A Dream to be Loved Kandi Jaynes by Kandi Jaynes Read Free Book Online Page B

flattering. He knew others were well liked, but it was obvious Kate had earned a special place in the shop.
     
    *****
     
    As Kate was getting ready to leave for the day, Mr. Denison stopped by the cage, leaning on her desk. "Hi Kate. How are you today?"
    "I'm fine thanks. How is your day going?"
    "Not bad for a Monday. Did you have a nice weekend?"
    "Yes."
    He picked up a pencil and studied it. "So how did your dinner with Drake turn out?" He asked casually. A little too casually.
    "It went well I guess. I think I managed to answer most of his questions about the tool crib."
    "I've known Drake a long time. What do you think of him?"
    "He seems to know his stuff. The people in production really like him. I think they like the fact he's trying to learn how things are done and is genuinely asking for input and not just coming in and trying to take over. People tend to respect that."
    Bill studied her for a moment. "That's nice to know, but I didn't ask what everyone else thinks of him. I asked what you think of him."
    Kate started to fidget not sure how to answer. "I think I really don't know him that well. I think from what I've seen, he'll be a good asset to the company."
    Bill looked at the roses. "Nice flowers."
    "Yes."
    "Any special occasion?"
    Her response was guarded. "Just a thank you."
    He grinned. "My dear, a note or a phone call is a thank you. A small arrangement of spring flowers possibly, but a man doesn't send two dozen dark red long stem roses and a gift unless he means business." He chuckled when she blushed and patted her shoulder adding, "Drake is a good man."
    She had started to suspect before, but now she knew. "You set me up." her disbelief obvious.
    "Now my dear, Drake did need to talk to you, and you have to admit, it would be difficult during work hours. I didn't see any reason why the two of you couldn't discuss work over a nice dinner." He gave her a quick wink. "I didn't have anything to do with the flowers though. That was strictly Drake's doing. By the looks of things, you made quite an impression."
    "You set me up," she repeated, still stunned. If her friends had tricked her into a date or someone in production had set her up with somebody as a joke, she wouldn't have been so surprised. Bill, however, was the CEO of the company. And he had set her up with a VP!
    A buzzer rang in the shop signaling the end of the shift. Kate, still in shock, picked up her purse and walked toward the door. "Kate." Bill called after her. "You forgot your flowers." He stood up and chuckled as he left through the back door.
     

 
     
    Chapter Four
     
     
    That evening Kate fixed herself a quick supper and soaked in the tub for an hour. She slipped into a nightshirt and curled up on the couch in front of the TV. The kitchen door opened and Sue yelled her name. "I'm in here," she answered, not bothering to get up.
    Sue came strolling in a minute later with a satisfied smirk on her face. "Should I ask who the roses are from, or would you like me to guess?"
    "Give me a break I've been harassed enough for one day."
    "Okay I won't harass you about the flowers. I do have to wonder though, how he found out about your white chocolate fetish. It usually takes years for a man to learn even the simplest personal details about you. Yet Drake found out your biggest weakness on the first date. How exactly did that come about?"
    Just then the phone rang. Kate rolled face down on the couch and groaned. "I don't suppose you'd be willing to answer that and say I'm not home."
    "No, I wouldn't."
    "Okay, then I'll let the machine get it."
    Sue jumped up and grabbed the phone. Kate listened to the one sided conversation. "Hello. Hi, Drake, this is Sue. I'm fine. Yes, she's here, I'll get her for you." Sue held the phone out. "It's for you. I'd love to stay, but I know if I had a guy like Drake is on the line I'd want a little privacy so I'll leave you two alone."
    Kate sat up and took the phone. She held her hand over it and took a deep