Page 65 of Business Casual

I rolled onto my back. “I haven’t mastered manipulating time yet.”

“Oh, well then you’re no help at all,” he joked.

“I guess not,” I giggled. “But listen, I’m going to let you go so you can get out of there as soon as possible. I was just checking on you.”

“Thanks for checking on me.”

“Thanks for making the time to catch me up on your day.”

“For you, I’ll always make time.”

The grin slowly spread across my face. “Good to know.”

“Have a good night, Imani.”

“Goodnight, Tre.”

I went to bed smiling and then woke up smiling. Even though I enjoyed the conversations Tre and I had been having over the last week, I hadn’t laid eyes on him in seven days.

I stared at myself in the mirror. “This might be a little too much,” I muttered as I stared at myself in the red and black wrap dress with black sky-high heels. I turned and checked the view from the back. “But I look so good!”

The dress was almost as sexy as the black lace bra-and-panty set I wore underneath.

I titled my head to the side and smiled at my reflection.Yeah, this is it.

I was confident in my choice until I pulled up to work and saw a group of people walking into the building in muted colors. I immediately pulled my cell phone out of my bag.

Imani Jones:I’m wearing the black and red dress today since the last time I saw Tre, I was in a rage.

Keisha Mann:If you looked as mad as you sounded when you called me and told me about Katrina’s wack ass, you definitely needed to remind him of your softer side.

Imani Jones:Thank you! That’s exactly what I was thinking!

With the reassurance I needed, I climbed out of my car and strutted to the building. After I entered the lobby, I grabbed my phone again.

Keisha Mann:But honestly, I saw the way that he looked at you that first night. No matter what you have on, he’s going to take notice. But I thought you said you two were just friends now? I knew that wasn’t going to last long! You literally light up when you talk about him.

Imani Jones:We are friends! We haven’t talked about anything sexual since that night we had phone sex. It’s been some flirting here and there, but we’ve been truly getting to know each other as friends and colleagues. That’s it.

Keisha Mann:Bullshit! If that was the case, you wouldn’t be stressing your dress. And that’s not a ‘we’re just friends’ dress.

Imani Jones:Is it too much? You think it’s that obvious? I’m about to walk into the elevator now and it’s too late for me to change.

Keisha Mann:Is it too much? No. Is it obvious you’re a bad bitch? Yes.

Imani Jones:Thank you! I needed to hear I wasn’t doing too much because I have two meetings with the executives and Mr. Franklin.

Keisha Mann:Oh I didn’t know you had meetings! Girl, you aren’t doing too much but you are definitely going to be the center of attention.

The elevator opened on the sixth floor. As soon as I stepped out and saw Josephine’s expression from across the room, Keisha’s words were confirmed.

Imani Jones:I see your point. And I’m bringing you cupcakes tomorrow.

Keisha Mann:The vegan ones? Yes please!

Smiling, I tucked my phone into my bag. “Good morning, Josephine,” I greeted the executive assistant.

“Good morning, Ms. Jones.”

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