Page 29 of Business Casual

Al’s Diner.

After all the calories I burned last night and the length of the meeting, I needed a thick, juicy burger with a side of salty, delicious fries.

“I hope I didn’t scare you off back there,” Tre said, pulling me from my hunger.

I glanced over at him briefly and then stared straight ahead. “What do you mean?”

“It was a lot of information, and the first deadline is a quick turnaround.”

“Nothing I can’t handle.”

“I believe that.”

Heat traveled up my neck. Fortunately, the elevator dinged, announcing its arrival.

I stepped inside and moved to the back corner. Tre entered and moved to the opposite corner. Mr. Franklin, who I didn’t see or hear walk up, followed behind us and stood in the middle.

“Alex, will you sit in on the three o’clock meeting with a couple of the board members?” Mr. Franklin asked.

“I have a four o’clock appointment, but I can sit in for a while.”

“That’s my boy,” the older man praised his son. Turning to me, he smiled. “You were good in the meeting, Imani. We’re glad to have you as part of the team.”

“Thank you, Mr. Franklin. I’m happy to be working with Franklin Financial. And this direction you are taking your company is incredible.”

“I can’t take the credit for that. That’s all Alex.” He looked at his son with pride. The doors opened on the second floor, and he checked his watch. “Have a good day, Imani. I don’t think I see you again until Friday. Even though you’ll only be here two or three days a week, you’ll have an office. It’ll be ready Friday. Alex, I’ll see you after lunch.”

The older Mr. Franklin left the two of us in the elevator car. As soon as the elevator started moving again, I peeked at him out of the corner of my eye.

“You know you can look at me,” Tre pointed out, breaking the silence. “You don’t have to sneak and do it.”

Holding my head up high, I turned in his direction. “The only way you would know I happened toglanceyour way is if you were looking at me.”

“I’m not denying the fact that I was looking at you.” The elevator opened and he gestured for me to walk out before him. “You’re beautiful.”

Shaking my head, I walked out of the elevator so he couldn’t see the smile on my face. “You are such a flirt,” I hissed.

He fell into step beside me. “That wasn’t even me flirting.”

“What was it then?”

“The truth.”

My stomach fluttered. “I’m going to lunch,” I told him, changing the subject. “I’m starving.”

“So am I.” He opened the door for me and then, with a respectable distance of at least five feet between us, he continued. “Maybe I could join you. I’ve had a taste for a burger all morning. But if you want something else, I’m flexible.”

“You want to get lunch?” I looked back at the building. “Together?”

“Yes. I want to get lunch with you.”

I made a face. “I can’t do this with you.”

“What?”

I sighed. “Mr. Franklin—”

His brows furrowed. “Don’t do that. Don’t call me Mr. Franklin.”

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