The next morning, the office buzzed with a familiar energy, but Rebecca Winters walked in with a conflict she couldn't quite name. She had been up half the night replaying her first encounter with Kevin Lockwood. Her new boss was still a mystery, but his presence had unsettled something inside her, leaving her curious, restless, and just a little excited.
She smoothed the fabric of her outfit as she stepped into the office, today she wore a slate-gray jumpsuit that tapered at the waist and draped elegantly down her frame, accentuating her curves with understated confidence. A slim black belt with a gold clasp cinched her waist, and her jewelry sparkled in careful balance, small diamond studs in her ears, a delicate chain layered with a thin choker, and three thin gold bangles stacked on her right wrist. Her heels, glossy black stilettos, clicked softly across the polished floor. Her curls, bouncy and voluminous, framed her face like a halo, and when she moved, the faint scent of jasmine and vanilla trailed in her wake.
As she set her bag down on the desk, her coworker Jasmine leaned over from the next cubicle, eyes flicking appreciatively at Rebecca's ensemble.
"Another runway morning, huh, Becca? I swear, you make the rest of us look like interns."
Rebecca laughed lightly, adjusting one of her bangles. "It's called maintaining standards, Jas. You should try it sometime."
From across the aisle, Mark, the tall IT guy with permanently wrinkled shirts, groaned. "Please don't encourage her. I already feel underdressed every day."
Priya, the sharp-tongued analyst, chimed in as she sipped her tea. "Mark, underdressed is your permanent state. Rebecca just makes it obvious."
Rebecca smirked, enjoying the easy rhythm of their banter. It grounded her, reminded her she was part of a team, even if her mind was drifting elsewhere.
That was when Kevin appeared, making his rounds. His presence shifted the air slightly, drawing attention without demanding it.
"Morning, Jasmine," he said warmly, offering the brunette a nod.
"Hey, good to see you, Mark," he added, clapping the IT guy on the shoulder.
"And how's the new software treating you, Priya?" His tone was light, conversational, but there was always an edge of attentiveness that made people feel seen.
Each greeting was measured, effortless. Rebecca noticed how Jasmine straightened slightly, how Priya smiled more than usual. Kevin had a way of disarming people. Of disarming her.
She bent her head over her laptop to look busy, but her pulse quickened when she felt his steps pause near her desk.
"Rebecca," he said with a nod, his smile almost too casual.
Her lips curved in response. "Mr. Lockwood."
Their eyes held for a beat too long before he moved on, and Rebecca released a breath she hadn't realized she was holding. Professional, Rebecca. Professional.
Their first direct interaction came in the meeting room. As they approached the door, Kevin stepped aside smoothly and gestured.
"After you."
The small courtesy made Rebecca's stomach flip, though she masked it with a polite nod and glided into the room ahead of him, her heels tapping confidently against the floor.
Kevin took his place at the head of the table, his calm demeanor instantly putting everyone at ease. "Alright, team," he began, flashing that enigmatic smile, "I know this project is a big one, but I have no doubt we'll pull it off together."
Then his gaze landed on her. Rebecca felt the weight of it, and heat crept into her cheeks.
"Rebecca, I'd love to hear your thoughts on this," he said.
Her heart jumped. She was proud he'd singled her out, but also unsettled. Why do I care? she asked herself. I can't date colleagues, let alone my boss.
"Of course," she said, standing with composed confidence. Her curls bounced lightly with the movement. "I think we should consider a more data-driven approach. It could really streamline our process."
Kevin's eyes crinkled with approval, his lips lifting into a half-smile that seemed meant just for her. "I like that idea. Let's explore it further."
The flicker of pride that rose inside her warred with confusion. She wasn't supposed to enjoy this much attention from him, yet she did.
The meeting rolled on, filled with a hum of ideas and occasional laughter. Rebecca found herself drawn to Kevin's ease. He listened with intent, leaned forward when someone spoke, and when his eyes met hers across the table, there was always a glimmer, a spark that unsettled her.
After the meeting, Kevin suggested they continue in a quieter corner of the office. Rebecca followed, her bangles clinking softly against each other as she gathered her notes.
The space was hushed except for the rustle of papers and the faint whir of the projector. Rebecca and Kevin leaned over the desk, shoulders nearly brushing. The glow of the screen highlighted the curve of his jaw, the faint shadow of stubble. She tried not to notice how close they were, how the faint scent of his cologne mixed with her jasmine perfume.
"You know, Rebecca," Kevin said suddenly, glancing up from the screen, "your insights are always top-notch. It's a pleasure working with you."
She arched a brow, allowing herself a small smile that bordered on pride. "Mr. Lockwood, I'm just doing my job," she replied smoothly, though the warmth in her chest betrayed her boast.
He grinned, amused by her tone.
They worked for a while longer until Kevin checked his watch, a flicker of thought passing through his expression. He turned back to her, voice steady.
"So, Rebecca, what are you doing tomorrow night?"
Her head tilted slightly, curls spilling over her shoulder as she repeated softly, "Tomorrow night?"
The question hovered in the air between them, and in that pause, Rebecca's mind ran wild. Could he be asking her out? A spark of excitement lit her chest, chased almost immediately by doubt. No, it can't be. He's my boss. He wouldn't… would he? There was anticipation, fear, even a flicker of longing all tangled together, leaving her voice just a little unsteady.
Kevin didn't rush her. Instead, he watched her closely, his dark eyes fixed on hers as though he could read every thought crossing her mind. His expression was calm, but there was an intensity in the way his gaze lingered, curious, attentive, almost searching.
"Yes, tomorrow night," he said finally, his tone assertive, his words leaving no room for misunderstanding. "We'll need to put in some extra hours on this project, just to make sure everything's perfect."
The firmness of his response dragged her abruptly out of her fantasy. She forced a polite smile, masking the tumble of emotions beneath, disappointment, relief, confusion all tangled together. It wasn't a date. And maybe that was a good thing. But still… a small sting lingered.
Her voice was steady, betraying nothing. "Extra hours? That sounds… interesting."
Kevin's grin widened. "I promise it'll be productive. And enjoyable."
Rebecca nodded, her curls bouncing lightly with the movement, the gold bangles at her wrist chiming as if marking the moment.
As the day drew to a close, she sat at her desk, gathering her things slowly. The faint scent of jasmine still clung to her skin. It wasn't a date. She reminded herself firmly of that. But as she slipped her laptop into her bag, she realized she didn't mind. Even if it wasn't dinner and candlelight, she would be spending nights with Kevin Lockwood.
And for now, that was enough.