Kassie wore a chocolate color v-neck blouse with a pair of black slacks and her rounded heels. She wore her hair in big curls with brown natural eye shadow. She grabbed her board and started to double-check to make sure she had everything. She was not feeling well and having a presentation that she did not feel 100% sure about was not on her to-do list.

Kassie stood in the empty board room as she went over sections of the presentation in her mind. She paced the room back and forth for a bit. Mark and Glen walked into the room and could tell something were just off with Kassie.

"Hey, Kassie. How about you go get yourself a drink of water?" Glen asked as he watched for a bit that the nerves were hitting her.

"Sure," Kassie said and walked pass Mark who patted her on the shoulder.

"Is she going to be okay?" Glen asked Mark.

"She will be fine. Once she starts to see the higher-ups she will just click in and do it."

"I hope your right," Glen said to Mark and finished setting up the room.

The room started to fill up with the higher-ups. The talkative man was excited to see Mark "Oh my superstar. How was Philadelphia?"

"Oh, it was good Mr. Smith. You should bring the kids."

"I know I keep forgetting too. You know busy" He said as his eyes went to the door to see Kassie come in with a big bright smile on her face. She started to work in the room and talk to everyone. "Oh my boys, I did not know she was going to do the presentation today."

"Oh yeah why not she is the good luck charm" Glen joked and Mr. Smith turned around and gave him a look. The guys all knew what he was thinking and Glen just smiled and shook his head at Mark to not comment.

Kassie finally made it over to Mark, Glen, and Mr. Smith. She shook his hand and smiled. He reached around and side hugged her. "How are the kids? Did you take them to Philadelphia?"

"Aw, you remembered, The kids are good. I was just telling Mark that I forgot to take them to Philadelphia."

"That is so sad... I went and had a fun time" She smiled and looked over at Mark and Glen.

"Aw, I missed the chance to hang out with you" He started to laugh and Kassie just glowed

"But for the next hour, we can hang out." She smiled and he patted her back. Mark's face was stoned as all of this was getting under his skin.

"Shall we get this going?" Glen asked

"Sounds like a plan" Kassie smiled and made her way to the front of the room. Mr. Smith patted Mark's arm and just shook his head. "Good Morning everyone. I know how hard a Monday morning can be. So, let me make this presentation easy and a no brainer to say yes."

"To you how could we not" Mr. Smith yelled and Kassie laughed a little and smiled as she flowed right into her presentation. Mark and Glen stood in the back of the room. Mark followed the presentation and he knew the new points are where last night Kassie was felt weak. She turned to the board and turned the page. Mark pushed his chin up high and she took the notice of it and did the same. She pushed out the facts and gave each one the attention that it needed to get a force that these were the best. Mark nodded when the section ended and Kassie smiled and the smile beamed as Mark could tell that she made the others I the room smile too. The presentation ended and the higher-ups started to leave. Mark helped cleaning the papers up and Glen watches Mr. Smith finally leave the room.

"I think we nailed that one Kassie." Glen said, "You have a way with people."

"Thank you" Kassie smile and looked up at Mark who smiled at her.

"Don't let the nerve get to you," Glen said trying to cheer her up.

"Excuse me" Mr. Smith popped his head and Kassie turned around

"Yes, Mr. Smith."

"Are you presenting Thursday meeting?"

"No Sir," She said and he frowned

"Aw, well great presentation, Kassie," He said to her and left the room.

"See no one noticed," Mark said and Kassie pushed her lips together.

She walked over to her desk as she sat down placing her board under her desk. Jessica walked over and had to tease. "So, did you just land another big account?"

"I have no clue. I am not feeling well today." She said as she put her head down and rubbed it a bit "I feel off."

"Are you sick?"

"I don't believe I am." Kassie just looked at her and looked over at Mark and Glen who were chatting in Mark's office.

"Why not just go out get an early lunch or something and get some food in your stomach." Jessica suggested, "It could be just nerves again."

"Yeah, I think I am just going to go."

"Okay. Well, message me later." Jessica said and Kassie nodded her head. Kassie got up and just walked out of the building. Kassie got her car and she just sat there letting the cool air from the AC to blow on her face. She laid her head on the steering wheel and just tried to breathe. The anxiety was overtaking her.

"What was that all about?" Mark asked Jessica and she knew what he talking about.

"I think it is just nerves." She paused "She will be fine." Mark started to turn away from Jessica "Hey Mark " He turned around "Can you try hard not to hurt her?"

"I don't plan on hurting her," He said and smiled at her.

Kassie laid in bed as she finally started to feel a bit better. She couldn't believe that her anxiety was that bad. She knew that it was has been a long time since she did something just for her. She got up and made her self some soup. Kassie sat at the bar countertop and slowly ate the soup. She looked at her phone as the girls chatted.

"I am doing okay" Kassie texted Jessica

"Did you get some food?"

"Yeah eating now. I slept since I got home."

"Wow, maybe you are getting sick"

"I hope not." Kassie sighed as she then swiped away the conversation.

She then saw that Mark texted her. "Hey, you did a good job today. I see you left early. Hit me up later." Kassie started to cry this was so confusing with him. This is a text you send a friend not someone you want to be with. She sniffled a bit and then just tried to take a few deep breaths before responding.

"Nothing chicken soup couldn't fix," She wrote back and went back to finish her soup. She cleaned up her bowl and changed her clothing and went to head to the treadmill. She needed something to take out everything that was inside of her. She couldn't take it anymore. The only thing she could think about was running.

Kassie came back up to the condo and she felt a lot better then she felt before she went for a run. She locked the door behind her and then went and took a shower. She got into her pajamas which now always had an Undertaker Hoodie on top of them. She took a deep breath and breath in the scent of the fabric soften from the hoodie. She grabbed her cell phone and went to the balcony and sat her in the chair as she listened to the waves. She snuggled into her hoodie. She snuggled against it and took a photo of herself and sent it to Mark. It was late now and did not expect anyone to be awake. Kassie took this moment to call off for tomorrow. She needed time to just distress just one more day.

Mark walked into work and noticed that Kassie was not there. He thought it was strange, but maybe she was running late. He went and got himself a coffee and noticed that the girls were starting to filing in. Mark took a few little sips from the hot liquid as he walked over to Glen's office.

"Morning Mark. Any news yet?" Glen asked

"Not yet, but I am not planning on hearing anything until maybe tomorrow or Thursday."

"Sounds good. Don't forget to do the follow-up." Glen said as he got back to his computer "Oh, Mark, Kassie called out today. Is she feeling anything better?"

"She told me it was just a normal sickness that needed chicken soup."

"Hm, that makes no sense," Glen said and made a face as Mark took a sip of his coffee.

"I will message her," He said and pulled out his phone and sent Kassie a message "Kassie, what is going on? Are you running late?"

Kassie laid in bed as he wrapped the covers overhead head since she should be at work and her phone was playing notification after notification. She grabbed her phone and looked at it under the covers. She saw that Mark texted "I called out. I am fine." She moaned and placed the phone down and fell back to sleep. Kassie moaned as she heard a knock on the door. Then she heard another knock on the door. "Coming... Coming!" Kassie bellyached as she walked to the door with her Undertaker sweatshirt on and slippers on her feet. She looked like she just got out of bed. She opened the door to see it was Mark with a bright color bag.

"Come on let's go get your suit on it is a beach day," Mark said with a smile and Kassie moaned as she turned around and Mark held the door so that it would not close. "Come on. It is just a funk the sun will do you good."

"Mark, I am not feeling well."

"You are fine. Come on" He said as he followed her back into her bedroom. She laid face first on her bed and Mark walked into the bedroom. "Kass, get up, and get yourself moving. Once you are up and moving I bet you will be filling so much better." He paused and she didn't even move "I have a big umbrella, blankets, beach chairs, and my suit. I want to go to the beach."

"Go ahead it is across the street."

Mark started to laugh "I don't need directions." Mark had enough and took off her slippers and then rolled her over. "You think I won't undress you... Your so wrong." He unzipped her hoodie and Kassie laid with her arms out to the side. Mark then turned around started to look through her dresser "Where are your suits. I am sure you have some of those cutie little two pieces."

"Mark" She wined as she stood up and pointed to the one spot. "I don't feel like it"

"Go get a shower and clean up. I will pick your outfit." Mark said as he pushed her into the bathroom with a few laughs.

Mark set up the umbrella and the big blanket underneath it. Kassie wearing a big bring hat and sunglasses.

She wore a cover-up that she kept trying to hold onto her body hiding the small little red bikini and held her flip flops in her hands as she walked over to the umbrella. Mark took off his shirt and wore his blue swimming trunks. They both took a seat on the blanket and stared out into the ocean.

"I can not believe out of all the bikini's I own you picked this one."

"What is wrong with that one?"

"It shows just about everything... don't you think?" She said and pointed to her breast and Mark laughed a bit. He pulled at the tie around her waist and it opened the cover up a bit.

"There, now it can also show your abs"

"Abs? Are you out of your mind? I drink. So, no abs are showing" She laughed at Mark and she sat up tall and started to poke her stomach. Mark just shook his head.

"Okay okay, you don't look that bad." Mark held onto her sides and then slide his hand to hold her hand as she sat down. Kassie stared down at their hands intertwined in each other. Mark stared at the ocean and Kassie watched Mark for a while and then looked out to sea. She bent her knees up and snuggled her self into them. "What are you thinking?"

"That is a loaded question" She laughed as she laid her cheek on her knee. She made sure not to move her hand at all. There were not many times that Mark held her hand, but right now this is what she needed.

"Well, I am willing to listen," Mark said as he looked at her and shook their hands a little. Kassie snuffled a little and Mark tilted his head again. He was not sure if she was crying to just had a snuffled. "You okay?"

"Yeah," She said softly, and just like that Mark saw a tear escape from under her sunglasses. Mark waited a bit longer and Kassie was not opening a can of worms.

"Kass, just let it out. Whatever it is it is eating inside of you." Mark finally just said he could tell it was hurting.

"Its a bunch of things all at once. Work believes that I have this magic touch. I can tell that the higher-ups are just enjoying the eye candy. I can't tell it does not matter what the facts are when I am presenting. It's like I am an object again." She paused "I like the way I look. I work hard for it, but I am not an object."

"I understand that feeling. I know Mr. Smith enjoys you and Glen will not let me step up and say something." He paused "But you are really smart and know your research. You need to just believe in it yourself."

Kassie chuckled a bit "How do you believe in a someone that has such a checker past like me?"

"Everyone had things in their past that they don't want to talk about or share." He paused "It doesn't define your present situation." The silence was strong again "No one in that room knows your past and no one will ever walk in your shoes." He took another breath and looked out to the ocean and shook her hand "Fuck them" Kassie started to laugh as she looked over at Mark who just smiled at her. "So is that everything that has you down?"

"No" She smiled at him

"No?" He repeated "You better start spilling your guts. There is not Jack this time to help your loose lips."

Kassie's heart began to race because one of the items that bothered her so much was Mark. "I just want to ask" Kassie took a big breath and sat up stretching out her legs "I have to accept it either way."

"Okay," Mark said softly and just waited.

Kassie looked out to the ocean and then finally looked back at Mark "What is happening between us? Are you playing me?" Silence set in for a bit and Kassie's voice shacked "Mark if you are..."

"What are you talking about?" Mark cut her off. He just sat still and looked at her "Kassie, I thought you would have known the other night when I got you from the 'revenge' night." Mark turned to her their hands separating for the first time since they got onto the beach. He placed his hand on the upper arm "I want this. I would not be here if I did no care about you. Kass, you have my attention 150%. I want only you." He said and leaned and kissed her cheek softly where he saw the tear streak and then went into kissing her deeply.

Mark's hand wrapped around her neck as Kassie's arm wrapped around his arms. The two-seam to be tangled within each other for a long time. Mark ran his hands down her sides tickling her as she giggled and smile but not missing any time that Mark's lips touch her skin. It felt like fire to her as the two continued to share this moment. The two parted for a few moments and Kassie looked at Mark. Her breath was ragged as she looked at him. Mark brushed his thumb against the lower plump lip of Kassie.

"I will never try to hurt you. I promise" he whispered and kissed her lips once more. Kassie never felt the feelings the way she felt before. Her breath was sort and her stomach was in butterflies. She closed her eyes and leaned her head against Mark's shoulder. Mark wrapped his arm around her and snuggled her head into his neck. They two sat for a long time in each other arms and holding hands as they chatted and watched the waves come in,

Kassie checked her self in the mirror as she grabbed her purse to head out the door to work. She wore tan slacks with a tie belt and matching heels. She wore a white loose blouse with a matching shawl. Her hair was down in beach waves and natural makeup. She grabbed her purse and put on her sunglasses. She walked out of her condo and went down the elevator. She started to head out to her car and click the button to start it.

"Excuse me!" A man rushed to come to walk alongside her and kept pace with her walking to her car "Are you dating the Undertaker?"

"Excuse me? Who are you?" She paused and looked at the man as she stood near her car.

"I am a big fan and wanted to know. I have seen you around here a lot. You must live nearby." Kassie just tilted her head a bit unsure if he was a fan or paparazzi.

"I am not answering your question. Please, stop following me" Kassie opened her car door and got into her car and locked the door.

The man knocked on the window "There are photos of the two of you! You do look better with fewer clothes on" He screamed, "You can't hide!" He stood outside of her car and took out his phone and started to take photos of Kassie and her car. Kassie could not believe that this was happening. Kassie pulled out her phone and called Mark.

"Hey," She said a bit shaken

"Hey, what's wrong?" Mark asked

"There is a guy at my condo standing next to my car taking photos of me, and asking about you."

"Just come to work. I will meet you in the parking lot." Mark said "Take a few deep breaths. You are okay."

"Okay, Okay. I will see you in a few." Kassie said and hung up the phone. She watched the guy a few more moments and then pulled out of the space.

Mark paced outside the parking lot as Kassie pulled into the lot and parked her car near Mark's. He walked over to her and she got out of the car and into his arms. He hugged her tightly "Your okay?"

"Yeah" She shook her head and Mark squeezes her close to him "It was the strangest thing ever. He had too been waiting for me in the parking lot. He brought up about the beach yesterday."

"Sounds like paparazzi" Mark paused "It will get worst and then better."

"Oh great," Kassie said as the two of them walked in the office building. "So, I am I suppose to confirm that we are dating?"

"Um, yeah," Mark said as she swallowed hard. He opened the door for Kassie and she walked in and then Mark behind her. She pushed the button for the elevator. Mark and Kassie walked into the elevator. Mark put his hand around her waist and he hit the button to their floor. The door closed and with one quick motion, Mark pulled Kassie into him and kisses her. Her lips like fire against his as her breath heavy with emotions. Just as quickly as the kiss started Mark pulled away. Kassie pushed her lips together as she tried to get herself together before the door open. Mark's side hugged her once more and the door opened.

Mark walked out of the elevator and headed over to the coffee maker and Kassie walked over to her desk and took a seat. She logged into the computer and waited for her email to load. Jessica walked into the office and stopped at Kassie's desk.

"Good Morning. How are you feeling?" Jessica asked and Kassie turned around

"I am doing much better" She smiled and turned around. Jessica looked over at Mark at the coffeemaker as she noticed that he was staring over at their general direction.

"I see you still have an admirer," Jessica said with a smile as she leaned down to whisper to Kassie.

"Um, we are official." She paused "He just literally told me on the way up here."

"Sounds like there is a lot to talk about." Jessica paused and looked at her and hugged her "As long as you are happy. I am happy too."

"I am" She smiled as she hugged Jessica. Jessica walked to her desk.

The day continued as normal. The office was buzzing with another presentation being practiced over and over in the conference room. Kassie looked over at the conference room as she could already give the presentation without even being the one to do the research. She got up and headed tot he cafeteria. She stood in front of the vending machine wanting something to eat, but nothing in there was nothing there that she wanted. She took a deep breath and walked back to her desk.

"Hey Jess, I am running out for some lunch," Kassie said as she put her purse over her shoulder.

"Okay," Jess said to her not turning away from her computer. Kassie got into the elevator and headed down.

Mark walked over to Jessica as he took a drink of his million cups of coffee today. "Hey, Jess did you hear anything from upstairs yet?"

"No, I was thinking once the other presentation happened someone would say something."

"Yeah, that makes sense," He said and took another drink of his coffee.

"So, I heard that its official" She paused and looked at him. Mark gave a weird look at

her unsure what she was talking about. "Between..."

"Oh yeah, yes very much," Mark said with a warm smile.

"My rule still stands. Don't hurt her."

"No, I won't where did she go?"

"She went to grab something for lunch." Jessica said and turned around back to her computer "She should be back soon maybe left about 15minutes or so ago."

"Okay, thanks," Mark said and headed back to his desk.

The elevator doors open and Kassie was greeted with her name being called over the office. "Kassie, my darling!" Mr. Smith called out to her. She smiled and nodded her head acknowledging him as she walked over to her desk and put down her purse and bag. "Kassie, come over here." Mr. Smith continued to call her. She smiled and grabbed the one bag that she bought for Mark. She walked over to Mark, Glen, and Mr. Smith.

"Hi, Mr. Smith. How are you doing?" She said and placed her hand in front of her holding the bag.

"I am much better now," He said with a smile and Kassie just smiled back.

She looked over at Mark and handed him the bag "Here is your lunch you ordered" She said and he took it

"Thanks for getting it for me. I just have been super busy." He said and smiled at her.

Mr. Smith wrapped his arm around Kassie and hugged her into him "Talking about being a busy bee. Kassie, I would like to congratulate you on getting your new account."

"Which account is that Sir?" She said and Mark could feel his palm twitch a bit.

"The one you pitched on Monday." He said and Kassie turned in her head to him and looked at him.

"Are you serious?"

"Oh yes, my dear," He said and hugged her even tighter.

"Congratulation Team!" Glen said to Mark and Kassie as he tried to defuse the situation.

"Thank you, Sir. Thank you for giving our team a chance" Mark said and put his hand out to shake it which made him remove his arm from around Kassie. He shook Mark's hand firmly and Kassie took a small step away.

"Please excuse me while. I go get the structure all set up" Kassie said and looked at Mark and Glen as she turns around and took a few more steps away from the group. She stopped and turned back around "Thank you again, Mr. Smith." She said with a smile as she knew that all eyes were on her.

"Gentleman, I can not stress to you enough about her. She is right on the money" He grunted a bit and looked over at Glen.

"I am glad you like her work." He smiled.

"Let's all be men about this. A girl looking like that and has a brain is hard to come by " Mr. Smith said and shook his head.

"Yes Sir," Mark began

"That is why we keep her happy" Glen said with a smile and Mr. Smith patted him hard on the back.

"Goodman... goodman," He said "Well, I got to get upstairs to see that other presentation. Thank you gentleman" He walked away and Glen put his arm out in front of Mark.

"You can't make it known to the higher-ups that you two are a thing." He paused "Can you imagine if something happens between the two of you?"

"Yeah well... sooner or later he will learn to treat women with the respect they deserve."