I wake the next morning to the aroma of fresh coffee and it smells just heavenly. “Is someone trying to make up for being a traitor?”

“Maybe a little. Good morning Kris.”

“Morning, Nick. So why the wake-up call?”

“There’s a delivery at the door for you. I tried to tell to leave it with me and I’ll make sure you get it but the delivery person insisted it had to be handed directly to you.”

“And you thought it was best to wake me up with coffee.”

“You’re not exactly the most sane person when being woken up in the morning, so yeah.”

“Well considering I’m not even a morning person to begin with, I’d say, you made a good decision there.”

“I’m fully aware. Now come on they’re out there waiting patiently enough. They must be getting paid well for actually following through and waiting.”

“I agree. Okay I’m getting up.”

I get up and walk to the front door and open it to see a delivery guy still standing there and to my surprise, he doesn’t seem the least bit annoyed at having to wait for me. “Miss. Thomas?”

“That’s me.”

“I have these for you.” He pulls out of a box he was carrying a vase filled with a floral arrangement of my favorite flowers, carnations. This had to have been Nathan, but how did he know? Before I even finish that thought I already know. This is why he brought me coffee. He was bribing me as he knew he was in even more shit with me. 

“Thank you for being so patient. I hope you are being compensated for your time.” I go to hand him a tip as I felt bad.

“No worries miss. I’ve been paid well for the extra effort. You don’t need to add any more to it.”

“I’m glad to hear that but I insist. If it helps just don’t tell whoever sent you. It’ll be our secret.”

He looked a bit unsure but took the money on my persistence. “Thank you ma’am. It is appreciated. And I hope you have a wonderful day.”

“You as well.”

“Nick! Get your ass out here. There is nowhere for you to hide anyway.”

“So what was the delivery?” He tried to act surprised but my best friend is about to become my ex best friend. 

“Don’t act like you have no idea. The only way Nathan could have known what my favorite flower is would be by you informing him.”

“I’m sorry but he called me and said how he felt last night didn’t exactly go as well as he had hoped and wanted to make it up to you. I felt bad for the guy. Kris, give him a break. He’s really trying.”

“I know and your right. I’ll admit there is something there.” I looked at the flowers and they are gorgeous. They smell amazing and I can see the thought he put into them. “There’s a note here.”

“Read it.” I glare at him. He’s not out if the dog house quit yet. “I meant to yourself. I won’t intrude in that way.”

I picked up the envelope and opened it to read the note.

Kristina,

I’m truly sorry about last night. I know it didn’t go as well as I was hoping it would. It was my honest intention to show you a good time and have a nice dinner together. It is with great hope that you will give me another chance to make it up to you. I understand you may have your reservations but I promise you will not regret it. I await your call. In the meantime I will be thinking about you and us.

Yours Truly,

Nathan Stone

Wow, I can’t believe what I just read. Now I feel terrible. I wish I hadn’t rushed to judge him. I’m in complete shock. And by how silent Nick is he can tell.

“So?”

“Huh?”

“Come on. You’re leaving me in total suspense here.”

“Oh, sorry. Um, yeah. Okay, now don’t let this go to your head, but maybe you’re right.” He now has a huge grin across his face. “Oh wipe that grin off your damn face. I’m still upset with your interfering, but I can see he genuinely cares so I’m going to give him a real chance.”

“I’m glad and now my job is done.”

“You’re still an ass.”

“But an ass you love.”

Nick took off to some appointments he had at his gym and I needed to get some work done. I have been slacking and I hate it. It’s just not like me. I’ve let a guy distract me. I hate myself for that. Though in my defense the guy that has been my ultimate distraction is the same one who I have work to do for. So he only has himself to blame for me not getting much done. 

I get a text from my dad that he and Mike have time to get lunch and it’s been a while so I agree to meet them at the cafe at one. As I sit here about to get ready I decide that Nathan has suffered enough so I call him.

“Kristina, I’m glad you called. Does this mean you forgive me about last night?”

“I can see forgiveness in the near future.”

He laughs. “Okay I’ll take what I can get. So how can I earn it?”

“I’m willing to pretend that the last date did not happen and grant you a do over. However there will need to be some ground rules.”

“I’m listening. I’m amenable.”

“Good, so here are my rules. One, while I’m good with you choosing the restaurant I am not okay with you ordering for me. Now as much as I enjoyed that meal it is a major turn off to have my date presume to make that choice for me. I need to make my own choices. Clear?”

“Crystal.” I can hear in his voice that he isn’t use to a woman giving him rules but at the same time he also seems amused by it. He’s an enigma to me. 

“Good. Two, you will not dictate how much I eat. I don’t mind if you want to offer to order extras like the appetizer and salad plus the meal and dessert but don’t just assume and expect me to be okay with that. And three, just be that sweet kind guy who wrote that most endearing note with the flowers. If you can do that then I think we have a chance at a successful date.”

“I must say I wasn’t expecting you to be so…I guess assertive. But it does suit you. And okay I can work on all that and give you a date you will not regret.”

“Then we can try again. I do have to go for now. I’m meeting my dad and brother for lunch.”

“Alright baby. Enjoy your lunch and I’ll go make plans for our do over date.”

We hung up and I headed out to lunch. 

I arrive at the cafe about five minutes to one and there they are Mike and our father sitting at our usual table. I walk up to them and greet them right away. “Hey dad.”

“Hey, sweetheart. How are you?”

“I’m good. Hey Mike.”

“Hey, Kris. Is it just me or is there something different?”

“What are you talking about?” I ask Mike. 

“He’s right dear. You do seem a different. Not bad at all so don’t get me wrong. You seem I don’t know, happy.”

“Yeah, that’s it. So what’s the change? Don’t get me wrong it’s great to finally see you happy. It’s been too long. I’m just curious to what the change is.”

“You’re delusional.”

“Kristina, my dear, we both see it.”

“Yeah sis. Come on out with it. I’d like to know so that I can insure things don’t change I like you like this.”

“I have to agree with your brother. What has my darling daughter so vibrant today?”

“I think I can answer that question.”

We all turn to look and see who said that. Though I know who it is before I even look. How the hell did he know where we’d be?

“Hello, my name is Nathan Black.”

“I’m well aware of who you are Mr. Black.” My father spoke up first. “Though I’m curious to know how it is you know my daughter and have the answers I seek.”

“Yes, have a seat and do explain.” My brother chimed in.

Oh sweet humiliation. This was not how I expected my day to go. He accepted the invite and took a seat next to me. He looked at me with a grin.

“How did you know this was where I was going for lunch?”

“You didn’t invite him?” Mike asked.

“No, lunch has always been just us though we do have a date planned for the near future this was not what I was expecting.”

“Well, when we got off the phone I figured you had to be going to a place near by. Otherwise I suspect you’d be late. And I’m sure you would never be late to a lunch with your family. So I thought it’d be a nice surprise to meet up with you and introduce myself to them.”

“Why?”

“Why not? If I plan on us seeing each other then shouldn’t your family meet me? I’m sure they’d want to know the man you are seeing.”

“That’s honorable.”

“Thank you. I know the two of you must be very important to Kristina so I’m sure your approval would mean a lot to her.”

“I like him already.” Mike noted. My dad nodded in agreement. 

“Now to answer your questions. Kristina and I had met when her and her friend Nick came to my club. It took one look at her and I just had to meet her. I’ll admit it took a tad longer for her. But I could not give up that easily. With enough persistence and charm she has finally agreed to go out with me. So that answers both questions. How we met and why she seems happy. I seem to have that affect on her.” 

He looked at me with a smile and a look of adoration. He was definitely a charmer and I could see he already had Mike and my dad. Hook, line and sinker. 

My girl isn’t easy to impress so the fact that she seems genuinely into you and you seem to make her happy I have no reservations on my end. Just keep that smile on her face and we’re good.”

“Thank you sir. That means a lot to me. I will absolutely do my best to keep her smiling.”

“I won’t disagree with my father. He makes all valid points. However, I will make one amendment.”

“I’m all ears.”

“I love my sister very much and I will do anything for her as I have in the past. But if you hurt her in any way you will have me to contend with. And believe me, you don’t want that.”

“I hear you. And believe me when I tell you I have no intention on hurting her. While I don’t know her past yet.” He looked at me a minute then went back to my brother. “But I can see she’s already been through hell and hurt immensely. I wholeheartedly believe that she deserves much better than that. You have my word.”

“Okay, I’m satisfied.” Mike replied

Oh, dear this was not how I wanted them all to meet. I wasn’t planning on it until I was certain we were in a committed relationship. Looks like that decision has been made for me. Okay I came to that conclusion already but I haven’t voiced it yet.

“Now that we have all that situated why don’t we order lunch?”

We all placed our orders and I could see it was taking all of Nathan’s strength not to order for me or tell me how much I should be eating. I have to say it was quite amusing watching him struggle with it.

I have some pity on him and order a cheeseburger and fries. My dad and brother look at me in complete shock.

“I see you already have had an impact on Kris. She normally just orders a chicken cesar salad.” My dad just has to mention.

“And barely eats half.” My brother mumbles but Nathan hears it. Shit, why must he be such an ass.

“I see.” Nathan says. He’s trying to control himself but I know he wants to comment on that.

“Was that really necessary Mike?”

“I think so. Maybe he can convince you to eat more since we obviously can’t.” I roll my eyes and sigh. I’m in fucking hell right now.

“Kristina?” Nathan pulls my attention to him.

“Nathan?” I respond.

He let’s out a breath as I know he’s trying not to be controlling but I know he wants to say something. “I would appreciate it if you could finish a whole meal. And I’m sure it would make all those who love you happy. We all just want to see you healthy and taking care of yourself.”

“I’ll see what I can do.”

“Okay, thank you.”

Our food came out and the conversation became lighter as Mike and my dad asked Nathan about his companies and we just talked to get to know each other. By time we all finished I ate most of my burger leaving just a quarter of it and just a few fries. 

Nathan, Mike and my dad seemed content with that. I know they all make good points. And I wish they didn’t worry so much.

“Come on baby, I’ll take you home.”

“Okay.” I said goodbye to Mike and my dad and we headed back to my place. This wasn’t so bad after all. Makes me look forward to our next date.