheet material I had outlined for her. I wanted to be early! I wanted to surprise Charlene, coming in earlier than she had planned. Now Maria threatened to make me miss my two o'clock deadline. I nervously fidgeted until one forty, interrupting our review of the materials. "Uh, Maria? Let's put this off. I've got an appointment at two and I'm gonna be late."

Maria looked at me quizzically, knowing my calendar down to the last minute. She knew that I didn't have an *appointment* that was on the books! "Oh? Really? I don't recall seeing anything on the calendar."

I half lied. "I ran into a prospect, this morning and promised to meet 'em at two." I was already rising from my seat, straightening my tie, and donning my suit jacket. As I walked by Maria. "I don't know when I'll be back, so just take care of things for me, please." I walked out, leaving Maria still sitting in my office. I know she didn't believe me. If that had been the case I would have told her to put all the detailed info on the calendar for future reference. That's what I always did!

My heart was thumping as I hurried down the sidewalk, deafening my ears to the city traffic passing by. My hands were sweaty. I opened the door, and there she was!

My angel of the morning! The perfect halo surrounding her face as she beamed. There was someone else behind the counter, with her. A rather nice looking, somewhat younger lady. But she couldn't compare to Charlene. Must be her help, I assumed.

Her face beamed brighter noting my entrance as she talked to her closer.

" ... it's already sold; in fact he's here for it now."

It seemed as if her cheeks reddened, highlighting the small splotch of white icing, that she must have inadvertently wiped there.

"I'm here for my cheesecake," I announced, gliding up to the counter. Hopefully I'd have another chance to touch that hand of hers again as she slipped me the generous portion. Oh it was delicious, the feel of her hand once again as I retrieved the boxed portion from Charlene. "By the way, the bon bons definitely did the trick this morning. You've just acquired twenty new clients. I thought I'd warn you!" I smiled my most heartfelt smile possible trying to let her know that I was interested ... interested in her ... interested in her business ... interested in her success. I wanted to be part of it .. part of it all! I wanted to be part of her!

I had an idea, that I hoped she would agree to. But her employee was here, looking directly at me and Charlene. I didn't want to embarrass her in front of her employee. That would be wrong! That wasn't polite. But damn, her presence was throwing a monkey wrench in my carefully, sales-pitch created craftiness, plan to invite her ... oh god it was going to be ... a date.

I leaned in close, turning to the side somewhat, and lowly whispered. "Do you think I could have a plate and fork? Please?" Charlene had leaned in close to hear what I was saying. Oh if that's all I had to do to get her that close to me, I'd whisper to her all the time. I inhaled the pleasant scent of a faint bouquet of flowers, masked beneath the sweet smell of sugar, spices, and chocolate.

She giggled at my simple request, probably wondering why I had to whisper such a request. She leaned back away from me and laughed, "Of course." She then turned over her shoulder to ask her night time assistant to get a plate and fork from the back. She obliged shuffling through the opening, disappearing from sight.

Perfect! Now was the time! Gotta do it quick! Hurry before she comes back! "Uh ... um ..." My voice had instinctively lowered again. Hurry up and just do it. She's gonna pop back through that opening any second. "This is a pretty big piece," referring to the cheesecake in my hand. " I was, uh, wondering if you'd like to help me with it? Say, over coffee maybe, or possibly a walk in the park?" I hoped she understood me clearly, having spoken so rapidly, my words running into one another as they raced from my mouth.

 

[intriguess]

Big piece, a zillion silly and sarcastic lines ran through her mind just on that phrase not to mention trying to run while eating in the park, or other things. Did her mind really just wander to a idyllic secluded semi dressed picnic? She'd never had someone affect her so strongly, she wasn't sure if she had repressed that part of herself for so long that it only took the slightest touch to make her tingle, or if there was chemistry.

She wanted to be careful with what she said, but knew that if he were really interested she couldn't say the wrong thing. "You know I've never cared for coffee, I guess my taste buds just aren't wired for that bitter coffee taste."

Good plate and knife, she'd been surprised when her part timer had headed to back, as there was plenty of service ware around. She took the flawless display plate and fork and headed to one of the corner booths. "Food in the park is fine, but cheesecake isn't exactly something you can eat while walking."

She wasn't sure if it was an offer to share it now, or later and so set the plate down and continued. "I figured you'd eat it here, or take it home with you." Okay getting past flirty banter and into the seeing if he wants to go out was not something she'd quite mastered.

 

[SparkyMan]

Paul Ashton

Why did she set it down here in the booth? It'd be okay if it were after hours I suppose, and no one else to bother us. But what about her assistant? I felt uneasy about discussing Charlene with anyone but Charlene. Maybe she doesn't feel safe wandering off with me? That's gotta be it. She figures a first date ... here ... if it doesn't go well ... then she can ...

Wait! Why wouldn't it go well? We were meant to be. I just knew it! They said it was true. And it was living proof, right here in front of me.

Here is alright. Not what I had expected. Not fitting into my sales pitch. I can alter my sales pitch to suit the situation, but I always hated doing that on the fly. I like to be prepared. This spontaneous stuff is difficult to deal with.

I was beginning to wonder who'd be more nervous with the assistant running the store, listening to our intimate talk; Charlene, or me?

"Oh," I hope my face didn't show disappointment. "Um, I guess that's okay." Then it hit me. My split finger, sinking curve ball pitch. "But ... uh ..., " I nodded at Charlene's worker. "I thought since you've been here all day, you'd like to get out of here?" I picked up the cheesecake from the table. "Somewhere where we can share this." I held it up, so she knew what I was talking about. I suddenly remembered the safety factor ... "But, here is fine also."

 

[intriguess]

She had almost forgotten how awkward a first date could be, testing each other's boundaries. Seeing how far they'll go to make a good impression. She stifled a yawn, since she'd been up for almost fourteen hours. Charlene had been looking forward to a nice hot bath and sleep. How to politely suggest that time was an issue, especially when he'd taken time off of work to try and pick her up.

Telling him about her sleeping habits was a bit more provocative than she wished to be, since she had this feeling he was worth taking the time to get to know before devouring his body. Good lord her mind was once again imagining his body, various foods, and how many ways she could devour him. "I haven't had time to get out much, I honestly don't know of a place where we could eat that would be any better than here."

Okay it was a long run on sentence and she sounded like she had no social life, then again she had no social life.

 

[SparkyMan]

Paul Ashton

Okay! Here would be fine!

"That's fine. Would you join me?" I waved my hand politely towards the somewhat secluded booth, offering for her to have a seat.

God! My hands were sweaty again. This is totally unlike me! I'm always cool, calm and collected in stressful presentations. But this wasn't a presentation ... this was ... I paused to dry my hands on my slacks ... a date! Okay, it wasn't much of a date, but it was the closes thing that I've had to a date since Mary, my secretary, coerced me to go to a theatre performance with her sister ... what a disaster!

I sat across from her and sat. Once again I had to chuckle, looking at the small splotch of icing still painted on her cheek. I wanted to reach across and wipe it off for her, but she might be offended. I didn't want to embarass her either. I just smiled and wiped my cheek, hoping she'd get the hint, which she did. I fell in love with the nervous giggle that escaped as she realized that her makeup consisted of vanilla icing.

I was a businessman, and the only way I really felt comfortable approaching such a delicate mattter, was from a business perspective. I had to put the cards on the table and start negotiations from the ground floor, and build a working trust and relationship that could foster for the longevity of the project. I opened the box and pulled out the cheesecake, setting it directly in between Charlene and I. There was only one fork, so I lay it down for now.

I swallowed the lump in my throat and took a deep breath. Okay, here it goes ...

"Charlene? I'm really inexperienced at this sort of thing." I finally looked into her eyes, holding her stare while I continued. It was my turn to bite my lip momentarily. "When I came in here this morning, all I really expected, was to pick up a couple dozen donuts, and then be on my way. But there's something ..." Man I gotta use the right words, or I'll blow it! "There was something that made me not want to leave ... And it wasn't the bon bons!" I inched my hands across the table, resting on either side of the cake, hoping she'd meet me in the middle with hers. "I was afraid I'd embarrass you, saying such things in front of your employee," even though she really wasn't paying us any special attention. "What I guess I'm trying to say, is that I'd like to have the ... um ..." Goddammit, don't lose it now! ".... um ... the opportunity to get to know you better. And I was wonderin....?" My heart stopped beating as my voice trailed off, waiting for her response.

 

[intriguess]

He sounded so intent, serious, yet awkard, as if he knew what he wanted to say but he just couldn't get the words out. It was quite adorable, that is until she realized she had frosting on her cheek, which then made her even more self conscious and it became even tougher to follow what he was saying.

Was he saying what she thought he was saying? Who knew being asked on a date could be so nerve racking. She was just as nervous about answering, trying not to sound all high pitched and giddy, but not aloof either. It was almost giving her a headache.

"Monday is my day off," so of course she started in the middle of her train of thought instead of the begining and then realized how odd her statement sounded. "I mean the store isn't open on Mondays, so I kind of have a one day weekend." Okay that sounded worse, "I don't exactly have a normal schedule."

 

[SparkyMan]

Paul Ashton

"Monday is my day off," she said.

Does that mean she wants a date? Is she saying yes? My heart skips another beat as I find it increasingly difficult to hide the smile spreading across my face. I hope I'm not making a fool of myself, wrongfully assuming she wants to date ... me.

"I mean the store isn't open on Mondays, so I kind of have a one day weekend. I don't exactly have a normal schedule."

That sure sounds like a date to me. Oh god ... I've got a date ... a real date ... a real date with a really cute woman. I was floating on cloud nine when her words echoed in my brain. "Monday!"

Mondays? No fucking way! Mondays were my worst day! That was the beginning of the work week! Preparations needed to be made! Schedules, appoinntments, progress meetings ... there was always sooo much to do on Mondays! There was just no way ..... STOP!

Paul's mind froze, as well as everything around him. No one moved, everyone still and unmoving, yet Paul's eyes could wander around. He saw the helper, he never did get her name, wiping the far counter down, cleaning out the display case, readying it for tomorrow's fresh baked goods. Outside the window was a woman in mid stride walking her dog on a short leash. Ther in front of him was Charlene! Charlene! Charlene, the girl he'd do anything for. Charlene, the girl he was willing to make sacrifices for. Charlene, the girl he felt completed him, made him whole. Charlene, the girl he had to be with ...

RESUME ...unless of course, I change my personal schedule and take care of all my necessities over the weekend. I could have the outlines laid out ahead of time. I could have Mary dictate the meetings. I could get my schedules from her Tuesday morning. Yes, I could rearrange a few things and make room in my schedule for Charlene! Yes! I wanted to.

"Monday sounds terrific. But since you only have one day, why don't we start Sunday when you get off? What time does your shift end on Sunday? Maybe a bite to eat? Italian? Greek? Mexican? Even American?" I joked, hoping she'd tell me what she liked.

 

[intriguess]

She had to avoid laughing when he said get off. She always throught the phrase was, well unintentionally sexual, and it made her mind drift in that direction. "Depends on how long clean up takes, but I'm usually done around one. Mindy comes in at eleven to deal with the afterchurchers."

Okay was he really proposing a all night 24 hour wake up together type of date? or was she just reading way to much into that intense stare. She wanted more, she wasn't sure what it was about him, but she definetly wanted more.




OOC sorry for the shortened post, I tend to post once a day and my brain is fried at moment. I probably will get around to board again tonight.

 

[SparkyMan]

"Sunday at one sounds fine," I offered. "Oh, is that Mindy over there," I nodded my head in her direction as I lifted the fork.

Oh what a relief. The tension is gone, the weight off my shoulders. That first hurdle had been cleared. They always say the key to a good sales technique is to nail down a followup appointment before you even begin the sell! It was Friday, and I already had a date for Sunday. I was floating higher than the clouds, feeling free. I stabbed my fork into the cheesecake and tasted the richness, the creaminess, I had been dreaming about all day long. The taste in my mouth matched my sense of euphoria.

I stabbed the fork into the cheesecake again, this time turning the fork in Chantelle's direction. "You did say you'd share this with me, right?"

 

[intriguess]

As a baker she rarely got to sample her own stuff, that is after she got the recipe down. Since Charlene rarely closed, she typically didn't take anything home with her. There was only one fork, so evidentally the exchange of germs was going to take place now. She wasn't a germ phobe, but she was kind of a neat freak when it came to cooking and eating. Seeing how she'd already pictured him all sweaty and naked, taking a bite off the same fork paled in comparision.

She leaned forward a little bit and parted her lips. The feeling was strange, and she wondered if she was going to be able to get a good nights sleep after this.

 

[SparkyMan]

It was a unique instant watching her open her mouth, her toungue gently bathing the fork, curling along the underside of it as her lips ovaled over the morsel, pulling it and the fork into her mouth as her pink lips clamped tightly down onto the steel prongs. It was impossible for me to ignore the stir in my loins as the image could easily be transformed into an erotic moment.

Her eyes closed as her lips pressed more firmly, pulling, sucking, taking the offered piece into her mouth. The corners of her mouth slowly lifted, the color in her cheeks reddening as she savored the flavor. A soft, barely audible purr escaping her lips as I watched her throat muscles ripple, elegantly swallowing the mouth watering sweetness into her stomach. There she sat in front of me, totally unaware of how she made me feel. Somehow I needed to tell her ... but when ... how ... without scaring her away.

Continue the conversation I reminded myself as I stabbed another piece. "So. You're here every morning then, except for Mondays?" I swallowed the next piece, knowing where I'd be stopping every morning for the rest of my life! I stabbed another and held it up for Charlene.

 

[intriguess]

She almost shook her head, but there seemed to be no way to deny taking the offered bite. "Yep I'm here long before the crack of dawn, baking up a storm." She had finally stopped thinking twice about every word she said and just let the conversation flow naturally. "I usually take a break to see the sunrise, since I miss most sunsets."