He glanced up from his computer and realized that Shantel and he were the only ones in the office. Everyone else had left. It was Friday. Most people left either minutes before or exactly at five. And it was summer. People wanted to enjoy the nice weather.
He wasn’t in any rush to get home. All he did when he was there was watch television, play the stereo, read or spend hours on his laptop. After living most of his life on a farm, it took a while to get used to living in the city. In spite of the hustle and bustle and all that the city had to offer, his was a very boring life. He didn’t have a girlfriend and he wasn’t interested in dating, at least that was before Shantel came on the scene.
Two years ago, she joined the company when Ruth who had been working there for over fifteen years, decided to move back to Toronto. He was sorry to see her go because she was like an older sister to him. However, when he saw her replacement, he was bowled over. She was beautiful! He was tongue-tied and couldn’t help staring when Ruth introduced them.
Shantel was quiet and reserved like him and they got along very well. Some times they had lunch and took the subway together. They learned a lot about each other. He was relieved to find out that she was single like him. They shared a lot in common and had similar tastes. Sometimes, they went to the park to have lunch and after work, they went to the shopping mall or the library to browse before hopping on the train.
It wasn’t long before he started to develop feelings for her and he wanted so badly to ask her out but he was afraid of rejection and ruining their friendship. He watched her now as she sat at her desk. She glanced up and caught him looking at her. She got up and went over. She looked amazing in the purple dress which ended just above her knees. What lovely legs she had…Realizing that he was staring, he turned away, his face red.
“Are you working late?” she asked.
He looked up. “I wasn’t planning to,” he replied. “What about you?”
“No. I’m ready to leave when you are.”
“Okay. I’ll be ready in five minutes.”
“I’ll go and get ready.” She smiled at him before walking away.
He switched off his computer and quickly cleared his desk. Grabbing his jacket, he went over to her desk where she was waiting for him. They walked to the elevator. On the ride down, she turned to him. “Are you doing anything tomorrow evening?” she asked.
He shook his head. “No.”
“Well, I was wondering if you would to have dinner at my place.”
His heart began to beat faster. “I would love to, Shantel.” 
“I’ve wanted to ask you that for a long time but just couldn’t work up the courage until now.”
His eyes darkened on her face and he reached for her hand. “And I’ve wanted to ask you out so many times but was afraid to.”
She smiled and squeezed his hand. “I’m glad to know that we both feel the same way and that we’re finally reached this stage in our relationship. No more hiding or pretending…” Her voice trailed off as his lips found hers and moved ever so gently, like a caress, making her catch her breath.
When they exited the elevator, they were smiling and holding hands. They were a couple now.
This was written for the Ragtag Daily Prompt for today’s prompt, Farm. If you’re interested in participating, click HERE for more information.
Notes to Women 