Melanie stood nervously in front of the door, trying to gather her courage and ring the doorbell. Her hands were sweaty and she hoped they wouldn't leave a mark as she smoothed down her skirt and straightened her jacket. She was so worried about making a good impression β after all, this was the first time Melanie had been invited to Diana's apartment, an invitation she knew was pivotal to her career at Keegan and Brand. Taking a deep breath, Melanie steadied her nerves and pressed the buzzer.
Diana answered the door with a smile.
"Right on time! Two points for you, Mel!" She took Melanie's hand and pulled her into the apartment, closing the door behind her.
"I was so worried I'd be late" Melanie stammered as she looked around the stunning apartment. Diana's taste was impeccable, of course. The modern dΓ©cor of her loft was just the foreground to a panoramic view of the city lights. Melanie tried hard not to gape at her surroundings. The last thing she wanted to appear as was a tongue-tied bumpkin who had never seen a sophisticated city loft before. But she couldn't help showing her admiration.
"This is the most beautiful apartment I've ever seen! Did you decorate it yourself?"
Diana laughed as she relieved Mel of her suit jacket and motioned for her to sit. "I wish I had the talent for decorating, but I'm afraid my skills are all in advertising. Even if I had the talent, I wouldn't have the time. Why don't you make yourself comfortable and I'll pour us some wine."
Melanie tried to do just that, but she was still nervous. She watched as Diana glided across the room to the bar. As ever, she was in awe of how beautiful Diana was. She was tall but with a lush body that she highlighted to it's best advantage with a low cut blouse and silky, clingy trousers. Her feet were bare, making Melanie feel a little less formal herself. Diana usually wore her glossy auburn hair in a french twist at work, but tonight it flowed down her back in a russet wave. When she bent to hand Melanie the wine, Mel could clearly see Diana's bountiful breasts spill forward unfettered by a bra. Mel felt her face flush and quickly gulped her wine to hide her embarrassment. Diana laughed softly and sat down beside Melanie, tucking her own feet under her.
"Let's cut to the chase, Mel. You're a damn good associate and we're lucky to have you at Keegan & Brand. But you're not here because you're a good advertising agent."
Mel looked confused.
"I'm not? But...I thought you wanted me to work with you on the DeRossi Vineyards account."
"Oh, I definitely want you on the account. In fact, I'm giving the account to you. You're the project leader on that one Mel. Congratulations!" Diana tapped her glass against Mel's and took a sip.
Melanie was struck dumb.
"I...I...but...oh my god, Diana! Thank you so much! I don't know what to say! But...if that's not why I'm here, then why did you invite me over?" Melanie looked at Diana quizically.
Diana chuckled again and set her wineglass on the coffee table.
"Melanie...you must know that I've seen you watching me, seen the way you look at me. It's obvious that you're attracted to me."
Melanie, in the process of taking a drink from her own glass, choked and sputtered.
"Wh...what? What are you talking about?" She could feel her cheeks burning as she stumbled over her words. In a million years she never thought that Diana would realize the crush that Mel had on her. She thought she had been so discreet, so subtle. Watching Diana in meetings. Thinking about what it would feel like to kiss her, to run her hands over her body. Had that all been right there on Mel's face all this time? She was mortified. And now Diana was calling her on it.
"Di...Diana...please...I don't have...I mean, I don't think of you..." Melanie struggled to regain some composure. She drew in a deep breath and continued with a steadier voice. "Diana, if I gave you the impression that I had any more than a professional interest in you I am so sorry. I hope we can get past this and continue to have a good working relationship." This time Diana threw back her head and laughed out loud. She leaned over and took Melanie's glass from her, wiping her eyes and giggling.
"Oh my God...if you could just see yourself right now! You look so prim and proper! Now...get that horrified look off of your face. I didn't invite you here to reprimand you. I invited you here because I feel the same way about you."