Page 49 of Business Casual

Chapter 9

The smell of perfume was heavy in the elevator as I moved further back as yet another person tried to squeeze their way in. Ordinarily I would be annoyed that the maximum capacity was exceeded by two people too many. But I had a good weekend, and my Monday morning was off to an amazing start.

“Well don’t you look happy,” an older man observed as the doors opened to the sixth floor.

I froze.

“Uh, he-hey, Mr. Franklin,” I greeted him, trying not to look guilty as I stepped toward him. The smile on my face was put there by his son during the many hours we talked all weekend. My eyes shifted to the black brace on his arm. “Are you okay? I’m sorry to hear about your accident.”

“I’m fine. You should see the other guy,” he joked.

I forced a fake laugh. “I believe it.”

“I’m glad I ran into you though.” He pressed the call button so the elevator could return. “Tomorrow there is a meeting in which I’d like for you to go over the details of how our social media campaign will impact their businesses as well. Alex will be covering the bigger picture for the branch managers and because you impressed the members of the Board, I would like you to present your plan for Franklin Financial as it relates to their business. If they want more than that, they’ll have to hire you themselves.” He winked. “Will that be a problem?”

“No sir.”

“Good, good.” He inspected my face with a smile. “You look like you’re up for the challenge and I appreciate that in all my hires.”

I nodded. “Yes. Absolutely. Understood.”

“I like to get to know the people who work for me on a personal level. My full-time employees are here all the time so I get to know them in a way that I typically can’t with my contracted employees. So while I extend my apologies for not being able to give you a proper welcome, I’ll figure out a way to get you out with me and the executive team. In the meantime, keep doing what you’ve been doing because”—he looked at the elevator as it announced its arrival— “I’ve heard nothing but good things about you.” He stepped into the elevator. “Barring no incidents, if you’re able to do what you claimed you can do, I have an associate list a mile long to whom I would be honored to sing your praises.”

I gasped. “Oh wow, thank you, Mr. Franklin!”

“Don’t thank me just yet,” he said in an upbeat tone. As the door was closing, he pointed at me. “Just know that I’m watching.”

I didn’t know how to respond to that, so I awkwardly lifted my hand. “Okay, bye…”

Turning on my heels, I was a little startled to find Josephine staring at me.

“Good morning,” I greeted her with a tight smile.

“Good morning, Ms. Jones. Mr. Franklin requested your presence in his office,” she returned, eyeing me apprehensively.

“Oh, okay.” I tried to look as nonchalant as possible. “What time?”

“Now. He asked for me to send you in as soon as you arrived.”

“Oh, okay. I wonder what this is about,” I mused aloud, hoping to show that I was just as caught off guard as she was.

“Hm. Would you like tea or coffee for your meeting?”

“Coffee, please.”

She smoothed down her bob. “Very well.”

I made my way to Tre’s office and the butterflies started as soon as I knocked on his door.

“Come in,” Tre called out.

I smoothed down my floral print dress before I walked in. “Good morning.”

“Good mor—wow.” He rose to his feet. “Green looks good on you.”

My face flushed as I moved further into his office. “Thank you.”

It was the first time we’d seen each other since the phone sex and the three-hour phone calls. I hated how giddy I felt around him. Getting to know him better only made me more attracted to him.

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