In the next few days, Kate became more aware of her own appearance, and spent more time deciding what to wear and how to look her best. It was a nice change, she thought. After spending the last few years as one of the guys, it was a good to finally accept herself as she was and dress like a woman again. She knew she weighed a few more kilos than she should, but as long as she kept herself reasonably fit and ate healthy she wasn't going to worry too much about it.
In the last couple of days, her admirer had only sent her one present a day and it felt really nice to be receiving small presents of flowers, chocolates and perfume. It was good to have an admirer, as long as he didn't push her into something she wasn't even sure she wanted. But she knew the peace wouldn't last long and she anticipated his next move with excitement.
Since last speaking to Scott, she had started to notice him more and more, trying to figure out what kind of person he was and if they would match. At the same time she was annoyed at herself for being so affected by a mere man. She was just like the rest of her female friends, she thought. Just because he was attractive, she let him treat her the way he wanted. But at the same time it was nice to feel like a real woman for a change, instead of just being a co-worker and one of the guys.
Finally one morning, Scott came on an unexpected visit and sat down in her visiting chair.
She was feeling slightly unsure about how to handle the situation, but he seemed his usual professional self.
"You know that project I sent you?"
"The logging feature? Yes, I've read through it," she said as he nodded.
"Good. I want you to work with me on the project."
She was stunned. She had never participated in such a large project before.
"Are you sure you don't want one of the senior programmers instead?"
"They will write the code. I need someone to help me establish a project plan."
"Why me?" she wondered.
"I want you," he said with a double meaning that made her look into his seething eyes.
"I don't think I can work with you."
"Coward," he smiled.
"I'm not a coward."
"Then accept the task."
"As long as you keep your hands to yourself."
"I'll try my best," he smiled again. "You're a tough woman, Kate, I'll give you that," he said as he walked out of her office.
If he thought she was tough, he hadn't noticed her hands shaking, she thought. It was probably from the tension of being this close to a man that she wanted more and more. But she was still not sure if he would be good for her. She didn't want to end up being just a weekend fling - only to be thrown away on the first working day.
That meant having to earn his trust and respect first. In other words, she had to be professional when working with him. Easier said than done when she could barely stop herself from salivating all over him, she thought ironically. It was not a good sign that she imagined herself kiss his foot soles as he filled out the forms for their project. But, that was never going to happen -- at least she hoped not.
***
At the morning meeting, Scott handed out assignments as always, only leaving out Kate. She noticed several of her colleagues had been giving her strange looks this morning. She wondered if it was because of the low neckline in her top, making her show off a little cleavage for a change. She had felt really sexy when putting it on earlier that morning. It was tighter than what she normally wore, but still sedate enough for work. Matched with a pair of black trousers she felt as if she were a business woman, not a dowdy programmer. It felt really good and she had even noticed that confidence in clothes gave her an extra confidence in her profession.
"What about Kate? Isn't she getting a task?" Brian suddenly asked.
"She's already got one," Scott replied. "I've given her the logging feature."
Someone whistled. "Lucky you."
"But that's huge," Brian interrupted. "Why does she get it?"
"Martin will do the programming. Kate will be involved in writing the project plan and making the screen shots."
"Why her?"
"He must fancy you," the colleague next to her whispered and gave her a small wink, while giving her a broad grin.
"I doubt it," she whispered in return.
"Well, Kate deserves it after spending Friday evening bug fixing while the rest of you went to that strip club," Scott said matter-of-factly.
"Unfair. She wasn't even interested," Brian interceded.
"A lot of clients were waiting for that bug fix and we value our clients before strippers," Scott said calmly, daring anyone to contradict him. The protests died quickly as most of them got busy looking at their notes.
At the end of the meeting, Scott looked at Kate again and said. "We need to discuss the project. Come to my office after the meeting."
Kate just nodded in agreement. Her throat had suddenly gone completely dry.
After the meeting, Kate followed Scott back to his office. He opened the door and stepped aside, leaving her to precede him.
"Wow, manners!" Kate exclaimed before she could think. "I like that."
"Glad you approve. I try to improve myself," he teased as he gave her a wink that made her blush in an instant. "Especially since a certain lady demands it of me."
He closed the door behind them and offered her a seat.
"You mean beside your mother?" Kate fired back.
"Why do all women try to change their men, if I may ask?"
