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Still, this is like declaring my love for her or something. This involves being vulnerable and showing emotions and feelings. That’s all stuff that I’m not comfortable with. I’ve never had to do this for anyone before so I wouldn’t even know where to start. This is a lot to think about and will require a lot of planning.
For a woman like Sheila that I feel so strongly about, I have to show her in the most amazing way.
Or I should just be honest? This is so confusing.
I’ll just figure it out later, on my own, I decide. I join in on the conversation and jokes with Brian and James. I’ll figure out Sheila later. We order more drinks before happy hour is over. Afterwards I pick up the tab. Brian is heading home but James and I are going back to the office to work.
As we stand outside on the sidewalk, I resist the urge to look in the direction of the flower shop. James and I walk inside the office.
“Don’t forget about what I said,” he reminds me.
We stand by the elevators talking.
“Trust me, I haven’t,” I reply.
“You’ll thank me when it works and she’s in your arms,” he says with a wink.
We both laugh. James walks to his office and I take the elevator up to mine.
My thoughts are not on the pile of papers on my desk, or on the mountain of work that I have to get through, but instead, they’re on Sheila. I pace the office as I try to think of what to say.
She is a very direct and honest person. I think she would respect it more if I was the same way with her. She’s not like the other women in my past. She sees through all my charm and flattery.
That’s one of the things that I love about her. As scary as it is, I need to be honest with her about my feelings for her. No games, no tricks. The thought of that gives me anxiety. I sit at my desk and focus in work. The thought of exposing myself and my feelings like that is so terrifying.
I sit and stare moodily out the window.
Can I actually bring myself to do it?
Yes, for her I can.
There’s nothing I wouldn’t do for her, no matter how terrifying it may seem to me.
Chapter 17
Sheila
A couple of days later, I’m at the store pretty early. I still have a few minutes left before I’m officially open for the day, but I unlock the door early. I’m setting up and replenishing some of the flowers. I’m making notes of which ones are the most popular sellers. I’m going to have to order more soon. No customers are in yet. I’m busy changing the arrangements around now. I’ve had some new ideas about where some of the flowers should be placed in the store.
A few days ago, I had a meeting with the security company. It went ok. They have all my information and we came up with a plan for them to start patrolling the area. Unfortunately, they can’t start doing that yet.
That’s really disappointing. The good news is I haven’t gotten any more calls from that creepy guy. Since I haven’t heard from him, I guess there really is nothing to worry about anymore.
I can hear the sounds of traffic outside. That means someone must have walked in.
“We’re not open yet,” I say.
I don’t turn around because I figure they heard me and left. In fixing a vase of roses. I want them to look perfect. These are some of our bestselling flowers. I freeze and my heart stops as a voice in my ear growls, “I told you I would be here.”
I whirl around and knock the vase off its stand. It shatters on the floor. I’m face to face with the creep from the auction. I don’t know what to do as my hands start shaking in fear. He has me pinned up against the shelves in the side of the store.
I run to the register and grab my phone. I try to call the security company or at least 911. He knocks the phone from my hand. It also falls on the floor. I try to make a run for the door but he uses his body weight to keep me pinned against the register.
“I told you I always get what I want,” he growls again.
I feel gross and icky as he looks at me.
“Even if you don’t give it to me, I’ll still get what I want by taking it,” he growls.
He grabs my wrists and holds them against the counter. I try to struggle and get away, but I can’t.
“You wouldn’t give me what I wanted at the auction, but I still saw you naked then,” he replies. His face is inches from mine now. I move my head away in disgust. “I know you liked watching me have sex that night…” he taunts me.
