Chapter One

You are being so stupid, they would say. I knew I was doing the right thing...in my mind anyway. I was young, a nineteen year old all alone in the world, needing someone in my life. I met him on a chilly October day. He seemed a charming and very handsome man. I was standing in line at the grocery store and he walked up in line behind me. I noticed him right away. He had on dark blue slacks, dress shoes, an oxford shirt with a very interesting tie. 'Nice tie.'� I commented.
'Thank you.'� He said. 'So, he asked. Is it really thicker?'�
'What?'� I asked
'The spaghetti sauce, they always say on the commercials that it's thicker.'�
I had to burst out laughing at his question.
'I don't know.'� I said. 'I never really thought about it, but that was such a funny question, do you always start conversations like that or is that your way of hitting on somebody in a grocery store? Maybe it's an ice breaker so to speak?'�
He looked my question. 'Me? Picking somebody up in line at a grocery store? Now, that's one I've never done before. Honestly, I noticed you while you were shopping and I am quite glad that I managed to get in line behind you. To be honest you are very pretty. I hope I don't seem too forward?'�
'Oh, no,'� I said. 'It must be my awesome dark brown hair and eyes right? Thanks for the compliment.'�
'Actually,'� he said with a very mischievous smile, 'you are absolutely right you are beautiful.'�
I handed the cashier my money for my stuff, not knowing what to say to him.
'Well,'� I said. 'It has been an honor, I mean having my choice of spaghetti sauce questioned. I hope you have a good evening; it was nice chatting with you. Maybe I'll see you again sometime.'�
'It has been my pleasure, and you have a good evening as well.'� He said with a bow.
'Thank you.'� I said. I grabbed my basket and headed out the door to the parking lot. As I was making my way to the car, I was wondering if I would see him again. I probably won't with my luck. I got to my car and put my groceries in the trunk. I actually made my way to the cart return area, which is something I rarely do. As I turned around to walk back to my car, there he was three cars down from mine. I looked at him and he looked at me.
'You wouldn't by any chance want to have a cup of coffee with me would you?'� He Asked.
'You know, I'd love to but I have to get these groceries home. I have some things that need to be put in the fridge.'�
'Well that's okay; I'm in the same boat myself. Unless you would like to meet me somewhere, say in an hour?'�
Oh My God, was this happening to me? I asked myself. This guy is a total stranger and for all I know he could be some crazed rapist-murderer with me in mind to be his next victim. But there was something about him, something honest.
'I suppose I could fit you into my schedule tonight.'� I joked.
'If you are busy, I understand.'� He said regretfully.
'So busy in fact, my evening consists of spaghetti and watching some tear jerker movie on my sofa. I would love to.'� I said.
'Great, that's the best thing I've heard all day.'� he said. 'I'll tell you what, why don't we meet downtown at The Grill, do you know where it is?'�
'Yeah, I said. I know this town like the back of my hand, I grew up here.'�
'Oh really?'� he asked.
'Yes, I said. By the way my name is Hanna Blake.'�
'I'm Jonathan Ward.
'Well Jonathan, I will see you in an hour, at The Grill right?'�
'Right, see you then. Oh Hannah.'� he said.
'Yes?'� I asked.
'Thank you for accepting my invitation.'�
'Thank you, I said. I'll see you at around seven.'�
'Okay, see you then,'� Jonathan replied.


I got in my car and started home. On my way home I was thinking of nothing else but this man I met. He was so cute with his dark brown hair and eyes as dark as mine. I made my way down Front St. and turned on Ridgebrook Ave. I was surprised that I have never seen him before in town. I mean, this town is a small country town in Central Montana.
I pulled into the parking lot of my apartment complex. I got out, opened my trunk and got my groceries out. I am so glad that I rented one of the apartments down stairs because I'd hate to have to climb a bunch of stairs especially when I have things to carry in. I opened my door and went in, closing the door behind me. It was cold inside. Then I remembered I had turned the heat off before I left this morning. That is my practical way of saving money on the heating bill. After I put the groceries up, I sat down on the couch for a minute to reflect on what had just happened to me at the store. Then I looked at the clock and, Oh My God! I only had thirty minutes to change and get there!
I put on my favorite pair of jeans and a white turtle neck cable knit sweater and of course my loafers. I brushed my hair, refreshed my make-up and put some of my favorite perfume on. I was ready, I think! This is all too weird. I grabbed my keys and my purse and almost ran out the door to my Honda.
'I can't believe I am doing this!'� I said out loud to myself in the car on the way. The funny thing is the closer I got, the more excited I became.
I pulled into the parking lot and I saw him right away. He was leaning against a black BMW.
'Okay, Hannah you can do this!'� I said to myself as I got out of the car. He was walking towards me then and I said 'Hello.'�
'Hi.'� He said. 'I thought maybe you would chicken out and I would never see you again.'�
'No.'� I said. 'Actually I was looking forward to it.'�
'Good, shall we go in and get out of this chilly air?'� He asked.
'Sure.'� I said.
We walked in and found a table at the back of the lounge and sat down. He had changed his clothes, now he was wearing jeans and a yellow polo shirt with white sneakers.
'So, would you like some coffee or would you like something else?'� He asked.
'How about some iced tea? I asked. I am not real big on coffee unless I am trying to wake up in the mornings.'�
'That sounds good to me also, wait here and I'll go get us some.'�
'Okay.'� I said.
He got up and went over to the bar. This was a nice place and I am surprised that there weren't more people here. Places like this are usually filling up by now. There was a bar in the middle of the room and a juke box on our side of the bar against the wall with T. TV's in all of the corners. I guess it's what you would almost call a sports bar, but without all of the memorabilia. There's also a small dance floor near the juke box so people could dance if they want to. Jonathan was making his way back to our table then with the cutest smile on his face.
'Here we go two iced teas. It doesn't have sugar. The bartender told me that the sugar is on the table.'�
'That's all right; I like my tea without sugar.'� I said
'Can you wait here for just one more minute? There is something I want to do real quickly?'� He asked.
'Sure.'� I said. 'Just don't take too long, I'm timing you.'� I joked.
'Promise, I'll be right back.'�
And with that he walked over to the juke box and was going to play something. I thought that some music would be nice to listen to while we are talking. It would be more comfortable, for me at least.
He came back over and sat down. 'Was that fast enough? I thought some music would be nice.'� He Said.
'Yeah, I like that idea. I love music.'� I said.
'Well I hope you like my choice in music, since I didn't think to ask you what you like.'�
'I am sure it will be fine, when it comes to music I like most of everything.'� Just then a song started playing and it was to my surprise, Michael Bolton.
'Oh, I love Michael Bolton.'� I said.
'Me too, he said. I even have one of his CD's in my car that I listen to a lot. So Hannah, what do you do?'� He asked.
'Well I work at a law firm as a secretary. Pembroke and Cassidy. Have you heard of them?'� I asked.
'Yes, I think I have.'� He said. 'So how long have you been working there?'�
'About eight months I guess. I had to quit college and work full time. I just have too many bills right now not to have a full-time job. I'll go back to school when I get a chance. So what about you? Where do you work?'� I am a financial consultant for a banking company out of California. I just transferred here. I wanted to get out of the city and live someplace smaller. I used to live in Los Angeles, California. I hated it there, so my boss agreed to let me open up a branch up here in hopes of expanding the company northward. So that's what I did and here I am.'� He said.
'Wow, I have never been to California before! I said. Have you met a lot of movie stars?'� I asked.
'No, not really I have seen a couple here and there but not too many.'� He replied.
'I have a question for you, I said, I hope I'm not being too nosy, but you're not married or have girlfriend do you?'� I asked
'Well as a matter of fact, I am at the tail end of a divorce. My ex-wife lives in L.A. with her new husband to-be. I am single so you don't have anything to worry about in that department. How about you? You look a little young to be married?'�
'I am single, never been married before, for Pete's sake I'm only nineteen. I really don't have time to date.'�
'You're only nineteen huh? I would have guessed you were at least twenty-five. I am thirty by the way.'� He said.
'Really,'� I asked kind of surprised. You look younger than that! I hope that my age doesn't bother you. I mean with my being so much younger.'�
'You know what? He asked. Normally it would bother me, but not with you. It doesn't bother me bit. I hope I'm not too old for your taste? Does my age bother you?'� He asked, looking a little scared.
'Not at all,'� I said with a big smile. 'Actually I'm surprised that you are interested in me!'� I said.
'Well, I like you so far. I like your company.'� He said.
'I have to admit, this is a little strange, don't you think?'� I asked.
'What is strange?'� He asked.
'I mean the way we met and here we are an hour later sitting in a lounge having iced tea. I just didn't think things like this happen in real life.'� I said.
'Well,'� he replied, 'it is a little odd. I have never asked a complete stranger to have coffee with me, especially in the parking lot of a grocery store. How else am I supposed to make friends, right?'� He asked.
'Yeah, I guess.'� I said
'Hannah, he said, I haven't lived here very long, a couple of months in fact, and I haven't met a whole lot of people. I have been so busy getting my office up and running. This is a nice break from going home every night and channel surfing.'�
'I know what you mean. I said. You know, the part about being at home alone with the T.V. being your only company. I don't have much of a social life myself.'� I said.
'Well, what is there to do in this town anyway?'� He asked.
'Let's see, there are plenty of things, I guess. Like going to the movies or if you like the night life there are plenty of night clubs to go to. Let's just say it depends on the time of year, especially if you are a sports freak. Winters here are totally opposite than in Los Angeles.'� I said.
'I bet they are!'� He said. 'Well, I guess I am going to find out pretty soon, I am surprised that I haven't seen a snow storm yet.'�
'Just you wait and see.'� I said with an evil chuckle.
'I might have to check into four wheel drives huh?'� He asked with a fake worried look on his face.
'Yeah maybe, I don't think that your BMW will handle deep snow very well.'�
Just then the juke box started playing a slow song and Jonathan looked at me and said, '�Would you like to dance with me, please? Don't make me beg, I am terrible at begging especially when I have to get on my hands and knees.'�
'Okay, just as long as you are a gentleman. One song, then I have to get home I really need to get some sleep. I have a busy day tomorrow, and I have to get up at five-thirty in the morning.'� I said.
I promise. I will be a gentleman if you promise to give me your phone number, so I can call you and ask you to dinner sometime when we don't have to go to work the next day.
'Sounds like a deal to me.'� I said. I stood up from the table and held out my hand for him to take, and he stood up and led me over to the small dance floor. He pulled me close to him as we danced. It was strange and scary, but unusually comfortable.
'You dance rather well, Mr. Ward.'� I said.
'Thank you Miss Blake, your not so bad yourself.'� He said, with a boyish grin.
'Thanks, I am surprised that I haven't stepped on your toes yet!'� I said.
'Don't worry about it we are doing fine, this is really nice. I haven't danced with anyone in a very long time and I love every minute of it. Hannah, I would really love to take you out on a real date. You have managed to capture my heart, and I want to get to know you, even if we are only to be friends.'� He said.
'You know, I said, I am feeling rather strange about all of this and you, but in a good way. I can't explain it but I feel so comfortable being with you. I feel safe in your arms, I know that sounds corny but I would love to be your friend and if destiny turns us the other way then that is what is meant to be. I am just trying to say that I like you and I hope I am not making a fool out of myself right now but this just don't happen everyday, you know what I mean?'� I asked.
'Yeah, I know what you are saying and I feel the same.'� He said very kindly and soft spoken.
'I think that we need to get to know each other, you know, we might end up hating each other after our first date together, You never know.'� I said matter of fact.
'Well that is a chance that I am willing to take.'�
Jonathan and I danced until the song ended and then we walked back over to our table. I felt like I had been hit over the head with a big stick. I felt like I was walking on air. Maybe it is just because I haven't been out with a guy in so long that I am just taking it all in to much to fast. I really think this guy is wonderful. I wouldn't dare tell him that, I wouldn't want him to get a big head or anything like that. I must be a lonely girl, I don't even know this guy and I am thinking that I really like him, but how would I know? I looked at him and he knew what I was going to say before I said it.
'You need to get going huh?'� He asked.
'Yes I really do, I don't want to but I have to get some rest before morning. Sorry.'�
'Don't apologize please; I have enjoyed spending this evening with you. I don't want it to end but....I totally understand, tomorrow is a work day for me also.'� He said.
He walked me out to my car and held his hand out for mine. I held out my hand so we could shake and he took my hand in his and raised it up to his lips and kissed it like a noble gentleman would do. I was embarrassed I didn't know what to say.
'Thank you Jonathan for a very nice evening. Before I forget, I don't have anything to write on but you can get my phone number out of the local phone book. I am listed. That way you won't have an excuse for not calling because you can't lose my number. Is that pretty smart or what?'� I asked. I was looking at him and he was so beautiful, is it legal to call a man beautiful? I don't care he is amazing!
'You are ingenious!'� He said. 'I won't need an excuse not to call; I will probably find every excuse so I can call! That is of course until you start telling me that you are getting afraid that I am a stalker or something like that.'� He started laughing over what he had just said to me and it made me laugh too.
'Okay, we'll see about that. I guess I will be talking to you later, please drive safely. Have a good evening.'� I said looking concerned.
'Hanna, I have already had a wonderful evening, thanks to you. You drive safely as well and I will be talking to you soon.'� He said that as he touches my cheek with his hand. I almost melted right then and there.
I unlocked my car and opened the door to get in, as I turned to say goodbye he was there standing right behind me so closed I could feel his breath on my face. We stood there looking at each other for a long time with our eyes locked.
'Goodbye.'� I said, finally breaking the silence.
'Bye, Hannah.'� He said.
Then, before I knew it he took me into his arms and held me. We were standing there at my car for what seemed like forever just holding each other. Then I said, 'I really have to go.'�
'I'm sorry, I just couldn't help myself, and I hope that I haven't offended you?'�
'No not at all. I said. Everyone needs a hug every now and then; it makes a person feel good.'�
'Good night Hannah.'� He said.
'Goodnight Jonathan.'� I said as I got into my car and closed the door. I watched him as he waved and walked toward his car. I sat there for a moment trying to take in everything that has happened to me today. I guess you could say that I had a good day. Work went good, I got my grocery shopping done and I met a seemingly incredible man.
I watched him drive away as I pulled out of the parking lot. I was in la la land the whole way home; I was there before I knew it. I parked, got out and walked up to my door to unlock it. I heard a phone ringing. It was my phone; I hurried and got the door open. Could he be calling me already? What if it is him? I picked the phone up and I said, 'Hello?'�
'Hey what are you up to woman? I have been trying to call you for the last two and a half hours. Where did you go?'�
It was my best friend Nicole. I was almost disappointed that it was her. I am falling for a guy I don't even know!! I wished it had been him that called, I really do.
'I had a drink with a friend, is that all right with you?'� I asked sarcastically.
'Just a friend, huh? Does this friend belong to the male population?'�
'Yes.'� I said to her knowing what was coming next.
'O-Kay who was it, what is his name, and did you get laid?'� She said laughing with excitement.
'He is an investment baker or something like that and his name is Jonathan. No, I did not get laid. Who do you think I am, you? Just kidding, he is really nice and I met him at the store today and he asked me to have a drink with him so we met at The Grill.'�
'This guy asked you out at the store? Wow, I wish I could be so lucky! How old is he? She asked.
This is the part where I know she is going to freak out. 'He is thirty.'� I said kind of low.
'You are crazy girl? You are only nineteen! This man of yours is probably married with a wife and kids at home. He is just out to use and abuse any young girl that he can manage to get into bed with him. He is probably some pervert Hannah. You need to be real careful do you hear me?'�
Yes, I hear you but he is not married. He just moved here from California and he is actually divorced with no kids, thank you very much.'� I said trying to convince her that he is for real.
I don't even know one-hundred percent if he is for real, but I am willing to take the chance especially after tonight. 'Hey, listen Nicole; I will fill you in on all of this tomorrow if that's all right with you. I have to get up early and I am so tired right now.'�
'Okay, little missy, you better call me and fill me in on all the details. Just tell me, you didn't kiss him did you?'�
'No, I didn't.'� I said
'Good, you need to take this one slow do you hear me?'� She asked with total worry in her voice.'�
'Yes, I know what you are saying, thanks Nicole, I will talk to you tomorrow.'�
'Okay, bye. ' She said.
'Goodnight.'� I said. With that, I hung the phone up and just lay down on the couch to gather my thoughts. I am so tired; I am surprised that I can think at all. I got up to go get a drink of water and then to go change into my favorite pair of sweats and T-shirt. I didn't even feel like turning the T.V. on. I just wanted to lie down and think about this man named Jonathan Ward. I went into my room and lay down on my bed. I was tired but still thinking about him. I couldn't get my mind off of him. I turned over to check to see if my alarm was set and it was. I closed my eyes and all I could see was him. I'm in trouble; I have never reacted to a man like this before. Just then the phone rang again. It was Nicole I knew it.
'Hello?'� I said.
'Hi, I just wanted to make sure you got home safely. I didn't wake you up did I?'� It was him and he sounded so concerned.
'Hi, no, no you didn't wake me up. I just lay down and I just can't seem to get my mind off of this guy that I met today. I was just laying here thinking that I couldn't have gotten luckier to meet such a nice guy.'� I said, thinking about how glad I am that he called.
'Well, I am thinking that your new guy friend just might be feeling the same way you do. If he doesn't then he is a fool. If he gives you any problems or breaks your heart let me know and I will punch his lights out for you.
'You will be the first to know if anything happens, I promise. I'm glad you called; I had a very nice time tonight. I'll tell you what, how about I make dinner for you tomorrow night. You can come over to my place and I will cook us dinner? Maybe we can watch a movie afterwards? How does that sound?'� I asked.
'It sounds wonderful. A good home cooked meal is what I have needed for a long time. I'll bring the wine. You'll have to watch me drink it of course because you are under age and I wouldn't want to go to jail for contributing to the delinquency of a minor.'� He said very serious.
'Yeah sure, I get it, in other words you are going to tease me right? We'll see about that, I have a few tricks up my sleeve. If you are going to come over Mr. Ward, I will need to give you my address. Do you have a pen and paper handy so you can write it down?'� I asked.
'I am ready, shoot.'�
'I live at 915 Ridgebrook Ave. apartment number 5.'�
'You know what, hold on, can you hold on for just a minute I have to do something I'll be right back?'� He asked sounding very excited all of sudden.
'Sure I'll hold on.'� I said getting very confused.
'Thanks.'� I heard him put the phone down and I heard a couple of doors close and then it got quiet. What did he have to do, run the bathroom all of sudden or what? As I was waiting for him to come back, there was a knock at the door. Who in the heck could it be at this time of night? I hope it's not Nicole bothering me again. I jumped up and I hung the phone up without thinking but I carried it with me to the door. I looked out the peep whole and I couldn't believe who I saw!! It was Jonathan! I opened the door and I said, 'Oh, my God where on earth did you come from? I live in this complex too! I live around the corner in an upstairs apartment, number 23. I had no idea!! I am sorry if I scared you by knocking on your door, but I just had to run over here and see you. Actually to say goodnight and I look forward to our date tomorrow, I hope I don't get lost trying to find your place.'� He said as he laughed.
He was dressed in striped pajamas and no shoes on. He looked so cute!
'I can't believe this! I was wondering what happened to you after you laid the phone down and didn't come back. You look charming in your bed clothes Mr. Ward. I said trying to tease him a little. I would invite you in but under the circumstances I think we both need to jump into bed.'� In our own beds that is. 'Thanks for giving me one more surprise tonight.'�
'The pleasure is all mine. Can I ask you a question Hannah?'� He replied.
'Sure, ask away.'� I said
Would you mind terribly if I gave you a kiss goodnight. Not at all, just make it an innocent one okay? I have had enough surprises in one day to last me a while.'�
'�It's a deal.'� He said. He stepped closer and cupped my face in both of his hands and kissed me very gently on my forehead.
'Goodnight, Hannah, sweet dreams.'� He said in a whisper. He then turned and started off around the corner just leaving me there speechless. I closed the door and went to bed.

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