Chapter 23

Over the next few days, Joe noticed a big change in Blake and Kelly. On how they were behaving around each other, they rarely spoke. The endless bickering stopped. So he asked him if he and Kelly were fighting, though it wasn't the usual yelling and name calling. "What's up with you two? She seems so down in the dumps. And you're not in a good mood either. I kind of miss all the bickering and the excitement of not knowing what you two will do next."

"Alright, I'll tell you. But Joe, you have to keep it between us, ok?"

"Sure boss, you know you can trust me."

"The other night I almost made love to her. But I stopped, she's still a little mad at me."

"Why is she mad? Is it because you tried it on with her?" Joe was waiting anxiously to hear all the details.

"No, not exactly. She's mad because I wouldn' go through with it."

Joe looked at him as though he had lost his mind. "Damn boss, why not? What's wrong with you? A beautiful woman wants you and you refuse her."

"It's not that simple Joe. I don't want to get involved with someone who won't be sticking around, and it wouldn't be right."

"Or are you afraid of getting hurt again? Maybe you're starting to care for Kelly more than you'll admit to. It's been two years Blake, move on. What harm is there in having a bit of fun. Take the girl to the annual dance tomorrow night. She looks like she could use some cheering up."

"I don't know if that's such a good idea, Joe."

"I'm not saying sleep with her. Just go out and have some fun. She's been working hard and deserves a night out."

The next morning Blake had coffee and toast ready by the time she woke up. He was going to ask her to the dance. And for some reason, he was nervous as hell. It reminded him of when he was in high school and asking a girl out for the first time. "There's a dance tonight, over in the next town, I was thinking of going."

She glanced up at him, she thought he looked nervous. "Well, you should go. I hope you have a good time."

He wiped the sweat from his brow. "I know how much you love dancing. I thought you might like to go with me."

Kelly smiled, hesitating before answering. "Are you asking me out on a date?"

He smiled to himself. He hadn't been on a date in almost a year and felt like a kid at that moment. "Yeah, I guess I am. So, how about it?"

"I'd love to go with you," she answered.

When she smiled at him, he felt a pulling in his heart. It was a feeling of happiness. "Great, it's a date."

Blake stood drinking a beer in his dark suit, wearing a new white shirt and tie that he had bought for the occasion. When he saw her walk out of the bedroom wearing a short black strapless dress, one that hugged her curves. She had curled her hair and it flowed down her back and shoulders. She took his breath away, and he knew she was going to turns heads tonight.

"Wow, that dress. You look stunning."

Kelly blushed, hearing this from Blake made her feel special. "Thank you. And you look so handsome in your suit."

After staring at her for what seemed liked ages he cleared his throat. "Since it's a date I got you these." He held out a small bouquet of flowers.

Kelly took them, smiling. Men were always giving her flowers, expensive long stem roses. But to her, this bouquet was the nicest she had ever received. "They're beautiful, thank you. I'll just put them in some water before we go."

As she reached for a vase that was on the top shelve in the cupboard, her dress rose up her leg. He watched as she stretched more, making the dress dangerously close to her butt cheeks. "Here, let me help you."

Going over he stood behind her, reaching up and grabbing the vase. She felt his hard body as it rubbed up against her. When he moved back she turned around, looking into his eyes. She thought he was going to kiss her but instead handed her the vase.

Blake felt the pounding of his heart, being that close and the way she smelled, he wanted to kiss her. But knew that would be a big mistake, he didn't want to hurt her again.

When they got to the dance she hesitated outside. "Maybe this is a mistake. I'm sure a lot of your customers will be here, and they don't like me."

He stopped to look at her. "That's not true. They don't know you, and once they do they'll love you. Give them a chance." She still looked worried so he took her hand. "Would it help if I held your hand the whole time?"

Kelly's face lit up, she smiled and shook her head yes.

He held her hand and they walked in, he kept holding it as they walked around. All eyes were on them. They had all heard about her and were wondering why Blake would bring her to the dance.

The men all stared at her with lust in their eyes, the women whispered to one another about what a tramp they thought she was.

Seeing Stan they walked over to him and the men started talking. Blake turned to Kelly.