Ravine felt weird but she just smiled at all of them, and muttered, “Thanks.” Everyone sat down and waited for the meeting to begin.

“I believe Ms. Charles has her presentation for the new accounting software ready…?” Joshua looked at Ravine with a questioning eyebrow.

“Yes, Mr. Sinclair–”

“Joshua, please.”

“Yes, Joshua. Uhm, everyone, please take a look at the copy of reports on the table.” Ravine said as she went to turn on the overhead projector and put the slideshow to work. “I have here a flow chart of the new program that I believe is ideal for the accounting system we do here at Sinclair. You can see that the program is efficient for taking all the ins and outs of the company finances, from the major fiscal ranges down to the smallest daily budget allotments… ”

As Ravine explained her report, Joshua couldn’t help noticing the way she raised her hand and arms, the way her stylish pencil skirt hugged her full hips. Has it been that long ago when she was still perky and snobbish at the same time? He remembered the way his sights would always zero-in on her neon sweaters and fit jeans. She wasn’t filled out that much then, unlike now. In high school, she was more like a Teen Vogue cover. Now, she’s more like a centerfold material…

“–Joshua…?”

“Uh, sorry, come again?” Joshua steeled his eyes not to reveal what he was actually thinking.

“Would you rather we have another meeting for this or should we discuss now if everyone is agreeable if the program should be implemented the following fiscal quarter?”

“The following fiscal quarter will not start until Wednesday next week, so I think it’s better to have everyone review the processes before voting if we can use the program.”

Everyone murmured their assent on this decision, before Joshua took charge once again.

“Okay, everyone. Ravine and I will be giving you two days, and not a day more before we decide if the program is workable.” Joshua turned on his assistant, “Joan, please set another meeting on Thursday, same time. Meeting adjourned.”

Everyone in the room stood up and took their copies of the report Ravine gave them. Ravine was arranging her copies and pen and was about to leave the room when Joshua called her.

“Ravine, a private word please.”

Ravine wasn’t about to be intimidated by that very formal tone he was using, even though her heartbeat kicked into overdrive.

“Sure.”

She went back to her former seat opposite him.

Joshua stood up and murmured something to Joan, after which Joan left the room and silently closed the door. Joshua then walked towards Ravine’s seat. When he was just a seat away, he still stood up but leaned his hip on the table and folded his arms on his chest, like a sultan bearing down on a subject. Ravine looked up at him and raised her eyebrows.

“Ravine…”

“I could give you a more detailed set of how the software works if you want–” Ravine tried to calm her hurried speech.

Joshua raised his one hand, “I’ve read and seen the report beforehand. We’re not here to discuss that.”

“What then?” She said a bit nervously.

“I want to know if you’re doing okay with work here.”

“Well…it’s a bit too early to tell. But I’m liking it so far.”

“Do you have any plans on Friday night?”

“Uhm, Friday?”

He nodded.

Too late to make an excuse now, it would be telling. “Not really.”

“Will you have dinner with me?”

“Are you sure you want me to have dinner with you?” She was curious now more than anything. “I know we didn’t really know each other back then and all, so…”

“So Friday, it is.” He smiled. An actually gorgeous smile showing his slight dimples and perfect set of white teeth.

So why did she feel like she just fell in a trap?