Page 78 of Business Casual

“I love it,” I squealed.

Finding the perfect dress temporarily took my mind off the bigger issue—Tre.

But truthfully, he wasn’t the issue. He was perfect andthatwas the issue. I liked him a lot. It wasn’t just about the sex. I liked him as a person. I couldn’t get enough of him. His conversation was just as addicting as his body. And one made me want the other. If I talked to him, I wanted to fuck him. If I fucked him, I wanted to talk to him. There was no escaping the way my mind and body craved that man.

Keisha was absolutely right. Something had to give.

On Sunday, Tre and I didn’t see each other and only texted while he was at his parents’ house. He’d been working so much that he said he hadn’t seen his mom in weeks. So instead of fucking me all around my apartment, he was spending the day with his family.

I spent the day running errands, cleaning, and handling things that I’d needed to handle in preparation for Saturday’s gala. By the time I got home and showered, I was exhausted.

Tre Franklin:Are you asleep?

Imani Jones:Almost. Did you make it home yet?

Tre Franklin:I just got in. I ended up helping Pop clean up the backyard from the cookout. Just wanted to tell you goodnight.

Imani Jones:I love how a family dinner can quickly turn into a cookout with a couple of phone calls.

Tre Franklin:Right? I was supposed to be home by eight. But here it is ten o’clock and I still need to shower before I get in the bed.

The thought of water cascading down his naked body caused me to rub my bare legs together under the covers.

Stop,I commanded myself silently, blinking away the image.

Imani Jones:If you’re still going in early tomorrow to train, would you be able to fit me in beforehand?

Tre Franklin:How many times do I have to tell you that I’ll always make time for you?

Imani Jones:Honestly, I don’t get tired of hearing it! I’m going to come by at seven tomorrow so we can talk.

Tre Franklin:Looking forward to “talking” to you.

Imani Jones:I’m serious! I’m coming to talk.

Tre Franklin:Good, I love talking to you.

I just about melted into my mattress.

Imani Jones:I’ll see you at seven. Goodnight!

Tre Franklin:Goodnight

Monday morning, I arrived at Franklin Financial in black pants and a fitted white button up. I looked professional and well put together. But the real reason I chose that outfit was because it was harder to get on and off. For two weeks straight I wore dresses because it was easy access. But I was committed to not having sex at the workplace anymore. No matter how good it was, it was too risky for us to continue.

I got off the elevator and the lights were low, indicating that no one was in yet. Even though Josephine wasn’t scheduled to come in for another hour and a half, I still tiptoed past her desk and headed to Tre’s office.

“Good morning,” I said quietly, entering the sun-soaked room, closing the door behind me.

“Good morning,” Tre greeted me as he rose to his feet. “How are you?”

“I can’t complain. How are you?”

His head gestured to the ridiculous amount of paperwork on the table. “Better now that you’re here,” he flirted, arms wide open.

As soon as he encircled my waist, he pulled my body flush against his. I inhaled his cologne and absorbed his warmth.

Nuzzling into him, I sighed, “I’m glad I could help.”

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