Book 1, Chapter 2
As the week progressed, Ashleigh noticed she was getting more attention than ever from both the other members of the staff as well as from the visitors. She dressed a little sexier than she had in the past and smiled more readily. She was comfortable with herself and it showed in the reactions of those around her. Suddenly it was Wednesday and Tom was scheduled to arrive about 10 am.
He came in walking briskly with a huge smile on his face. Ashleigh noticed that his eyes seemed to light up when he saw her. Although he was on time for his appointment, he lingered near her desk until she had a spare moment.
"Ashleigh, would you consider having lunch with me today?" he asked.
"I don't know, Tom, I won't be off for lunch for three more hours." She answered, smiling.
Tom glanced at his watch, smiled and said. "It's settled then. I'll pick you up out front at 1 pm." He turned and went through the glass doors to his appointment.
Ashleigh's stomach flipped. She had a date for lunch with Tom. The rest of the morning seemed to drag by as she watched the clock. She began to panic when her relief didn't show up on time. Finally, she was free and hurried out the door at 1:15, hoping Tom was still waiting for her. As she stepped into the sunshine, she heard a car horn and saw Tom waving from the driver's seat of a nearby convertible. She smiled broadly and half-ran to the waiting car.
Breathlessly, she began to apologize, saying,
"I'm sorry I'm late but my relief didn't show up on time."
"No apology necessary," he replied, "Appointments almost never happen on time. I'm used to it. How long do you have for lunch?"
"I managed to get an hour today, is that all right?"
"Perfect," he replied, "There's a little cafe out on the interstate that has a great view and we can eat outside. Sound OK to you?"
"Yes, it sounds quite lovely." She settled into her seat.
Tom put the car in gear and drove out of the parking lot.
The restaurant was small and set in a wooded glade just off the interstate. They ordered sandwiches and cokes and took the food outside to a covered eating area behind the building. At Ashleigh's suggestion, they sat on the grass in the shade of a huge tree. Secretly, she was amazed at how comfortable she was with him and at how comfortable he seemed to be with her.
She was suddenly aware that he had sexually aroused her during the ride to the restaurant. Her panties were wet.
Several times during their lunch he managed to touch her and she thrilled at his touch. She made sure he knew she liked his touch and moved closer to him. When they finished eating, he helped her up and pulled her toward him in the process. For an instant, they stood inches apart staring into each other's eyes. Ashleigh closed her eyes and tilted her head slightly. Tom leaned forward and their lips met. The kiss was warm and inviting, lips slightly parted, with just the hint of tongue from each of them. His arms moved to encircle her, caressing her back then sliding down to cup her ass cheeks and pull her closer to him.
She tightened her arms around his neck and pressed her lips into his, inserting her tongue into his mouth. When the kiss ended, she rested her head on his shoulder with her eyes closed. Tom stood still and held her. When she raised her head, he kissed her lightly.
"I guess we better get you back to work, your hour is almost up."
Ashleigh sighed and agreed. He held her hand as they walked back to the car without speaking. They were silent the entire ride back to the plant. When he stopped near the front door, he turned in his seat.
"Ashleigh, I had a wonderful time. May I see you again?"
"Yes" she replied simply, grinning from ear to ear.
"Are you free this Saturday?" he asked. "My complex has a heated pool with food service, we could spend the day relaxing in the sun."
"That sounds really great, Tom, I'd love it."
"Great. I'll call you tonight with the details if you give me your phone number. Mine is on my business card."