Guidance

by Danielle Allen

“You’re doing a great job with her.” His eyes searched mine. “Thank you.”

“I took up your time and I understand how valuable time is.”

“Camilla?” “Yes?” My voice faltered slightly. “I look forward to showing you my appreciation,” he professed before he opened the door and walked out.

About three dozen white roses in a glass vase caught my eye.

“I hope these flowers do for you and your day what you did for me and mine,”

“I understand and I appreciate that. But for what you did for us, you can get anything you want from me. And you deserve to be thanked.”

“Thank you, Dr. Long.” He paused again. “Thank you, Dr. Branch.”

Camilla Branch: Anytime? Kian Long: Anytime.

Kian Long: Your man didn’t trip over it, did he? Camilla Branch: I don’t have a man. Kian Long: Do you want one?

“I’m asking.” His deep voice carried his reply beyond my ears and into every nook and cranny of my body. “Because I would like to take you out and get to know you better—outside of the context in which we met.”

“And what is it you want to do?” “I want to spend some real time with you.”

“Keep this up and you’re going to spoil me.” “I plan to spoil you.”

“Hello, Dr. Branch,” he returned, before leaning to my ear. “I see you decided on a dress anyway.” I closed my eyes and inhaled his cologne. “You like?” “I love.”

“Well, thank you,” I told him, taking a step back. His gaze swept up and down my body. “No… thank you.”

Kian Long: You’re absolutely beautiful. I can’t take my eyes off you.

“Lift up for me,” he demanded.

Opening my legs as Kian took a handful of napkins to clean me, I bit my bottom lip. “Yeah. I was taken care of.”