Page 115 of For One Night

I adjust my pants, seeing as they need more room in them now. I get back to work with a big smile and lots of naughty thoughts about her. When I finish working my way through the hundred files on my desk, I check the time.

“Twelve forty-five, I wonder if Lola wants to get some lunch?” I stand, grabbing my phone, keys, and wallet.

I practically skip out the door to her office, but it’s dark. There’s a gnawing feeling in my gut as I turn toward Alice’s desk. I walk up, trying to rid myself of this nauseated feeling.

“Alice?” She looks at me. “Do you know where Lola went to?”

“She had a call and had to leave.” She smiles, and the pain in my stomach worsens.

I offer her a weak smile. “I’ll be stepping out for lunch. I have an errand to run. I should be back around two thirty, but call if you need me.”

“Will do, Mister Daly.” She waves as I walk to the elevator.

Once in the lobby, I decide to walk down the street instead of driving. I push the doors open and turn right, walking to a little shop a few doors away from a restaurant I frequent.

“I can run in, pick her a gift and grab lunch, so I can get back quick.” I grin at my plan and walk with a pep in my step.

The shop is relatively slow which should help me make better time. I do a quick walkthrough, and finally, something catches my eye. I squat, getting a closer look.

“May I help?” A tall blonde leans over the counter, giving me a clear shot of her breasts.

I avert my eyes. “Yes, I want to see this, please.”

“I’m happy to pull it out for you.”

I bet you are, but my lady has what I need. “Thank you.” She sets it on the counter. It’s perfect for her. “I’ll take it.”

“Gift wrapping for your sister … mother perhaps?” She smiles sweetly.

I can’t help myself. “Fiancée.”

“Lucky lady.”

“On the contrary, lucky man.” I pull my wallet out, laying my Palladium card out.

Her brow cocks. “I suppose so.”

She runs the card, reaching it back to me. While she wraps it, I spot a platinum Chess set. I can’t help but smile, knowing it’s coming back with me.

“Excuse me, I’ll take the Chess set also.” My face may break from smiling today.

I leave with my gift bags still smiling. I need to get something fast for lunch, so I pop into the restaurant with full intentions on getting something to go and hurry back. I place an order and pull my phone out.

“Mister Daly’s office,” Alice answers.

“Alice, I need a favor.”

“Go ahead, I’m ready,” she says.

I bite my bottom lip. “I need to buy some flowers; will you help me with that, please?”

“Anything in particular?” I draw a blank.

“Roses, an assortment.”

“Dozen or two?” She giggles.

“Two, have them delivered to Lola.”