Her Protector

Chapter 5: The Waiting Game

I sat at my desk, staring down at Ken’s business card. It says he’s a realtor. ‘Sure was a lot of money for someone who just sells houses.’ I thought to myself.

“I meant to ask you yesterday, why was that customer staring you down so hard?” Natalie asked as she came to my desk. “Seems like he was checking you all the way out!”

“You noticed?”

I thought she was busy tending to her own business. Now I felt embarrassed.

“I noticed as soon as he walked in. He paid me no attention once he laid eyes on you. Girl, he is fine, fine, ok? Those green eyes…ugh! And he has money!” She exclaimed. “Did he try to get your number or anything?”

“Well…he did give me his business card.”

Natalie’s eyes opened wide and she cupped her hands to her mouth as if she was trying to stifle a scream. I could still see the excitement on her face.

“So, you’re gonna call him, right?”

“I don’t know, Nat. He’s a customer and we’ve seen plenty of good-looking ones with money come in.”

I tried to rationalize my reasons for not being hopeful Ken was genuinely interested in me.

“I haven’t seen you on a date the entire time I’ve known you. You’ve worked so hard to get here and it’s like you never want to come up for air and enjoy your life and success. You deserve to be happy with someone. I know you don’t want to be alone forever. Just call him. What harm can that do?” She reasoned. She had a point. One phone call couldn’t hurt.

“Ok. I’ll make him wait a little longer and call him tonight.”

“Yay!!! You better tell me everything tomorrow!” She begged.

“I’ll think about it. Ha ha!”

…

I was anxious the whole drive home. I was planning to call Ken tonight and I really didn’t know what to say. Should I ask about the kind of work he does? If he’s married? Kids? Why did he even want to talk to me? Am I that interesting? So many questions on my mind. Then there was Khalil. He was handsome and quite the gentleman. If he was trying to test the waters, he sure was being a little timid compared to Ken. I finally came back to reality and realized I was pulling into my parking stall. I got inside and set my things down. My plants were thirsty, so I watered them before I got into the shower. I got out and put on a pair of sweatpants and a baggy t-shirt. Going to the kitchen, I took Ken’s card out of my purse and stared at it. I decided I could be less nervous on a full stomach, so I rummaged through the fridge for something quick and simple. There was some left-over salmon so I made a salad with cucumber, tomato, croutons, and a little parmesan cheese, topping it off with some dressing. I went over to the living room and plopped down on the sofa. It had memory foam cushions and was extra wide in a coffee color brown with various cream colored throw pillows with streaks of gold all over. I even kept a gold-colored throw blanket on the sofa for those nights I never made it to bed. I turned on the TV mindlessly flipping through the channels. I really wasn’t interested in watching anything. Just trying to relax my mind before I called Ken. Why was this so terrifying?

After I finished my salad, I got up to get my phone and Ken’s card. I entered the numbers and took a deep breath before initiating the call. It rang a couple of times.

“Hello, this is Ken.”

“Hi Ken. Uh…this is K-Kelis from the bank.” I stammered.

I couldn’t remember the last time I called any man, and I was super nervous.

“Kelis! Wow I am so glad you called. I was starting to think I may have to pay you a visit.”

He sounded excited and genuinely happy to be hearing from me.

“Well, I guess I shouldn’t keep you waiting too long. So, how was your day?” I asked, trying to make small talk. That’s what I was good at.

“It doesn’t matter now that I’m talking to you. I haven’t stopped thinking about you since I was graced with your presence. Those beautiful eyes.” He said as if he were reliving that day.

I didn’t think there was anything special about me. Especially my eyes. They were brown like everyone else. I stood at 5’6’’ with a modest bust and slim figure. I have the type of ass you can only see from the side. I’m cute, but not drop dead gorgeous. I guess he sees something else.

“I’ll be straight with you, Kelis. I felt drawn to you as soon as I saw you. I got lost in your eyes. I usually don’t go out of my way to talk to women, but I couldn’t let the opportunity pass. I was hoping you would call and I could get started on getting to know you better. I already know I want you in my life.”

I didn’t know what to say.

“You want me in your life? You don’t even know anything about me.” I finally replied.

“I can just see how perfect we could be together. It’s obvious you can take care of yourself, but I’d like to be the man you come home to.”

“I…uh…I-I don’t know what to say to that, Ken? It’s really strange to me that you could have such strong feelings for me and you haven’t spent any time with me.”

I was flattered, but I was taken aback. He was coming on so strong and it made me nervous. However, I was intrigued. It had been so long since I really let anyone one get this close, and this was only a phone call.

“The heart wants what the heart wants, Kelis. I can’t help my attraction to you. Just tell me I can take you out on a date and I can show you better than I can tell you.” He said confidently. “What are you doing tonight? Can I come pick you up? I find face to face conversation a lot more revealing that over the phone.”

“Sorry, I have work tomorrow and I don’t want to be out too late I…”, I paused for a moment, “I’m pretty tired tonight. Maybe this weekend? How about Saturday?”

I almost told him I had a long drive, but I wasn’t ready to tell him anything that would give him a hint about where I lived. I learned to be very cautious about that having been on my own for a while.

“Saturday sounds perfect. I can pick you up at ho-”

“I would prefer to meet you somewhere public.” I interrupted.

“I understand. A beautiful woman like you should be careful out there. I admire that in a woman.”

“Thank you for understanding. Well since we’re still on the phone, I want to know a little bit about you.” I said to him.

“Curious Kelis. You get right to the point. Well, my dear, I’d like to save all of that for our date on Saturday. I want to look into those beautiful eyes while I get to know you.” he said in a sultry voice.

I felt tingly all over hearing his voice. I’m used to keeping my guard up, but Ken was making me want to reconsider. Most men that approached me didn’t have half the confidence he did, and I had to admit it was very attractive.

“Ok, Ken”, I said with a smile, “I see you’re also good at playing games.”

“No games here, sweetheart. I just know what I want, and I want you within arm’s reach while we get to know each other. I can’t wait to see you Saturday. Is this your cell number? I’ll send the address to you.”

“Yes, you can send it to me. I hope you’re not sending me to an alley where you’ll kidnap and torture me, ha ha ha!” I laughed nervously.

“I would never hurt you, Kelis. You’ll be safe with me.” He assured me.

“Ok, well I guess I’ll see you Saturday.”

“You will. I’m looking forward to it. I’ll send the address shortly. Have a good night sweetheart. I’ll see you soon.”

“Thanks…you too. Goodbye.”

“Goodbye.”

I ended the call. Now it was my turn to wait. I got the feeling he liked to be in control but seemed to have a soft side. My phone dinged and a message appeared from the same number I dialed. ‘That was quick’, I thought to myself.