Falling for Danger

Intentions and Invitations

Cole

I walked into the conference room, and I sighed. It was modern and sleek, yet stark in a way that suited the type of work we did. Security – which was my department – was about clarity and precision. Jaden and Erik were already seated as I took a seat. A stack of reports and a laptop in front of each of them. Jaden, head of human resources, was digging into some software notes, his brow furrowed in concentration. Erik, the CEO of Billora, was relaxed and focused, his gaze sharp as always.

“We are here to talk about the security overhaul for the new software,” Erik began as he flipped open a file. “We need something robust, especially with the increase in cyber threats lately,” Jaden and I both nodded in agreement.

“The staff need better training too. Some of them still fall for phishing emails. Can you believe it?” Jaden questioned and I hid a smile. Of course, I recognized Jaden’s exasperation with people’s lapses. It was one of the reasons he was so good at what he did. Jaden cared about protecting everyone. From top executives, right down to the new hires. For the next half an hour, we pored over the new measures I had developed with my IT team. Firewall upgrades. Tighter VPN access and, crucially, more advanced encryption for all company communications. I detailed each feature, and I secretly thrived on the responsibility that came with the job. Erik had truly helped me, but protecting Billora wasn’t just a job for me. I took it personally. Of course, I wasn’t surprised when Erik and Jaden both had questions as they pushed for more details. They weren’t the kind of people who did anything half-assed. Another thing I loved about my job.

“I think this is good. Very good…and let’s make sure all the staff undergo a refresher training course on cybersecurity,” Jaden said as he stood up and started packing away his things.

“Agreed,” I said with a nod. “I will be in touch to set up sessions for everyone,” Jaden glanced over at Erik, who remained seated. I was tempted to stand up, but I had a feeling Erik wanted to talk to me. Privately.

“Well, I will see you two later…I have another meeting to get to,” Jaden remarked as he hurried out of the room, closing the door behind him. I leaned back in my chair and folded my arms across my chest as I watched Erik closely.

“Is there something you want to talk about?” I questioned as casually as I could. Erik gazed over at me and his expression was serious, even though his posture was relaxed. It seemed as if he was weighing his words as he took a long moment before he spoke.

“What are your intentions with Tori?” he finally asked, and I felt my stomach drop. I certainly hadn’t expected him to ask me such a question, and I wasn’t sure how to answer it. Erik watched me closely and I cleared my throat.

“We are friends,” I said softly. Erik continued to study me, and his expression was unreadable.

“And?” he pushed, and I chuckled as I shook my head.

“And nothing. We are just friends,”

“Ok…so just friends. Nothing more?”

“I mean…I am interested in her. I haven’t met anyone like her before,” I admitted. I considered Erik a close friend. After all, I had known him for years. Worse, I had been doing his dirty work for years.

“As you know, Tori is Jack’s sister and Jack is dating Corey and Corey is family that makes Jack and Tori family,” Erik said slowly, and I stared at him as I waited for him to get to the point. “Jack is protective of his sister, she is the only family he has left…but I think you would be good for her. I think it would be a good match,” he said, and I smirked.

“Thanks?”

“Look, another BBQ is coming up, and I know you have skipped the last few…in fact, you only came to one. And I get it, but…maybe you should come,” he suggested, and I had a feeling there was something else.

“Let me guess, it was Jack’s idea?”

“Naomi’s. Look, Cole…Jack asked about you a little while ago and…I vouched for you,” he said, and I felt a tingle in my stomach at his words. “I told him you are trustworthy, and I didn’t just say that. I meant it. Jack is merely worried, so I wouldn’t pay much attention to him, but you may want to try being a little bit more friendly,” I thought back to when I had helped them move Tori into Jack’s old place.

“I suppose I could try harder,” I said with a sigh.

“Thank you,” he said as he stood up.

“By the way, I appreciate you vouching for me,” I said honestly. It was so unusual for me to have anyone in my life who would do such a sweet thing.

“Well, just so you know, Naomi and I are rooting for you and Tori,” Erik said before he headed out of the room. I sat there for a few minutes as I thought over our conversation. I truly appreciated Erik’s words and, even though I wasn’t a social person, I could muster up the courage to do so once a week. I finally left the room and headed to my office. It was almost time to go home, so I decided to gather my things and head out for the day. I slipped everything into my backpack before I put on my leather jacket and grabbed my helmet. I didn’t mind driving, but there was something about being on a motorbike that really resonated with me. I climbed onto my bike, and I immediately felt at ease as I started the drive home. When I got home, I saw I had a text message from Tori. My heart started to pound in my chest as I read her message.

Tori: Dinner. My place. 6 p.m. Do not be late.

I read and reread her message as I smiled. It sounded almost professional, but I knew better. I typed back a quick response.

Cole: I will be there.

I threw my phone on the bed as I stripped out of my clothes so that I could take a quick shower. I had a bit of time to kill, and I wanted to use that time to stop at Little Blossoms. Tori and I were just friends, but that didn’t mean I wasn’t going to pursue her. Even if I had never done it before in my life.