When Kate got in touch with Donnie a few days later to find out when he wanted the date to happen, he told her that he wanted her to be wherever it was so she could see how if it worked out for herself. She thought that was kind of a crazy idea until he pointed out that she’d be worried about it all night until he called her to let her know something. So, they found a night about a week later that neither of them had other plans and Kate got started on the arrangements. She just hoped that this woman Donnie was taking out would be free that night.

Kate went by and picked up the “To Go” dinner she had ordered for Donnie’s date and headed to Boston’s Public Garden to finish up details for a picnic date. When she got there, someone had already set up the blanket and there was a screen tent to keep out any pests. She set out the things she could. She checked that the wine was chilled and on fresh ice. She had speakers and an iPod set up so that Donnie could just turn on the iPod and press play. She had put some old R & B songs on a playlist for him. It seemed like something he would like. She made one final check and went to the place nearby so she could observe hopefully without being seen.

About fifteen minutes later, she saw Donnie walking up. He was wearing khaki pants, a white shirt, and a jacket that matched his pants. He was carrying a pink and yellow rose. But he was alone. She stayed hidden but continued to watch. She had thought he was bringing this woman with him. He looked around and started setting out the dinner she had brought over. He even poured two glasses of wine. He sat there for a few minutes sipping on his wine and enjoying the Garden. When he started the music, she decided she had to walk over.

Donnie saw Kate walking towards him. She looked perfect. He stood up and met her just outside the screen. “Hey,” he said. “Don’t you look nice?”

“Thank you. You look nice too.” She looked around. “Tell me you haven’t been stood up.”

He half smiled. “I don’t think so.”

“Did she cancel or something?”

“No,” he said. He stepped towards her and took her hands. “She’s right here. She’s you.”

It took a minute for that to sink in. “Me? What are you talking about?”

“Kate, I want to be with you tonight. Will you stay here with me?” He was standing right in front of her. He had both her hands held in his right hand and used his left hand to move a wayward section of her hair out of her eyes. She wasn’t saying anything. If he didn’t know better he’d think she was scared. But he’d never known Kate to be scared of much of anything. The woman walked around most of Dorchester and had no fear of anything happening to her. But she had completely zoned out on him. It was like she didn’t even see him there. He touched her chin with his fingers to tilt her head back up and said her name. “Kate? Did I lose you?”

She shook her head to clear it. “I’m sorry. I have to think about this for a minute. I …” she paused. “Can you just give me a minute?”

He was confused, but nodded his head. “Take your time. I’m not going anywhere.”

She turned around and her mind started racing. Donnie wanted to be with her. Did she have the time and energy to be with someone else like she was with Brian? What would Brian say? Should she keep it from Brian? Why didn’t she see this coming? Because Donnie had never touched her in any way that was even slightly more than friendly. Unless you counted that shoulder rub she got a while back. She was pacing now. Donnie was watching her and sipping on his wine.

She stared at him for a moment. He set his wine back down and walked over. “Kate, I like you. A lot. I just want us to have dinner and talk like two people who aren’t working together. I want to be able to get to know you better tonight. Just us, talking, eating, listening to music, maybe a little dancing if you’re up for it. I’d like to walk you around the Garden and let you tell me why you chose this place for my date. I won’t even try to put any moves on you. If you decide you want more than what I’ve just told you I had in mind, it’s all up to you.” He paused and looked at her. He held out his hand and said “What do you say? Dinner?”

“You want to spend this evening with me and just talk to each other?” He smiled and nodded. “Okay,” she said hesitantly and put her hand in his.

After they sat down, he asked her about it. “So what freaked you out so bad about me wanting to do this with you?”

“The last man that said he wanted to ‘be with me’ didn’t mean dinner. I just knew that I wasn’t in any way ready for that kind of relationship with someone el…” she stuttered “like you. You’re practically my best client,” she covered.

“I’m not gonna lie and say I’m not attracted to you that way Kate. I’ve had my share of interesting dreams about you,” he said and laughed when she blushed. “But I’ve made the mistake of being physical too soon in a relationship. I won’t be with anyone again until I know I love them and can trust them.” He picked up his wine again. “So far, I’m pretty sure I can trust you. We’ll have to see how the rest of it goes.” He handed her her glass and held his up to make a toast. She copied him. “To perfect first dates.” She laughed and touched her glass to his.

“It’s not all that perfect.”

“Oh, come on,” he said and started going on and on about the wine, the food, the location, the company, and the music. Soon they were chatting like they normally did without all the tension in the air. He did walk her around a bit after they ate and he held her hand. He had his car service drive them to her home back in Dorchester and he walked her to the door. He said goodnight and turned to leave. He was halfway down her steps when he heard her say his name. “Donnie?”

He looked back and she was walking towards him. He turned around and met her at the top of the steps. “Yes Kate?”

“Do you know what would make this date really perfect for me?” He shook his head no, but he was half smiling anticipating what she might say. “A goodnight kiss.”

“Are you trying to have your way with me Ms. Parker?” he said while walking past her and back onto her porch. “Because I distinctly recall having told you that I wouldn’t try anything like that with you tonight. You seemed rather relieved because I wasn’t going to put any moves on you.” She was standing there with her mouth open in disbelief. “And now you want me to kiss you? I don’t think so.”

“I will never understand men!” she said and headed for her front door. Donnie approached her quickly and turned her around and put his hands in her hair holding her completely against his very aroused body.

“Do I just get one kiss?” he whispered. She couldn’t speak. She couldn’t remember how to breathe. She nodded. “Then I’d better make it good.” And it was. He touched his lips to hers and she was lost. As much as she could feel how much he wanted her, he only kissed her. That made her want more. Just when she was about to beg him to come inside, he stopped kissing her and said “Goodnight.” Then he was gone and back in the car and riding away from her.

She was still standing there a few minutes later when a neighbor called out to her. “That was some kiss Miss Kate. I need a cigarette after that.”

She laughed. “Mr. Benson you know you aren’t supposed to smoking.”

“I didn’t say I was smoking one. I said I needed one. That man likes you a lot Miss Kate. A whole lot.”

“Yeah, I think he does.” She smiled. “Goodnight Mr. Benson.” She went inside and was completely giddy. She almost never went to sleep that night.

Donnie wasn’t sleeping much either. He was laying in bed replaying the night in his head. He loved the way she responded to him. She had told him that she hadn’t dated in a long time. She definitely wasn’t out of practice at kissing. He had taken care of himself three times in the shower already, but he couldn’t stop thinking about her. As a result, he was still hard. He wondered if he would stay hard like this after he finally made love to her. He knew it would be a while before he trusted his feelings enough to take things that far. He groaned & got back up for another shower. He was anticipating lots of cold showers & nights without sleep in his future.

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