Never Expected Love

by S. M. Stryker

  The restaurant that Beckett picked floats on the Willamette River, he thought it would be nice to watch the boats as we eat. They seat us immediately next to a large window which faces the water. Beckett and I let the ladies sit next to the window so they have the better view. I pull out her chair as she sits. We order a couple bottles of wine and appetizers to start. "How was your day, Harlow?" Beckett asks.

  "It was good. I interviewed a girl to help me with the baking so maybe I won't always have to be there in the middle of the night."

  "That will be nice for you. I don't know how you get used to getting up so early, then staying there all day. What did you think of her?"

  "She seems good, a little overly friendly, but my concern is that I don't want to just give my recipes to someone I don't know, it makes me nervous."

  "Why not have her sign an NDA?" I suggest.

  "Oh, I hadn't even thought of a Non-Disclosure Agreement," Harlow says.

  "We have a generic one that we use. It's a great way not to lose your secrets. In our business, it's mandatory for us, the last thing I want to do is lose some of our secrets to another company," I say.

  "I know I had to sign one before I started at the company I work for," Nicole says.

  “I'm sure Beckett can get you a copy to read over," I say.

  “Sure, I’ll get it to you this weekend."

  Our dinner comes and we seem to concentrate on our food more than our conversation, there's nothing better than fresh seafood.

  Nicole is breaking out of her shell. It's been so long since I have been out with a woman I really don't know what to do. Talk about a fish out of water. She has a dry sense of humor and I love it. I don't think I've laughed this much in a long time. By the end of dinner, she's throwing jokes out right and left. If I didn't know that she drank just one glass of wine the whole night, I would have blamed it on that, but she did only drink one glass. She is so quick witted.

  Nicole and I are hitting it off. We both have been laughing and joking all night. After dinner, we all decide to walk along the waterfront looking at some of the shops that line River Place. It is a beautiful evening, just a light breeze dancing across the river. I reach over and slowly take Nicole's hand in mine, interlocking our fingers, and God it stirs something in me. Feelings that I've never felt before are coming alive. We come across an ice cream shop and decide to get some. We sit at one of the bistro tables outside that line the street as we talk and get to know each other better.

  Nicole tells us more about herself although there seems to be a sadness underneath. I didn't see it at first, but when she lets her guard down I've seen it slip. It's in her eyes. Maybe that's how I look, that underlying sadness, I wonder what made her that way. Like myself, Nicol has never married or had a relationship, putting her work before herself. She moved to Oregon for a job just out of college and she's been here ever since. Although she lives in Oregon, she loves the Seattle Seahawks and the Seattle Mariners, which perks up my ears because I love them too. We talk about the Super Bowl the Seahawks won; it was the first time and hopefully not the last.

  Nicole is beautiful, she has dark brown hair and sapphire blue eyes. She has a classic look, but her personality is wild though you would never know it from looking at her, she reads prim and proper. It's funny because she was so quiet when I met her, but once she feels comfortable around you watch out. Her quick wit keeps us on our toes all night. I don't think I've ever smiled or laughed so much.

  At the end of the evening, Beckett drives the ladies home. My heart is racing and I'm almost panting as I hold her hand and walk her to the door. I don't want the evening to end. "I really had a great time tonight, and I would love to see you again," I say.

  "I would like that, I had a lot of fun too. I can't even tell you the last time I went out."

  "Me either, I've put my whole life on hold for my job. Maybe it's time for us to join the human race again?"

  "I think so too. Thank you, Richard, for tonight."

  "I know it's soon, but how about tomorrow? It's the weekend. Maybe we can go for a drive, and... I don't know just see how things go?"

  "I would love that."

  "Say nine o'clock?"

  "I will see you then." I lean over kissing her on the cheek and she stiffens, still holding her hand, I bring it to my lips trying to reassure her before letting it go. I then wait as she opens the front door and walks inside before walking back to the Jeep.

  Beckett then takes Harlow to the front door giving her a kiss goodnight.

  Driving back to the office to drop me off at my car, I say, "Thank you for introducing me to Nicole, she has a great personality and her sense of humor is funny as hell! Did you notice anything about her or has Harlow said anything about her? She has a sadness to her, it's not there all the time, but I saw it slip a couple times."

  "No, just that she put her education and work before her social life is all. But then again, I was only paying attention to Harlow."

  "Well, thank you again.

  "Hey, I hadn't met her either. I just thought it would be nice for all of us to get together. I really wanted you to meet Harlow and she wanted me to meet Nicole. It was just easier this way."

  I chuckle at the nice save. "Uh huh, I do like Harlow, you guys are great together, I can see why you waited."

  "Well, I don't think I've ever seen you laugh or smile so much. Are you going to take Nicole out again?"

  "Yes, I asked her to spend the day with me tomorrow. I like the way I feel around her. I would love to get to know her more. She's pretty, smart, and crazy funny once she gets comfortable. You're right, Beckett, it's time." I slap Beckett's shoulder then open my door to get out. "I'll see you Monday, don't forget Raven starts then."

  "I remember, see ya," Beckett says.

  I go home on cloud nine. I can't remember the last time I ever felt this way...well...ever. I've put so much of my time into my job then the business, I never made the time for a social life. I've always wanted a family, but I just figured it wasn't in the cards for me, but maybe... What am I thinking, it was one date, a blind date at that... as if. But shit, I love the way I feel around her, it's like I can breathe again.

  I walk into the bathroom turning on the shower and undress as I think of the evening's events and get in. As the hot water cascades down my body, I try to think of what to do and where to go with Nicole tomorrow when the perfect idea comes to mind. I get out of the shower and into bed, but I toss and turn all night, anxious about the morning and the thought of spending the whole day with her.

  When I wake, my heart is racing with anticipation for the day. I know Nicole is a kid at heart so I decide to take her to the Rose Festival City Fair.

  I arrive at Nicole's house and the butterflies in my stomach are beating to get out. I step to the door popping a mint into my mouth just in case. I ring the doorbell and Harlow answers.

  "Hi, Richard, it's good to see you again." She has a big smile on her face.

  "Hi, Harlow, likewise."

  "Come in, she will be just a minute."

  "Thank you. You and Beck have plans for the day?"

  "Yes, we're going to barbecue."

  "The weather is wonderful, I'm sure you two will have a great day."

  "What do you two have planned?"

  I lean over to whisper in her ear, not wanting Nicole to hear. "I thought we would go to City Fair, this is the last weekend for it, and then maybe dancing."

  "Oh, she'll love that. She never cuts loose."

  "Okay, what are you two whispering about?"

  Nicole looks amazing. She has purple pants that come just below her knees and a t-shirt of the same color over a hot pink tank top, with a pair of sandals. It only takes a second for her scent to float under my nose, which makes my dick jump with excitement. I walk over to her, lean down and kiss her cheek. "You look incredible and smell just as good."

  Nicole places her hand on my chest and looks up into my eyes, "Thank you, Richard, you smell really g
ood too, what are you wearing?"

  "Acqua Di Gio."

  She leans into my neck and inhales again. As she pulls away, her eyes are closed with a look of ecstasy on her face. "Don't ever change, I love it."

  I smile at her as I look into her lovely face, "Well then, I guess I won't be changing it if it can entice that kind of a reaction out of you."

  I hear Harlow clearing her throat. "Do you two need a room?"

  I chuckle.

  "Harlow!" Nicole giggles as she pushes Harlow's shoulder in gist.

  "We should be going," I say. Opening the front door, I place my hand on the small of Nicole's back as I follow her out the door. "Bye, Harlow, have a good day." Harlow waves goodbye as she shuts the door behind us.

  I guide her to the car door as I open it for her to get into. "Oh this is pretty," she says as she looks up at me.

  "Thank you, this was my one splurge after my parents died."

  "I'm sorry."

  "It's okay, it happened a while ago."

  "Would you tell me about them sometime?"

  "Of course." I close her door and get in. I know I need to change the subject or it's going to be a somber day all day. I start the car and sit there in the driveway. "So Nicole, have you eaten breakfast yet?"

  "No, I was too nervous about the day to eat."

  "Good, I've made reservations for breakfast." I put the Range Rover in reverse and start to our destination.

  "Where are we going?"

  I glance over at her and smile. "Today is going to be full of surprises." I wink at her and smile waggling my eyebrows at her. "So tell me what you were like growing up."

  "Well, I guess I was the typical kid, Rachael, Harlow's mom is a couple years older than me, and she’s my only sibling. Mom and Dad were probably like any other parents, they expected us to do our chores and behave. We were expected to do well in school. I found I liked computers and everything was changing rapidly so I went to college to learn as much as I could about them."

  "What made you move to Oregon?"

  There’s silence for a few seconds, I turn to look at her, she's looking out the passenger window as if a memory has her in a trance. When she finally answers, she does so in a very quiet voice, almost a whisper while still looking out the window. “When I graduated, I moved down here for my job, nothing very exciting. What about you?" She's still quiet and can't look into my face.

  I reach for her hand bringing it to my mouth kissing it. I glance over at her as my thumb caresses the back of her hand. "May I ask what just happened?"

  She slowly pulls her hand from mine, placing it in her lap, her fingers worrying as she contemplates an answer. "It's nothing. I'm fine, just old memories." She shyly glances up at me her voice getting stronger. "Tell me about your childhood."

  I glance down at her hands, her fingers still knotting in her lap. I know there's something deeper, darker. I can see it in her reaction. "Nicole, I know there is something, you have a sadness about you. I saw it last night, just know that if you ever need to talk I'll be here for you." I glance over at her again as she quickly turns to look out the side window again. I can see her reflection in the window as she wipes a tear from her face. Fuck, whatever it is, it's not good.

  To try to get the atmosphere back, I start on my story. "I was an only child, my parents wanted several children but weren't able to, so when my mom got pregnant I was a surprise to them because they never thought after so many years of trying I would finally arrive. My mother was a teacher, but she stayed home after I was born. I, too, had expectations placed on me. For the most part, it wasn't ever an issue. My parents never treated me as a child, they talked to me as if I were an adult and treated me with the same respect. Although I did my share of partying when I was in high school, it didn't last long. Once I graduated from high school, I went to college knowing I wanted to run a business. Like you, I enjoyed working with computers. I majored in both, got offered a job the year before I graduated and stayed there until right after my parents died." I reach over and take Nicole's hand in mine, but she still isn’t relaxed as she had been.

  "What did you do for fun when you were younger?" I ask.

  "To be honest, I don't feel like I had much of a childhood, I studied and worked, that was about it. I had my life planned out, and I didn't deviate from that plan."

  "Do you miss it? Not having a childhood? Because as much as I loved my parents, I wish I could have played in the mud or played in general. I was expected to be a young man."

  "I get it, and yes, I do. I never wanted to disappoint my parents so I didn't even party in school."

  "Well, today we are going to get in touch with our inner child." I pull into Slappy Cakes.

  Nicole looks at the restaurant sign and then at me. A big smile breaks across my face as she looks at me not knowing what to think.

  I open her door and guide her through the entrance of the restaurant where they have our table waiting for us. The smell is unbelievable, my mouth watering just from it alone.

  "I didn't ask, do you even like breakfast food?"

  "I love it, I just never fix it. With Harlow at the bakery all the time, we're like two ships passing in the night, and when I work, I just grab an apple and eat it on the way to work."

  "Well, you can either fix your own pancakes or they can fix them for you. They will bring out whatever ingredients and topping you want on them as they cook."

  "I don't know if I've even made pancakes before."

  "Do you like them?"

  "I love them."

  "How about I help you then."

  "Okay, you have a deal."

  We look through the menu, there are so many options.

  "What else do you want?" I ask.

  "The classic breakfast, and for the pancake I want to put bananas in it and chocolate-hazelnut topping, and, of course, a cup of coffee."

  "Oh, that sounds good. I think I'll do the classic, but I'm going to get the chocolate chips, pecans, and whipped cream."

  The server brings us our coffee and takes our order.

  "Have you ever been in a relationship?" I ask.

  "No, I've never had a boyfriend. What about you?"

  "No, I've never had a boyfriend either." I start to laugh and wink at her. "No, I haven't either; I mean I've been with a few women, but never in a relationship."

  Nicole looks down as if in deep concentration. I get up, move next to her since the griddle is in the middle of the table, and I don't want to risk either of us being burned reaching across. I take her hand in mine and with my other hand I lift her chin with my finger so I can look into her beautiful blue eyes and her into mine to let her know I am very sincere. "Hey, what did I say? Why the long face?"

  "Richard, I ... I don't know if I can talk about this."

  "Nicole, I don't care if you've been with twenty men or none, I like you, I like being with you and spending time with you, and I hope you feel the same about me, because that's all that matters. If and when we get to that point, then I guess we'll learn together. But right now, I want to get to know the beautiful woman that I'm with. So what do you do for fun?" I ask her.

  "Fun huh, well, I like to garden, and I read a lot of books."

  "What kind of books?"

  I have to chuckle, Nicole turns so red, and the smile on her face tells me everything I need to know. "Okay, so you read mommy porn."

  She starts to giggle, "No, not all of it."

  "When was the last time you read a book that didn't describe a sex scene in it?"

  She looks down again, the red glow is on her face again, and the smile is bigger.

  "It's been awhile."

  "So did you read Fifty Shades of Grey?"

  "Who hasn't?"

  "So what did you like about it?"

  "God, I think the main thing I like about it was that ultimately it was a love story, two people that hadn't ever been in a relationship ... Oh Fuck! ... Please tell me that you're not into BDSM." Her face turns white and her
reaction make my dick hard instantly. Christ! What the hell.

  "No, I don't get off on beating little brown haired girls."

  "Oh my gosh! You've read it?" She asks as if she's in shock.

  "Didn't you just say 'Who Hasn't'?" I had to see what all the commotion was about."

  "So what did you think of it?" She asks me.

  "I thought the same as you; I thought it was a great love story with two people that learn what it takes to make a relationship work. It was also sad that he felt that no one would ever be able to love him. As for the BDSM, I know there are a lot of people that are into it, but being that I am so new at this too, I believe that the more unusual things you do to get turned on, the more unusual things you are going to have to continue to stay turned on."

  "So, hypothetical question, if we do get to that point, you wouldn't have a problem if I wasn't into to it."

  "Hell no, if and when we get there, I want you to be able to enjoy everything, I want to learn your body, I want to know what makes you feel good and what makes you wild with passion." I look up and now I'm red because the waitress is standing beside me and I hadn't seen her. I look up at her, "sorry," I say apologetically as I rise and move to the other side of the table. She sets our food in front of us along the bottles of pancake mix and the ingredients that go to make them to the side of the griddle. "Thank you," I say to her. She comes back a couple minute later to refill out coffee. I can't look her in the eyes.

  "Do you want regular pancakes or something special?"