It's almost 6:00 on Friday night and my name is all over some rocky road ice cream and my brand new battery operated friend. Being in a rut sucks so, new toys keep my needs in check. Thankfully, I've just started to do my closing tasks and then my desk phone rings. Dammit, why didn't I turn it to voice-mail?
"Carter and Associates, Ashley speaking."
"Ashley, hey, uh, sorry to call, ah, shit you're closing. Um, I can call back Monday." The man on the other line is flustered.
"Oh, no, you're fine, what can I help you with?" Ever the professional, even if I'm rolling my eyes.
"Well, just a couple questions. Are there any models you have for viewing? I'd like to set an appointment to see one. I have land in the mountains that a modular would be great for." He says, I can hear a smile in his voice as though getting to the mountains will cure anything he might have wrong with him.
"We have three available to view, the Liberty, American and Modern West. Would you want to see them this evening?" I ask. Honestly, I don't care if he does, I have no plans anyway.
"No, no, I couldn't do that. I'm sorry to call late, I've been on the road all day and saw the text my daughter sent me to call and I know she'll ask when she checks in Sunday. Monday would work though." He says.
"I know how daughters are, she will definitely ask so, if you're nearby, I'd be happy to show you. I need your name, phone number, address, email and, when you get here, a copy of your ID."
"Hell, you want my first born too?" He chuckles.
"We're all about safety here, too many real estate brokers get in dangerous situations." Am I nervous? Maybe a little but I feel like he's okay.
"Really, I can do this Monday when you're open and not at risk of being creeped out by a 45 year old man."
"It's your call but I'm not meeting anyone until seven o'clock tonight so, I'd be happy to show you Mr. ..."
"Baker. Tom Baker. If you're sure. I'm ten minutes away or less, are you certain?" He asks.
"As in Michael and Cassies Baker's dad?" I reply and think I sound like an idiot. This man was always a good looking, manly man. Yes, please stop by my office to let me show you around!
"You know Mike and Cass? That's great, yeah. He's in the airforce still, he just re-upped and Cass is in Barcelona."
"She and I were cheerleaders together and Mike graduated a year or two before me so, yes, I know them and I remember you. You're a fireman. I am happy to show our models to you tonight, if you're interested. My name is Ashely Monroe."
"Ashley, I remember you, you're a real estate agent now? If it's not too much trouble, I'd come over, I don't want to keep you on a Friday night."
"No worries Mr. Baker. I'll meet you by the front gate and we can drive back. See you in ten minutes?" I ask.
"Or less." He says and disconnects.
Tom Baker, sexy older man, always bald with a big mustache, barrel chested, deep voice and soft eyes. Fuck. He'll give me fantasy fodder for a good while.
I step out to unlock the front doors just as he pulls up on his Harley, turning it off. Fuck me running.
Tom approaches and I let him in. "Hi Ashley, nice to see you again. Where is the first model?" He has such a deep voice I swear it rumbles my lady bits.
"They built them far out to keep down constructing dust in our nearby community so it's only a five minute walk. First step though, i need a copy of your driver's license." He hands it over and I scan it, eliminating that step and walk back up to him.