Chapter 10

I should have known better
Than to let you go alone,
It's times like these
I can't make it on my own
Wasted days, and sleepless nights
And I can't wait to see you again

I find I spend my time
Waiting on your call,
How can I tell you, baby
My back's against the wall
I need you by my side
To tell me it's alright,
cos I don't think I can take anymore

Is this love that I'm feeling,
Is this the love, that I've been searching for
Is this love or am I dreaming,
This must be love,
cos its really got a hold on me,
A hold on me...

"Is This Love" by Whitesnake

"Are you still on what happened with Lana last weekend?" Denise asked Paul the following Tuesday. "Come on, things happen. I'm sure she knows by now that it was all innocent and nothing happened. She's probably even laughed it off by now."

"Well, she wouldn't be the first girl to laugh after a night with PL," he pouted.

"Oh, don't even go there, mister!" Denise chided him.

"It's true," he said. "I'm really not that good; I usually mess something up. And this time, I didn't even do anything and I think my own secretary hates me now."

"I can assure that Lana does not hate you. If she did, she'd quit by now. Paul, really, you have nothing to worry about."

"I just don't want her to think I'm some kind of pervert."

"She doesn't. Trust me on this. And why are you so concerned about all of this anyway?"

"Uh…." Paul began, then cleared his throat.

"Wait a minute," Denise cut in, as if she'd gotten a revelation. "This goes further than business, doesn't it?"

"Well, I…." He felt his face turn red.

"I knew it!"

"Oh shit," he groaned. "You aren't going to bag on me about this the way Spanky did about the thing last weekend, are you?"

"Why would I do that? I think it's a great thing. Look, have you even talked to her about this?"

"Ummm…..not really."

"So what are you waiting for, a special invitation? She's not a mind reader, Paul."

"I just don't want to make an ass out of myself or end up getting burned again."

"Lana isn't like that, honey. You ever think she's as leery as you are after what she went through with Billy? And believe me, you are a far improvement over that pond scum."

"You honestly think…" Paul began.

Denise nodded and smiled. "All you have to do is talk to her."