He glanced up at the clock on the wall and saw it was 9:40 am, five minutes before break. As usual, he was way ahead of schedule in his packing. He sat the box down he had been lifting onto the skid and looked around for the plant manager. He was nowhere in sight, so he started toward the break room.
“Hey, where’re you going?” Wade hollered behind him. Kyle waved him off, and went on.
He walked around the corner, silently pushing open the swinging door leading into the break area, and spotted Leigh inserting change into the vending machine. She looked stunning in a form fitting, knee length lavender skirt with a split up the back, and a white silk blouse under a matching jacket. She pushed a button, and the soda fell to the opening with a rolling clank. The door he had come through was behind her, and he had snuck successfully across the room, out of her sight, until she bent over to retrieve her drink. He quickly tip -toed the rest of the distance, and leaned against the machine over her. When she rose up, she practically ran into his face, and she shrieked in fright.
“Whoa!” he exclaimed, laughing, as she drew in a sharp breath and stepped back a couple of steps. He reached out and steadied her, grabbing her elbows.
“Hi, Leigh,” he said, with a grin. “I don’t guess you expected me, huh?”
“Well….no. It’s not... break time yet… is it?” she responded breathlessly.
“You’re right,” he replied. “But I figured this was the only way I was going to get to see you.”
“You scared me to death!” she exclaimed, patting her chest, something he would love to do for an extended period.
“Whoops. Sorry about that,” he apologized, as he smiled and released his grip on her arms.
“You should be!” she exclaimed, recovering. “What are you doing here before break anyway?”
He didn’t immediately reply, but simply stared at her, smiling, soaking in her beauty. She stared back, at his unshaven face, sporting a day’s worth of stubble, glistening with a slight sweat from his morning labors. His hair looked soft and untamed as he was. He wore a blue tee-shirt that revealed his muscular arms, and a pair of jeans that fit him snugly, flattering his manhood. He’s just crazy hot, she thought.
“I wanted to see you,” he replied finally.
“You could get in trouble, you know, leaving your station.”
“It’s a chance I wanted to take, or I wouldn’t be here,” he said, smiling. She looked at him and grinned, remembering her own words, and appreciating his deft use of them. “You won’t tell, will you?”
“You’re safe. So what’s up?”
“Work and play,” he replied. “I’m assuming that was your fiancé who caught you last Friday night?”
“Caught me?” she repeated. “I guess you could put it that way.” She glanced at the clock on the wall, then back at him. “He was a little miffed.”
“And he didn’t appreciate finding you at such an event, right?” he added. He noticed she was fidgeting, nervous. “I’m sorry if it got you in trouble.”
“Oh, I don’t think you are!” she exclaimed, smiling. The break bell would ring soon and the employees would be pouring in. He had to make it quick.
“Listen, what are you doing for lunch today?”
“I can’t see you Kyle, if that’s what you’re asking,” she replied firmly. “I’m having lunch with Gene, and...”
“Well, what about after work? Can you meet me on the grounds?” he pleaded. “I’ve got something important I have to talk to you about. I won’t take much of your time, okay?”
She touched the fingertips of her right hand to her forehead, looking down. I shouldn’t agree to this, she thought. She had begun to gain control of her life over the last several days, putting everything into proper perspective. Gene had not worked late a single evening, had been a real prince. Things were getting back to normal. She would be risking that stability to meet with Kyle for even a short time.
“What’s this about? she asked, sighing. She looked at him, at his hair, his chest, his arms, and suddenly she just wanted to grab his face and kiss his lips off! Lord have mercy! “Kyle, I’m engaged, okay? I can’t be....”
“It’s work related, nothing about...you know...whatever. Promise.”
She looked into his pleading eyes.
“Work related?” She had her doubts.
“Yeah. Swear. No fingers crossed. Or toes.” He showed his hands, fingers apart. “I’ll take off my shoes if you want.”
“Can’t you talk to me now?”
“Not enough time.” The break bell rang overhead. “See?”
“Okay,” she agreed, for no other reason than she apparently couldn’t say no to this guy to save her life. “But I can’t stay long, alright?”
“Got it,” he responded.
She walked away hurriedly, disappearing just as the first of the plant employees came through the door. He smiled to himself, and then put change into the soda machine to get a drink of his own.
CHAPTER 10
At 3:55 pm, Kyle sat at a table on the company grounds awaiting Leigh’s arrival. He had brought along a copy of the first half of The Fishing Trip, and he was leafing through it. He had only a couple of chapters to go to complete it, and he felt really good about the message of the story and the character development. He was always amazed that he could be filled with new hope again after numerous rejections. Would there come a time when that wouldn’t happen? Considering his feelings after Terrence Tried, he thought that time may not be far off. And what would he do beyond that day? Let the chips fall where they will. The sun, shining from a spotless blue sky, was still a couple of hours from setting. The evening air was crisp, and, taking a moment to look around at nature’s beauty, he reflected on Charlotte and how nice the city was. And its grandness was magnified a hundredfold by his meeting Leigh. He had returned to reading the manuscript when she walked up and sat down across from him.
“Hi,” she said simply.
“Glad you could make it,” he responded, turning the manuscript over and placing his hands, folded, across the top.
”Well, I’m more pushed for time now than before,” she replied. “Gene called, and he’s taking off early.”
He bristled at that, not caring to be reminded that she was spoken for. He hoped it didn’t show on his face, but it was a natural reaction he couldn’t help. He was starkly aware of the situation, his place in the scheme of things, but his desire for her was real, regardless.
“Is that right?” he responded, looking away across the grounds. She detected the jealousy in his voice, and saw his jaw muscles tense, rippling under his skin. She stared at him admiringly for a moment, tracing the outline of his face, but then she tore her eyes away. Can’t allow that, she thought. She cleared her throat and looked back at him, but he was still looking away.
“So why did you want to see me?” she asked busily, brushing something off her lap. He turned and faced her, sighing. She pushed a rogue strand of hair behind her ear, raising her eyebrows inquisitively.
“I’ve got a favor to ask you,” he said, shifting. “I’ve got a friend back in Tennessee who wants to move here. He’s a great guy, a really . . . hard . . . worker.” He had been staring into her eyes as he spoke, and his train of thought had been blown off track by the crosswinds of desire. He paused, gazing at her in silence, lost in romantic imaginings. Her brow furrowed.
“You were saying?” she prompted.
“Yeah,” he replied, blinking, realizing that he had stopped speaking. He cleared his throat. “Anyway, I was just wondering if you could help him out, put in a word for him?”
“He’s your friend, huh?”
“Yeah, well, he’s my best friend,” he emphasized. “His name is Rob Fenton. He’s very dependable.” He warmed to the sales pitch. “He’s never late or absent. He’s easy to get along with, and smart, and . . .
“Okay, okay,” she interrupted, holding up a hand and smiling. “Your word is good with me, Kyle. And your work speaks vo
lumes. Your supervisor tells me he would love to have ten more just like you!”
“Oh really?” he replied.
“That’s right. So I don’t believe it will be a problem. But he’ll need to get up here and put in an application soon,” she advised.
“How soon?”
“Within the next couple of weeks,” she responded. “Sorry so tight, but there is a position that just came open, as it happens, and it has to be filled by then.”
“Are you sure you can help him?” He was leaning across the table, his arms folded in front of him.
“Hey, I told you how your boss wants ten more like you, right? Well, I’m sure he’ll settle for one! I’ll put in a word for your friend.” She glanced at her watch: 4:10. “I have to get going.” But instead of standing and scooting out of there, she looked back up at him, into his eyes.
And just that quickly she was sliding down the slippery slope, powerlessly locked into his gaze. His eyes were sparkling, dancing fire, imploring her to come along, let go, live free.
Birds chirped and the breeze blew, and the moment spiraled deeper. He did not avert his mesmerizing gaze, and she, returning it, was unable to remove her eyes from his. She was becoming lost in the depth of his stare, the promise of something wild and thrilling.
Love, some internal voice whispered, as she drowned in his bedroom eyes, hot...sexy... I want....” Her hand went up to her forehead, absently brushing back a strand of hair blowing across her face, and she was as unaware of this action as she was her breathing. Her eyes were frozen on his and the moment took on a dreamy, surreal quality, just as it had that morning at the traffic light. Nothing had lessened in her time away from him; she had no defense. All of the resistance she thought she had built up over the past week was gone. Stronger than her desire of late to make Gene and their lives work together, as it had been planned so carefully, for so long, was her desire now for this man to take her and forcefully pull her into his arms, kiss her passionately, and have his way with her.
Kyle stared unwaveringly back into her eyes. It took every ounce of discipline he could muster to hold himself back from the taste of her moist lips. He knew he could kiss her now, just as times before, but he still felt he was a long shot to win her, to really have a life with her. And that’s what he was determined to have. It was the promise of that greater possibility that gave him the strength to resist what was otherwise irresistible, over and over again. He was still convinced she would almost unwillingly remain on the familiar path she was traveling, regardless of any physical contact with him, unless those actions were accompanied with feelings for him that were truly and unequivocally grounded in her heart.
He drummed his fingers on the manuscript lying on the table, and then looked down at it, breaking the moment. She blinked her eyes, closing them tightly. The sigh in her mind was practically audible. I just can’t do this, she thought resignedly. I can’t trust myself. I’m not strong enough.
Kyle had brought the manuscript along to share this part of his life with her, a window into his soul. He turned the thick stack of pages over and slid them across the table.
“What’s this?” She looked down at the cover sheet. Across the top was a title: The Fishing Trip; and beneath it: Kyle Tilston.”
“It’s a manuscript; a novel.” He looked at her face, studying her reaction closely.
“You wrote this?” she asked incredulously, picking it up and flipping through the pages. He’s a writer?
“Yeah,” he replied. “I was wondering if you would do me a favor and read it, you know, and let me know what you think.”
She was stunned to silence.
“I’m not finished with it,” he said, “but I only have a couple of chapters to go. I would be honored if you would read it.”
“Kyle, this is…..amazing,” she responded sincerely. “I’m impressed.”
“Well…you haven’t read it yet.”
“How long have you been doing this?”
“I’ve been at it for a while,” he said. “So what do you say? Will you give it a go?”
“Sure I will!” she responded. “I love to read!”
“May not be your style,” he replied.
“Oh, I’m sure I’ll enjoy it,” she said. “Thank you.”
“No, thank you,” he replied, pointing his finger at her and smiling.
She stared at him in silent wonder for a moment. His occasional fluent speech now made more sense. She glanced at her watch, and, as she feared, it was past time for her to leave.
“I hate to run off,” she said, “but I’m already late.” He stood.
“Sure, okay,” he responded. “Let me know what you think.”
“I will,” she replied sincerely, her head turning away before her eyes moved slowly off of his.
He watched the woman of his dreams walk away toward a rendezvous with her fiancé, and the thought burned in his heart. Controlling his desire around her was the tallest order he had ever filled; nothing else even came close. But he was thoroughly convinced he was doing the right thing, and that his patience would be rewarded.
CHAPTER 11
North City mall was a sprawling complex, and located within was the most upscale formal wear shop in Charlotte, “The Bride’s Bouquet.” Leigh and Mindy were back again this Saturday to choose between the finalists: two wedding dresses that had survived a severe process of elimination. Both were absolutely the most beautiful Mindy had ever seen, with trains roughly a mile long, but the enthusiasm and excitement Leigh had displayed on prior visits was in absentia. Mindy was perplexed. Leigh seemed preoccupied, and disinterested in the process. The sales associate, Darla Vasala, had been very helpful, as always, but for all of her efforts to coax Leigh into conversation about her wedding and the choice of a dress, she was unsuccessful. Leigh had seemed as excited about choosing between the final two dresses as a person sentenced to death might be choosing between the firing squad and the electric chair. Finally, Leigh turned to Mindy and said: “Let’s go.” They left abruptly, the clerk staring after her dumbfounded. Was this the same Leigh Thompson who had been in here before, bubbly and excited? That girl’s not getting married, Darla surmised, and then turned her attention to a more promising customer.
When the engagement between Leigh and Gene had been announced, Mindy was as happy for her new friend as anyone could be; her own love life was certainly nothing to write home about. She had been introduced to Gene not long after she and Leigh became friends. He came off a bit pretentious to Mindy, but seemed to be very much in love with Leigh, and vice versa. Besides, she knew they were made for each other; they had grown up together and were products of wealthy families. Mindy’s family wasn’t exactly as well off as Leigh’s - and that was a gross understatement - , but that didn’t matter to Leigh, and Mindy loved her all the more for it. She was a rare breed; rich and beautiful, yet never giving those facts such weight that it influenced her character or choice of friends.
As they walked silently to the food section in the mall for lunch, she stole a glance at Leigh and saw the creases in her brow. Something was definitely wrong. They went for Chinese. Mindy ordered beef and broccoli, with egg drop soup, and Leigh chose chicken with cashews. As they took a seat at a table and waited for their orders to arrive, Mindy observed her unusually silent friend.
“So have you chosen a Honeymoon spot?” Mindy asked excitedly, attempting to get a rise out of her. Leigh did not immediately respond, staring out into space, her eyes fixated on nothing at all.
“Hello?” Mindy prompted, waving a hand in her face, “earth to Leigh Thompson!”
“What?” she replied, blinking.
“I said have you guys picked out a honeymoon spot?”
“No.” She rubbed her hands together. “I told Gene to decide. Anywhere’s fine with me.”
“Honey, you’re going to Europe for three weeks, remember?” Mindy said, twirling a finger around her ear.
“Yeah,” she replied. “Europe. Three
weeks.”
At that moment, their food arrived. After the plates were placed, Leigh picked up her chopsticks and began moving rice around. Mindy was now convinced that something was seriously wrong. Leigh normally went ballistic with excitement when they talked about her honeymoon. Her response just now could not have been more uninspired. Mindy took a bite of an egg roll, and over Leigh’s shoulder, she noticed a couple of guys smiling in their direction.
Mindy had successfully split with Jim in the past week. In the beginning, she had held high hopes for the future with him. He was a charming, good looking guy who seemed genuinely interested in her. She wasn’t necessarily in love, but she had tried to “work it”, so to speak, to make something out of it. But as the bloom went off the rose, his affections began to fade, and in the end, he wasn’t the person she had thought him to be. She had met his ex-girlfriend, Kirsten, at a party two months ago, and she and Jim had been awfully friendly to each other, the kind of friendly that said there was still something there. Three nights ago, at a restaurant, he had excused himself to the restroom before their dinner arrived. After he had been gone awhile, Mindy went looking for him, and she discovered him in the hallway, leaning against the wall and whispering to someone on his cell. She overheard some of the conversation; she was certain it was a female, and almost positive it was Kirsten.
“Who are you talking to, Jim?” she had asked. Startled, he had straightened suddenly and turned around to face her.
“I’ll call you back,” he told whoever was on the other end.
“How’s she doing?” Mindy asked contemptuously.
“She?” he responded. “That was…that was just my bookie,” he stammered, “I was just betting on some games, you know?”
“So you call him “baby,” huh?” she replied with a smirk. “Jim, buddy, you are so full of crap.”
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