Chapter 13 #2
Most of what Del knew about women, he had learned from two relatively short relationships with slightly older women, and from the internet.
He’d never been attracted to the bubble-headed, gum snapping girls in high school, or at least not attracted enough to do anything about it.
He was a red-blooded male after all, and as susceptible to female charms as the next man.
Del, however, took quite a bit of pride in the fact that he chose his partners carefully, based on compatibility and maturity.
Of course, physical attraction was important, but not necessarily the most important criteria.
Both of his previous physical relationships had been with attractive women.
Not in the category of Ms. O’Malley, but attractive nonetheless.
Beyond that, they had been caring, compassionate and socially acceptable.
Del wasn’t a social snob by any means, but he absolutely could not imagine his girlfriend dancing on the bar in his parent’s recreation room, or dirty dancing at a country club soirée.
Personally, Del didn’t put much stock in those types of gatherings, but it pleased his parents, so he attended when asked.
Glancing at his watch, Del cleared his desk, putting everything in its place.
Taking a deep breath, he left his office and immediately smothered his groan.
Bridget was struggling into her boots, her shapely behind facing him.
His eyes were drawn to the display, like a heat seeking missile.
Forcing his body to obey his brain, he set his briefcase down in the chair and went to the closet to get their coats.
After slipping on his trench coat, he returned to the reception area.
Bridget had managed to zip up her boots and as soon as Del was in front of her, she squatted down to pick up her shoes. Her face was now directly in front of Del, her sassy mouth inches from his dick, which had stopped cooperating with his brain.
Good God, Del swore silently. Does she plan these moves or are they as innocent as they seem?
Innocent was not the first word that came to mind when describing Bridget, but he had a hard time believing she was that single-minded.
Taking a step back he held her coat, waiting to assist her in putting it on.
Clearing his throat, he tried to marshal his thoughts into order.
“Ms. O’Malley, I must apologize for my unforgivable behavior this afternoon. I can only promise you it will never happen again.”
Bridget rose slowly until she was looking up into his eyes. Checking out every inch of him on her way up, she couldn’t help noticing the bulge in the front of his pants. No matter how emphatically Winston denied it, he wanted her.
“Don’t make promises you can’t keep,” Bridget told him with a laugh.
“If you lock that door, I’ll show you exactly how sorry I am about this afternoon,” she continued, laying her small hand on his chest. His rapid heartbeat belied the firm set of his jaw as he stared down at her.
His hands had a death grip on her jacket and she wondered what he would do with them if she should rip the jacket away.
“Absolutely not! We must not compound our transgressions, Bridget, I mean Ms. O’Malley. It’s imperative that we behave in a purely professional manner for the rest of the week.”
Sighing, Bridget turned and let him help her into her coat. After picking up her backpack, she started towards the door only to turn around half way there. Del bumped into her and grasped her arms quickly to keep her from falling.
“Really, Winston,” she stated, a twinge of annoyance coming through. “I thought you would be a little more fun this week. Have you always been so pompous?”
“Ms. O’Malley, I do not consider myself pompous in the least. Most of the human race adheres to socially acceptable behavior in the workplace. I hope for the duration of our time together you will try a little harder to be … good?”
“I’ll have you know that I have been told I am very, very good. In fact, I can provide references just like that,” she informed him, snapping her fingers, her little nose in the air.
“I’m not surprised, Ms. O’Malley,” he said stiffly, turning her around and giving her bottom a push toward the door. “Feel free to call in sick tomorrow,” he mumbled as he bent to lock the door.
“Not on your life, Winston,” Bridget shot back. He was afraid of her she realized with a start. This was getting better all the time. Why he was probably shaking in his wingtips. Feeling much better, Bridget slipped her arm through his as they started down the walk.
“How about giving me a ride home, Winston?” she asked in her very best damsel in distress voice.
“It’s easier than giving you directions for Thanksgiving and I won’t have to wait at the cold, dark bus stop.
A girl could get hurt all alone on a night like this.
There are criminals everywhere, which you should know being almost a lawyer and all. ”
“My money is on you,” Del snorted, rolling his eyes. “Come on then, hurry along, I have plans for tonight.”
Bridget skipped along beside him, her hand in his warm pocket. “Is that why you got the ticket this morning? Were you speeding? You know, as a representative of the law you should be more careful.”
“No, I was not speeding,” Del replied, wishing fervently that she would drop the subject.
He should have known better.
“So, what were you doing? Did you have an accident or something?” Bridget continued, looking him over for injuries.
“No, Ms. O’Malley, I did not have an accident,” Del replied acidly hitting the unlock button as they were just about at the car. “If you must know, I got a ticket for driving too slowly in the express lane.”
“Oh, Winston,” Bridget howled with laughter. “That’s priceless. I have never heard of anyone getting a ticket for driving too slow. I’ll have to ask Rory about it.” Holding her sides, she leaned against the car while he waited, holding her door open.
“I would appreciate it if this went no further than us,” Winston growled. “Now if you don’t mind …” he continued, his teeth clenched as he waved his arm indicating she should be seated.
Bridget stood and wiped the tears from her face, a hiccup escaping. Quickly she shot up and kissed his cheek. “I’m crazy about you, Winston,” she giggled.
“Get in the damn car, Bridget.”