Her Protector

Chapter 2: Crossing Boundaries

I got back to work and saw Natalie helping a new customer. I silently mouthed to her that her smoothie would be in the break room fridge. I went to the break room and put her smoothie away, then went to the bathroom to freshen up. I went to one of the sinks and ran the water. I started thinking about the little exchange I had with the guy at the café and a part of me hoped to see him again. I washed my hands and checked my face making sure those rogue tears didn’t smudge my makeup. Once I was satisfied, I left the bathroom and returned to my desk. My next appointment wasn’t for another couple hours and Natalie was already busy, so I took my phone out to scroll through social media. My mind was all over the place and I wasn’t ready to get back to work. There was a longing that had awakened in me that was in conflict with my resolve to avoid dating and stay on my grind. In just a couple more years, I could be up for another promotion where I could finally feel the financial security I had been chasing since I started working at the bank. I knew making time for someone in my life would be a huge distraction and I couldn’t afford that again. I sighed heavily, not finding anything to distract me from my thoughts. The bank was quiet, and it didn’t seem like much was happening today. I heard Natalie wrapping things up with her customer and was hopeful for some chit chat once this person left. My hopes were crushed when the doors to the bank opened and a well-dressed man walked through carrying a briefcase.

Natalie and I were the only managers available today and I silently prayed this man wasn’t interested in opening a new account. The bank greeter met him first and discussed the reason for his visit. He did want to open a new account. ‘Just great!’ I said to myself. I was mentally preparing myself to be as professional as possible trying to hide the emotional turmoil I was going through.

“We can set you up with one of our qualified account managers to address your needs, Mr. King.” The greeter said. I was introduced to the customer. “Mr. King, this is Kelis Richards, one of our account managers.” I extended my hand and took over.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you Mr.-”

“It’s Kenneth. You can call me Ken.” he said.

He gently took my hand, turning my palm down and seemingly brushing his thumb across the back of my hand as if he was preparing to kiss it. I was a little surprised and felt my cheeks heating up. I hoped I wasn’t blushing.

“The pleasure is all mine, Ms. Richards,” he said as he stared into my soul.

His mouth displayed a half smile. I got a good look at him. He was tall with brilliant green eyes, mocha colored skin and clean-shaven face. His hair was golden brown with streaks of blonde throughout and there was just the slightest hint of gray in the hairs going down his jawline. He looked young but couldn’t be too young. I almost got lost in his eyes until I remembered why he was here. ‘Girl, you are trippin’!’ I said to myself with a laugh.

“Well, Ken, we can have a seat and get down to business!”

I was trying to make this a normal transaction as I had done countless times before.

We sat down and I initiated a little small talk while I got to work on the computer.

“How is your day going so far?” I asked as genuinely as possible.

“Well, it’s been a lot better since I sat down here with you.”

I stopped typing and looked from behind my computer to be met with his viridescent gaze. My heart raced a little and I felt warm.

I let out a nervous giggle, “Is that right? Well, I appreciate the compliment. Are you familiar with the different accounts we offer?” I said, trying to stay on topic.

“I have a rough idea. I’d like to know more. Could you tell me about them?”

“Of course!” I said enthusiastically. I was relieved to change course.

After I explained his options, he was ready to make a decision.

“How would you like to fund this account?” I asked.

He put the briefcase on top of my desk and opened it. It was filled to the brim with bundles of cash. Working at a bank, this wasn’t an uncommon sight, but I couldn’t deny how much more attractive he became. Not that I’m a gold digger. If I were to have any interest in a man, he would need to be financially stable. It would appear as though this was not an issue for Ken.

“Well, that’s one way!” I said with a smile.

He smiled back and his eyes left mine as they trailed down to where there was no more to see and quickly brought them back. I was starting to feel warm again.

“I’ll take this to the back and get it verified. I’ll be back shortly.”

I closed the briefcase and began to leave.

“Don’t keep me waiting too long, Ms. Richards”, he said with a sly grin.

He was definitely flirting with me. I walked away quickly. I didn’t understand what was happening. I had never had that kind of interaction with a customer and he’s not the only hottie I’ve ever serviced. A part of me wanted to handle this transaction and see him leave, but another part was very intrigued and anxious to return to him. I got in the back and started putting the bills through the money counter. Natalie had finished with her customer while Ken and I were seated. She emerged from the break room and came up to me.

“Hey, girl. I see you got another hottie boombalottie at your desk!”

She laughed out loud. I rolled my eyes and elbowed her. She knew I had not been in a relationship since we started working together and was always pushing me to get out there. Every time a good-looking male customer would come in, she would give me the eyes. Since we never hung out outside of work, she could only rate the customers she saw me with.

“Once I’m finished here, he will be on his way. Just like all the others!” I threw my hands up in the air and laughed.

“I saw the way he was looking at you. He looks like he’s ready to devour you. You better get on that or I will!” She said jokingly.

“Nat, I’m sure Jeremy would be a little offended.”

I knew she wasn’t serious. She was head over heels in love with her boyfriend whom she had been dating for the last 3 years.

“Yeah, you’re probably right,” she sighed in mock disappointment, “I can live vicariously through you, though!”

This girl was persistent. I know she just wanted to see me happy. I never went into full detail with her about what life was like before we met and she never pushed. I really hadn’t told anyone.

“Well, you don’t want to keep that magnificent specimen over there waiting!” She said playfully.

I rolled my eyes again, having finished up. I was heading back to my desk, a little nervous about what to expect. As I returned to my desk, I saw Ken’s eyes light up.

“Can I ask you something?” he said as he stared into my eyes.

“Sure.”

“I’m new to the area and you seem like someone that I would like to get to know. Would you be available for a night out this week?”

I had never been asked out on the job and I was very surprised by how forward he was.

“What makes you think you want to get to know me?” I questioned. This interaction was becoming less professional, and I let my guard down.

“I like what I see. I’m sure there is a lot more to you that I could appreciate as well.”

I was speechless, my mouth slightly open. I closed it after realizing and cleared my throat, nervously.

“Well um…I-I don’t think I’m that interesting”, I said trying to deflect his comment.

I made myself busy and started printing his documents and assembling his new account folder as I had done countless times for other customers. I would usually not hesitate to put my business card in the folder, but this time I wasn’t sure. I didn’t want this guy to be calling me at work. I also didn’t want to be unprofessional. I slid the card into the perforated slot and closed the folder handing it to him.

“I’m sorry if I made you uncomfortable, Ms. Richards. You are strikingly beautiful. Perhaps there is someone waiting at home for you.”

He sounded a little disappointed.

“Oh! It’s not that I just…” I started. Now he knows I don’t have a man. Smooth move, Kelis. He perked up a bit at my attempt to explain.

“It’s just that I usually don’t get this kind of attention at work. I don’t know if it’s such a good idea to start dating customers, ha ha!” I said in a low voice.

Other customers were walking in, and I didn’t want anyone to hear this conversation. I had the folder assembled, ready to hand over.

“Here are your documents, Mr. King. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions or concerns.”

I was hoping he wasn’t taking that as an invitation. This man was incredibly good looking. A part of me didn’t want him to leave. I just wanted to marvel in his presence. The other part was trying to rationalize why I didn’t need to get my hopes up.

“I wouldn’t want to impose on you any further while you’re at work, Ms. Richards.” Ken said sweetly. He pulled a card from his wallet and handed it to me. “Please, call me. I would love to see you outside of work. I hope you won’t keep me waiting too long.”

He held out his card and I slowly reached to grab it. He took my hand as he did when we were first introduced and gently kissed the back. I felt like I was turning red. He met my eyes again with my hand still in his. I was frozen for a second. Not sure what to say or do.

I slowly removed my hand from his gentle grip and replied, “I’ll see if I can fit you in.”

It was all I could think of. It sounded stupid when I thought about it.

“I love a challenge”, he said with a chuckle. “It was a pleasure spending my morning with you. I hope to do it again soon.”

With a slight smile he nodded at me, retrieved his briefcase, and left the bank. I felt like I had been holding my breath the whole time I was with him. He made me so nervous. Was it because I was actually interested? These feelings were so foreign to me after pushing them down for so long. First the guy at the café, now this?