Monica was excitedly nervous as she walked into the restaurant. Although it had been six months since they had seen each other, it felt like a first date. Or maybe a third, given the tingle she felt below her waist. While she had been in London working on a project, Chad had texted regularly. The conversations were wide ranging and friendly, occasionally becoming R rated. Given their history, Monica had wondered what sexting would be like, but every time the chat started to get explicit, Chad would change the subject. She hoped the evening would provide some answers...among other things.
Chad was waiting at the bar when she arrived and greeted her with a warm kiss and big hug. Monica instantly relaxed, and was pleasantly surprised when he ordered her favorite cocktail. The conversation was light as they waited for their table to be ready, and every time Chad touched her hand as they reconnected, she felt a surge of energy course through her entire body. She didn't remember him being so touchy, especially in public, and was beginning to wonder who this Chad was.
"So congratulations on the promotion. How's the new office?"
"Thanks! It's pretty nice, although the new responsibilities mean that I rarely see it. No complaints though. Maybe you can come by for a proper tour while you are in town?"
"Perhaps. I seem to remember you being the consummate host in your previous space."
"Depends on the company. You always have an open invitation. No appointment necessary."
"I'll keep that in mind. So listen, something's been bugging me and I just need to get it out there. Are you not into sexting or just not into sexting with me? I feel like I've tried to initiate but you don't seem interested."
Chad blushed, and for a moment stared in silence as he found his words. "Monica, I apologize. I had a very bad experience with a girl in college. I thought we were exclusive, and shared a lot. We got into a fight, and she decided to post everything online. I felt like I couldn't show my face on campus after that. So really - as cliché as it sounds - it's not you. It's me."
Chad leaned forward and took her hand as he continued; "And since we are on the topic, I was hoping that tonight could be the start of something for us. I think we have incredible chemistry, and I would like to see where this could go. I know your London assignment ends at the end of the year, and now that we work in different departments, there would be little work drama. Up for a little long distance dating? I've heard something about absence making a heart grow fonder."
It was Monica's turn to blush. "Intriguing proposal. I definitely agree about the chemistry, and the distance is short term. Let's see where this week goes and take it from there?"
"Then I think this
will
be an intriguing week." Chad raised his glass and smiled warmly. "Shall we toast?"
Monica laughed. "Absolutely. To experiencing intrigue."
Chad replied, "And to experiencing it with a girl who positively glows. Some might even refer to her as a Shining Star."
The combination of the gleam in his eyes and smirk told Monica there was something more to his choice of words. Suddenly it all made sense. "Really? Me?!?!"
"That's perfect. Don't forget to look like that tomorrow when you hear your name announced. It's supposed to be a surprise."
