Moving at Christmas Time (closed with MidnightBliss)

[garajd]

OOC: David Johnson, 54, divorced, independently wealthy . . . more to come later.
*********

David sat at his desk in the home office of his new place in the suburbs. Having just sold his consulting business to his partners for too much money, he was financially set for the rest of his life. A small time commitment to the old company would keep him busy when he wanted something to do.

For now, he is just trying to get his new house organized before his daughters (23 and 27) come for Christmas with their spouses and kids. Looking up from his desk, he saw his neighbor leave for work. A quick glimpse before she got in her car was enough to tell him she was quite attractive; David was terrible at ages, but she looked to be in her late 20's to mid 30's. Quickly deciding he is going to have to meet her at the earliest opportunity.

The rest of the day was spent unpacking the final few boxes . . . soon it was late afternoon. David grabbed a beer and headed out to his deck . . . maybe get lucky when "she" got home from work. Married? Single? Kids? All questions to be answered.

 

[MidnightBliss]

OOC: Casey Jameson, 32, Single, Manager of Diamond Lust Jewelry for the last 3 years.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Casey saw the moving truck for her new neighbors pull away as got in her shower this morning so by the time she got ready to leave and head off to work she was sure that her new neighbors, whoever they were, were busy putting their belongings away and she didn't want to disturb them. She made a note to stop by and say hello either after work or over the weekend at some point, depending on how her schedule looked with the craziness of the upcoming holiday.

She got into her car and pulled away, noticing the shadow of what looked like a man in one of the windows. She smiled to herself and as she drove to work a million questions ran through her mind about the new people. She wondered if it was just the man, or if it was an entire family. The last people that lived in that house we a very loud, very obnoxious couple that didn't care much about the people around them or the noise ordinance. She really hoped that the new one or ones were nicer.

As she got to work all her thoughts of her new neighbors left her mind as the craziness began. Between custom orders and resizing and a number of other things that popped up during the day she didn't even realize it was time to leave until her boss walked up and pulled her aside telling her to head home.

On the way home she called in a pick up order from the local deli and then headed home where once inside she kicked her heels off and sat on the couch, turning her radio on and eating her dinner.

 

[garajd]

David finished his beer and decided to run out to one of the local cafes for a bite to eat. By the time he got back home after eating and stopping at the local WalMart for a few things, the same car was back in the driveway. A quick look at the house didn't indicate a lot of activity; probably better wait until a better time to go over and introduce himself. Not sure how this neighborhood reacts to 8:00 p.m. knocks on your door.

Settling into his family room with the new 55" TV, David soon lost himself in a college basketball game; falling asleep before the first half was done. Waking up when the final buzzer sounded, he headed off to bed and a solid night of sleep.

Tomorrow is a new day!!

 

[MidnightBliss]

Casey had fallen asleep on the couch after eating and spending some time on her social media account. When she woke up the next morning she was thankful to be working the evening shift at the store and decided she would go outside and sit in the swing on her front porch while enjoying her coffee.

With a book in hand she went and sat down, enjoying the quiet of the morning and occasionally glancing next door , debating on whether or not to go say hello. She considered it for a moment then decided it wouldn't be right to show up empty handed to welcome her neighbors and ran back inside to start making some muffins as a welcome gift.

 

[garajd]

David slept in the next morning . . . 7:00 A.M was sleeping late for him!! Waiting for his coffee to brew (he still hadn't made the change to the new Keurig on the market), he flipped on his laptop to catch the latest news. Carrying his computer out to the deck, he settled in with his cup of coffee, e-mailing the girls to confirm the Christmas plans and final requests from the kids. They all knew Davis was a soft touch when it came to the grandkids . . . Grandpa would always come thru with almost anything they asked for. Shopping for his daughters was another matter . . . that was always a pain in the butt!!

Looking up as he heard the neighbor's door open, he was a bit surprised to see her walking across her yard toward his house.

 

[MidnightBliss]

Casey slipped on a pair of jeans and a tank top then pulled her favorite flannel on over top of it after she had finished baking a batch of blueberry and chocolate chip muffins. She made two types because its always good to have a choice. After she put them in a small basket she headed over to the neighbor's house.

Halfway over she noticed a gentleman on the deck, she flashed a friendly smile and waved at him before moving up to the top stair. She stopped not wanting to invade his space without asking.

"Knock Knock! Hi I'm Casey Jameson, I live next door as I'm sure you can tell. I just wanted to stop by and welcome you to the neighborhood." she smiled again and held out the basket "Oh and bring these over, the are homemade blueberry muffins and chocolate chip as well. I wasn't sure what you would prefer"

 

[garajd]

"Hi Casey. I'm David Johnson, happy to meet you. And being a single guy, anything homemade is always welcome. Can I offer you a cup of coffee? And, since I am new to this area, perhaps you can help me out with a couple of Christmas shopping questions."

 

[MidnightBliss]

Casey offered David another smile and figured it would be ok to walk into his deck. She placed the muffins in front of where he sat and motioned to the seat across from him. "Well, its very nice to meet you David. Do you mind if I join you for a bit? And yes a cup of coffee would be great. I'll help with any questions you have"

 

[garajd]

Returning from the kitchen with a cup of coffee, creamer and sugar, I settle into my chair once more. "My problem is this. My daughters and their families are going to be here for the day on Christmas. I have the lists from the grandkids and the sons-in-law are no problem, but shopping for my daughters is a real challenge. They are 23 and 27 and just difficult to buy for. You seem pretty close to their age, so maybe you would have some ideas to share with me."

Having had a few minutes to look Casey over from head to toe . . . nice looking, no wedding ring . . . actually, a little more than nice looking . . . she is damn hot!! "And, by the way, you are welcome on my deck anytime, along with your husband or boyfriend."

 

[MidnightBliss]

Casey smiled once again at his compliment of her age, yes in a way she was close to thier ages but she had 9 years on his youngest daughter. She poured some creamer into the coffee but no sugar and let out a soft purr of delight as she took a sip. "Wow this is really good. Please tell me its not one of those single serve things? She brushed a strand of long brown hair from her eyes and looked over him before continuing "As far as gifts for daughters, jewelry is always nice but then I manage a Jewelry store so I might be a bit biased on that front. What kinds of things do they like? And if I came to visit again it would only be me, I don't have a significant other.

 

[garajd]

"Well, Casey, my daughters are like my ex . . . you can never have too much jewelry. So, sounds like I found the right person to help me out here."

Sitting back and sipping my coffee. "No, not a single cup pot. I happen to like a Starbuck's blend, but I make it to the strength I like . . . usually about 3-4 cups a day."

Letting a little silence drift into our conversation as both of us focus on our coffee for the moment, "When will you be working again, and just where is this store that you manage. I'm still learning my way around the community. Before I moved here, I lived in a condo downtown near my business."

 

[MidnightBliss]

Placing her coffee down Casey turns a little towards David and bites the corner of her bottom lip "Actually, I work tonight. I manage Diamond Lust Jewelers in the grove shopping center. Its actually about a 10 minute drive from here and its right on the main road once you make the left out of the neighborhood"

 

[garajd]

"I think I can find that. Maybe I'll stop in tonight after I get something to eat. By the way, do you have any suggestions for me on a place to eat. I'm not much of a cook, and I haven't really had time to stock my kitchen yet beyond the absolute necessities, like coffee . . . and now, muffins."

Noticing that Casey is chewing on her bottom lip, is that something he should take as any kind of a sign?

 

[MidnightBliss]

"Actually, there is this great little deli a few door down from Diamond Lust, I absolutely love it and so do a few of my co-workers. Basically anyone I've ever met that has eaten there loves it."

The one thing about Casey was when she bit her lip like that bit was a nervous habit, something she didn't even realize she did most of the time and it more often the not had to do with thoughts running through her mind that shouldn't be. She looked over David again and finished the coffee in front of her.

"Well, I'm at work tonight until 10...later hours because of the holidays, so I can probably help you find something nice."

 

[garajd]

"Thanks for the info. I'll try that deli and then I'll stop in the store and let you help me wrap up my shopping. Anything you can tell me, or warn me, about any of the neighbors?"

Can't help but focus my eyes on you . . . doing everything I can to keep them on your eyes and not your gorgeous figure. You may have thrown on a flannel shirt over the tank top, but I can still get a damn good idea of what is 'hiding' in there.

 

[MidnightBliss]

Casey offered David a smile as she put her mug down on the table shifting slightly in her seat and crossing her legs looking at him. He was actually a very handsome man for his age.

"It would be a pleasure to help you find the perfect gift for you daughters. As far as the neighborhood and the people in it, there isn't really anything to worry about.
The only bothersome people I had ever met here were the ones that lived in this house before you. I mean you have your nosy neighbors of course but not much else. Oh watch out for Ms. Waters across the street, she is a sweet old lady, she just turned 85, she tends to bake and pass things out to the neighbors around the holidays but she uses salt instead of sugar so...beware of her cookies."

 

[garajd]

I'll be sure to take only a small bite when she comes over; maybe I should save the rest until we can have another cup of coffee and share them with you?" David responded with a smile.

As Casey sat across from him, David could not help but let some images run thru his mind; yes, he had just met Casey, but watching her as she had walked across the yard to his deck, his eyes on her with every small movement in the chair . . . mmm, kept telling himself to push those thoughts aside . . . even so, a certain 'part' of his body was twitching with excitement.

 

[MidnightBliss]

Casey laughed softly at his suggestion of keeping the cookies to share with her. Without thinking she lifted her hand to her long hair and ran her fingers through it while her eyes moved over David once more. She smiled again and stood up from her seat.

"Well David, it was very nice to sit here and chat with you but I have some things to do at home before work this evening. If you need anything feel free to stop by"

 

[garajd]

Standing as well, David reached out to shake Casey's hand, "It was a pleasure to share my coffee this morning. The coffee pot is always on and you don't need an invitation to come over and join me. By the way, what time will you be working today; I want to be sure and come into the store while you are there."

David was known as a 'hands-on' boss at the company, and without thinking, when Casey took his hand, he automatically reached out with his other hand and placed it on her shoulder, pulling Casey closer to him. Her soft hand, and the scent of her hair, was enough to trigger another twitch in his jeans . . . hopefully not enough for her to notice . . . at least, not yet.

 

[MidnightBliss]

Casey blushes a bit as David took her hand in his, a very innocent action had left her body tingling a bit and she couldn't quite explain why. She flicked her tomgue over her lips to moisten them and the nodded her head.

"Thank you for the coffee invite and I might just have to take you up on it from time to time. I will be at the store at 5 this evening and if you don't see me out front just ask for me."

She smiled once more and gently pulled her hand from hisbefore heading off towards her home.

 

[garajd]

Being a successful business owner, David usually picks up on unspoken responses from those he is dealing with; so noticing the slight blush on Casey's face as he took her hand was something he would, and did, notice . . . as well as the slight tremor in her hand as he held it a bit longer than a normal handshake.

"I will see you sometime this evening."

 

[MidnightBliss]

Casey smiled and waved to David as she walked into her house. She headed up to her room to shower and he added a pair of jeans and a blouse from her closet the went into her bathroom and proceeded to get ready for the rest of the day.

 

[garajd]

David sat on his deck and watched Casey walk across the yards until she reached her house . . . damn, those jeans fit her perfectly. David, being an ass and leg man, would know!!

Back inside, David checked the e-mails from his daughters about Christmas; then took the rest of the day to relax until time to run out and grab a bite and stop by Casey's store. Leaving the house at 5:30, he drove around and got a bit more familiar with the area. After finding the deli near the jewelry store, he enjoyed a sandwich and then walked down the mall to find the Diamond Lust jewelry store. Casey was busy with another customer, so he browsed the store until she was available.

 

[MidnightBliss]

Casey was helping a customer when David walked into the store. She looked at him and smiled "I will be right with you David, let me just go wrap this up"

She finished gift wrapping the necklace that Mr. Murphy had bought his wife and sent him on his way with a sweet smile. As she started to make her way over to David, Tom, one of her coworkers, came up and let her know he was headed out for dinner. She nodded her head and told him to have a good dinner the turned her attention to David.

"Welcome to Diamond Lust David, have you seen anything you like?"

 

[garajd]

"Other than the individual that is going to help me with my shopping?"

That comment just rolled off David's tongue without any thought. Not waiting for a response, David began telling Casey about his daughters, hoping she would have some ideas to suggest.

"Tammy, my 27 year-old is married and has two kids who are active in gymnastics. Tammy spends a lot of time with their activities. Amy, the 23-year old is also married, but no kids yet. She is a nurse in a large hospital, helping with patients in an post-surgery unit. She and her husband love to camp whenever they can. Give you any ideas?"