Page 6 of Business Casual

Chapter 2

“Welcome to the executive level of Franklin Financial,” a woman with a sleek bob greeted me as I approached the desk at the end of the wide corridor. “How can I help you?”

“Hello, I’m Imani Jones,” I introduced myself with a smile. “I have a nine o’clock interview with Alexander Franklin.”

“I just got in so let me see something…” she told me as she typed something into her computer. Her brows furrowed briefly and then she nodded as if she figured it out. “Okay, yes. You’re a little early, Ms. Jones. I hope you don’t mind waiting.”

“I don’t mind at all.”

“Good.” When she looked up, she smiled. “Mr. Franklin’s office is right here”—she gestured to the first door— “and his eight o’clock meeting is running a little longer than anticipated, but he should be with you shortly.”

“Okay, thank you.” I eyed the opaque glass of Mr. Franklin’s office. The light was on, but I couldn’t see anything—not even shadows. “Thank you for letting me know.”

She scooted her chair back and stood. “Would you like some coffee, tea, or water?”

“No, thank you.”

“Very well.” She gestured to the small waiting area. “Have a seat right over there. I’ll check back in with you in a couple of minutes.”

With a small nod, I smiled. “Thank you.”

Punctuality was important in the corporate world and while I was twenty minutes early, the fact the receptionist made a point to tell me that Mr. Franklin would be late was interesting. It meant one of two things: either Mr. Franklin was usually on time and this other meeting was running exceptionally late, or it was a Franklin Financial intimidation technique. Either way, I was not going to be rattled.

What if his eight o’clock meeting is another interview?

The thought hit me, but I refused to let doubt shake my confidence.

If that interview is going well, it’s just because he hasn’t met me yet,I told myself as I turned on my heel.And if he’s one of those bosses that tries to get the upper hand by playing mind games, he’s met his match.

I glanced around the sleek executive floor. It was intimidatingly cold, clean, and quiet, but the large windows and marble sculptures really added an elegance to the workspace. I didn’t want to sit down because I didn’t want to get too comfortable. Instead, I made my way to the window and stood.

The courtyard looked even more beautiful from the sixth floor. I marveled over how a different vantage point had the power to show a whole new perspective. I stood at that window for a long time.

“Ms. Jones?” the receptionist called to me a while later.

I turned toward her and smiled. “Yes?”

“Are you sure I can’t get you anything to drink while you wait?”

I thought about it for a moment. “Actually, I’ll take a tea with honey if you have it.”

She smiled brightly. “Great! I’ll get that for you right now,” she said as she leaped to her feet.

“Thank you.”

Slowly, I headed to the oversized chair with the side table next to it. Just as I was going to take a seat, the elevator dinged. From where I was, I couldn’t see who was coming, so I sat statue-still with my hands clutching my bag. I did everything in my power to not turn all the way around and look. The footsteps got closer, so I sat up straighter. When I saw movement out of the corner of my eye, I glanced over my shoulder and did a double take.

Wait? What?!

It took me a second to find my voice. “Hi.”

Tre turned around and froze. He took a couple steps toward me, and I stood.

“Hello,” he returned, confusion tugging at his deep voice. He looked around as he made his way within arm’s reach of me. “What are you doing here?”

I glanced at Mr. Franklin’s office, hoping the door didn’t swing open. The last thing I needed was to be seen drooling over the sexiest man I’d ever laid eyes on. “I have a meeting,” I answered softly. “What are you doing here?”

If he works for Franklin Financial, please don’t let him tell Mr. Franklin how I undressed him with my eyes,I prayed, holding his gaze.

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