CAROLINE
"Will half a million be okay? If not, I can add more."
My jur dropped, and it took me seconds to regain my composure and clucked.
"Sorry sir, do you also want me to plan a birthday party for her," I said because with a budget like that, you must have more in mind, I thought to myself.
"Oh no, just flowers, is it too much? What will you advise?" He asked with a smile, looking not too sure.
"Ok," I said, pointing out a birthday flower arrangement that was less romantic and displayed the flower price, and he laughed.
"This is ridiculously cheap. I will pay for it." He said, "Let me take a look at that again." I handed over the catalogue. He then looked for the most expensive flower in the catalogue.
"I want this as well." He handed the book back to me.
"Really, for one who wants his PA not getting any idea, this is way too suggestive," I said, laughing. I turned to hand the catalogue to the florist. The girl had been standing too close for comfort.
"The two marked," I said, handing the catalogue over. The florist collected it and left us.
I turned my attention back to him, covering my emotions up prettily.
He must be into games. Why give an impression of love where there was none? He may just want to spend more money.
"I know, that's why I ordered it." He said, and something pulled at my heart. It shocked me. Was that disappointment?
I can't believe it. Did I just wish this man had no feelings for his PA? How pathetic.
He seemed to be studying my face, so I turned away quickly to hide what I thought must be boldly written on my face.
"Ok, sir," I said. Thank God my voice did not show my feelings. "I.... the florist has started on both immediately," I said as formally as my emotion could allow.
As I turned to leave for my seat, he gripped my hand to hinder my movement, and I practically felt an electric current shot from that spot through my body and then settle down in my lower tummy.
I stay rooted, afraid if I move, I may disgrace myself.
"You did not ask who it is for," he said quietly.
I looked into his eyes and immediately regretted my action because I felt pulled into his eyes.
Light brown with fire dancing in it. I couldn't look away. I was like a rat caught and held in place.
"They are for you." He said. At first, I was still looking at him, but then I looked away and shook my head to be sure I heard him.
I looked back at him with questioning eyes. Then he repeated himself, and I knew I heard right.
To say I was so surprised I could hardly breathe was an understatement.
"Why, sir, I can't possibly accept it, sir," I said, shaking my head quickly.
"Not sir, please call me Nat." he smiled, his smile getting additive.
I grumble. If these butterflies kept dancing in my tummy every time Nat smiled, I might have to accept more than those flowers.
"Nat," I said, liking how the name sounded coming from my mouth.
"I can't just let you spend on me that much," I said, moving away from him. The heat radiating from him was doing some funny things to my body.
"Why not?" he asked. "This is for having patience with me and helping me out." he tried to touch my hand again, but I quickly moved out of his reach.
I had enough of those butterflies feelings for now. I do not understand why I should have these reactions to a total stranger.
"I cannot accept it, sir. It is too romantic. I am not immune to the connotations," I said, laughing. He smiles once again.
"The flowers are for you to be my date." I was stunned for a few seconds. My mouth opened and closed, but no words came out. Finally, I asked.
"Be your date? You do not even know my name? We are practically strangers."
"Not if you tell me now," he said. That smile and my tummy again.
"Caroline," I said simply
"Caroline, will you be my date tomorrow evening? Please."
"I don't know, maybe. Please let me think about it, and get back to you later." I said, trying to protect myself. Naturally, I do not accept dates from someone I have not interacted with on several occasions.
"Why? Do you need to consult anyone to accept the date? I am sorry if I overstepped my boundaries." he said, taking a few steps back.
I know I am losing him so fast, and I do not want to.
"No, no, I do not need to consult anyone. Ok, I will be your date."
"Thanks," his face lighted up into a smile once again
"Give me a minute. I want to give one order to the florist."
I turned to see that the florist was already bringing out materials to produce the arrangement of the two orders. I walked to her and whispered. "Don't do the second arrangement." she nodded, then said.
"I know it's for you, what's the need?" Did I detect jealousy in her voice? I can't say, and I don't care, so I walked back to Nat.
He's been standing all this while, and that's not good enough.
"Nat, would you like to sit at my desk?" I asked. I know there is a waiting room for customers, but he will be alone there, with the TV to entertain him.
"I could show you to the waiting room. Or better still, have it delivered to your office if you have no time to wait." He looked at me for a minute, his expression unreadable.
Then he smiled, "I would love to sit at your desk."