The Only One For Me

Tayler reached out and stopped her. “First, I want to hear all about Chris’s visit. Did you pick up where you left off seven months ago? And where has he been since then?”

Corra took a deep breath and crossed her arms. “Well, when he walked through the door I got the shock of my life. He’s the last person I expected to see, and I believe the feeling was mutual. Where has he been for the last seven months? I don’t know, but I plan to find out tomorrow night.”

* * *

Although Chris knew where Corra lived, she’d asked him to pick her up Friday evening at the Coleman House. He’d planned to take her to his favorite restaurant in Lexington which was about forty-five minutes away.

When he arrived the gift shop had a Closed sign on the door. He parked and headed over to the house. He didn’t get too far when the door to the gift shop opened. Corra walked out, so he turned around.

“I thought I’d wait for you here. It’s kind of busy in the house right now. Full house.”

“Sure.” Chris couldn’t hold back the smile on his face. Corra had on a dress that hugged her hips and heels that showed off her beautiful legs. Her shoulder-length hair had that sexy, tousled, “I just climbed out of bed after a night of lovemaking” look. He loved it.

They met up as he walked back to the car.

“Why are you smiling?” she asked.

“I’m admiring how good you look. Your hair’s different.” She reached up and ran a hand through her tresses. The simple movement turned him on.

“I just thought I’d curl it for once.”

He opened the car door for her.

“So, where are we headed?”

“I hope you’re hungry? I’m taking you to my favorite restaurant.” She eased down then swiveled ever so gently into the seat. Damn! She looked so inviting tonight.

“I’m famished.”

He closed her door, and then walked around to the driver’s side and got in.

Corra buckled herself in as he started the car.

“Is this yours?” she asked.

“Yep. This time I decided on a Made in America, Cadillac.”

Corra looked around. “It’s a beautiful car. I’ve never rode in one before. What model is this?”

“It’s a CT6. If you’ve never had the pleasure, sit back and be prepared to be amazed.” Chris turned the radio on to a soft jazz station.

“So, what did Rollin say when you explained the software to him?” Chris asked, as they pulled away from the property.

“He said it’s up to me. Since I started, Tayler and I have been doing most of the administrative work, which has freed up Rollin to expand on the farm.”

“That’s great. I like to see families keeping business all in the family when they can. That’s how you grow a legacy. Who knows, one day one of your children will be running things.”

Corra laughed. “Well, I certainly hope so. That place meant a lot to my parents. That’s why I couldn’t let Rollin close it down. Now we’re on the upswing and I only wish it was bigger.”

“Expand. You have room in the back of the house to add on, don’t you?”

Corra lowered her head, then gazed up at Chris. “You know Rollin. That will never happen. He’s more interested in expanding the farm than the house. Which is okay with me. Either one equals more revenue at the rate we’re going.”

“I’m glad to hear that things are going so well. I know Rollin was concerned for a little while there. Our new management system should cut your work in half. If it doesn’t let me know and I’ll pay to install something else for you.”

Corra snorted. “You’re giving that type of a guarantee?”

“Yes ma’am. I know my product. It’s damned good.”

“Well, Tayler and I will be the judge of that. She’s eager to get her hands on it as well.”

“And I’m equally eager for you to get your hands all over it, then let me know what you think.” Chris glanced over at Corra’s dress as it rose up her thighs, causing a shortness in his breath. He turned his attention back to the road as they entered the expressway and he put his new automobile to the test.

* * *

It took forty-five minutes to get to Tony’s Steaks and Seafood. Corra had heard of the restaurant, but had never been.

They had a huge menu selection, so it took Corra a while to decide on her entrée. The freedom of being able to pick whatever she wanted without placing another order for the kids was new to her. She hadn’t been out on a date in forever and relished this experience.

She quickly placed her order, anxious for the waiter to disappear. She’d been holding something in from the minute Chris entered the bed-and-breakfast. This evening, she had to have an answer.

“So Chris, where have you been for the last seven months?”

Chapter 5 (#u3295ed9f-f471-5a93-9fcd-7d158345ce4a)

Chris lowered his gaze and took a deep breath. He’d been waiting for that question.

He smiled up at Corra. “I know I owe you an apology. I had every intention of keeping in contact. But the minute my plane landed in Philly, the chaos ensued. I had building problems, people issues, and a few other things that come with growing pains. We’re opening a new office in London, so I had to make a trip there. They were good problems to have, but very time-consuming. Can you forgive me?”

He bit his bottom lip and pressed his palms together at his chest. Corra tilted her head and gave him her side eye “what do you take me for?” look.

She threw her chin up. “I’ll think about it. But, maybe we should keep things strictly business for now.”

He lowered his hands and nodded. Just as he did, the waiter appeared with a bottle of champagne and two glasses. Corra gave the waiter a double take. They hadn’t ordered champagne. Chris stared across the table at her while the waiter poured two glasses and complimented Chris on his selection. Corra crossed her arms as she realized he’d ordered the champagne before they arrived.

Chris picked up his glass and motioned for her to do the same. She complied. “What are we drinking to?” she asked.

“To new beginnings. The start of something beautiful. Whatever you want to call it as long as you’ll forgive me.” He held his glass out waiting for her to toast.

Corra set her glass down.

“So, you think this fancy restaurant and that bottle of champagne makes up for that flimsy excuse?”

Chris lowered his glass and nodded. “You’re right,” he said, before looking up at her. “That’s not good enough. I was wrong not to communicate with you, and I hope you’ll find it in your heart to forgive me. It wasn’t my intention to invite you out to upset you. I want to make up for my absence, if you’ll let me?”

The waiter returned with dinner, and to check on the champagne. He offered to bring out a different brand if they didn’t like the first choice.

Chris smiled. “No, it’s fine.” He picked his glass up and held it out to Corra.