you can choose from."
"You want me to take one of your cars?"
"Why not? I only need one car and as you pointed out the first time we met, I should not be driving. But I don't mind us carpooling to and from work, either."
"The scandal," she said.
"Scandal?"
"Do you actually think we could get away with using the same car daily and it does not get out?"
"Will, I just sent my little army to search and conquer your fiefdom, the scandal may already be done."
She giggled at his reference to their unprotected sex.
"Just so you know," she said, "my fiefdom has its own protection. Anyway, you don't really live here so that would be an inconvenience."
"I didn't live here because it was under construction and well, there was little to do. But now with the sexy neighbor who dresses in corsets and such things, it's like a fantasy come true."
"I should be getting home," she said.
"So what's your decision about transportation?"
"I'll take the loaner, until my Jag gets fixed."
"Can I see you tonight?"
"I’m not sure. I’ll call you."
“Fair enough. Talk to you soon.”
Chapter 8
James was distracted most of the day. He was thinking about the previous night and the morning, mostly the morning. Cassandra was briefing him on some personal matters and he was trying and failing miserably to follow the conversation. All he could think about was her not telling him to stop.
“James,” Cassandra’s voice came through his thoughts.
“What?” he asked as he saw her stretching a paper and pen towards him.
“I was saying all you needed to do to give the property to Stacey was sign this document.”
“Okay.”
“If I could be frank,” she started.
“By all means,” he replied. “What’s on your mind?”
“I don’t think this is wise, especially if you’re dating Willow. I know Willow spent last night with you. I don’t think you should give your ex a piece of property free of charge when you’re courting someone else.”
“I promised Stacey’s mother I would give it back should her daughter ever return to England.”
“Well, all you have to do is sign this document and its official. Do you want me to send her the documents by courier?”
“No. We’re meeting for lunch.”
“That’s not on your schedule,” Cassandra said.
“I know.”
Willow called to say she couldn’t make Thursday night. James was disappointed, especially since the call was brief.
Their schedules were off for the rest of the week and the next. Willow saw on the news that he made the aid agreement work. All he parties involved were happy. He did the right thing, putting aside his personal feelings for old enemies and moving forward. She liked that and told him as much over their telephone conversation.
By the time the next Thursday rolled around, she was scheduled for a short trip to Ireland. Willow was getting ready for the airport when there was a knock on her office door. She looked up to see the receptionist.
"There's a gentleman here to see you," she said.
"Who is it?" Willow asked.
"His name is Giles."
"Please send him in."
"Giles," she said when they were alone. "Is something wrong with James?"
"No ma'am," he said. "I had a few errands on this side of town and he asked me to drop this off."
"Please stop calling me ma'am," Willow said. "I'll begin to feel as if I'm over the hill."
She took the envelope from Giles. He backed up a few paces and waited. Willow thanked him, but his stay was her clue to read the note immediately.
The envelope contained a ticket for a dinner Friday of the next week. The note was simple.
I'm giving you the opportunity to say yes or no. I know we cannot arrive together, but there is nothing wrong with guests speaking to each other. Please give your reply to Giles. Yours always J.
Willow glanced at the ticket again. It was an expensive dinner ticket, a thousand quid per plate. The gesture made her smile. She was certain she wasn’t going to make it.
She scratched a quick reply on a note pad.
Thank you for the consideration, however, I must decline this time. Please, feel free to make arrangements for another companion. Perhaps the next time. Yours for now, Will.
Willow looked at the note. It was only on reviewing she noticed she signed Will. He was the only person who ever called her that. She liked it. She folded the note, stuffed it in the envelope and gave it back to Giles.
"Thank you," she said.
"My pleasure, ma'am." With that, he hurried out of the office.
There were ten