Puzzle pieces began to land in place as we awkwardly walked towards each other. Theo reached out his hand, breaking the silence, “Miss Davis, it's a pleasure to meet you.”

“Mr. Patel, welcome to Fairways University” I mumbled back and we made our way down the long, empty hallway to IT in silence. Theo’s hand jutted out and grabbed mine as I reached for the doorknob. I stood still as he began.

“Mel, I know you don’t want to talk to me, but I’m sorry. That day we met... I had an interview here. I got the notification on Friday night and really wanted to celebrate, so I texted the cute girl I met outside the building. After reading through the welcome email, I saw your picture as one of the Admissions Coordinators I’d be working closely with. I’m sorry Melodi. I shouldn’t have made those moves on you.”

With my lips pressed into a flat line, I turned to face Theo. His eyes were fixated on the floor. “I get it. ‘Never mix business and pleasure.’ Its like the first rule of business,” I cocked my head to the side with a wry smile as Theo made eye contact. 

Reaching around me to open the door he whispered, “To be clear, I’m very much attracted to you physically.” He winked as he brushed by me and entered the office. My face burned so hot, I felt my moisturizer melting. 

Once we got him situated at IT, I gave him a quick tour of the building, ignoring his smirks. 

“This is Admissions,” I gestured to the open office space. Making my rounds, I briefly introduced him to everyone, before showing him his office. Entering first, I hit the light switch. I heard a soft click, and spun around.

Theo had closed the door.

“Theo.”

His eyes traveled up my body and the heat rose through my body. Straightening his posture, “Thanks for the tour and IT.” 

As he sauntered closer to me, I stumbled back onto the desk. He covered his mouth to hide a snicker, and it broke tension in the air. “I really did wish I could have stayed Saturday night. I hope we can still work together and be friends.”

“Oh Mr. Patel, I am the poster child for professionalism. I won’t hold it against you,” I laughed. 

Smirking, Theo commented, “Well Ms. Davis. It is highly inappropriate to wear such alluring clothing to your place of work.”

“Slacks and a long sleeve blouse are not inappropriate,” I rolled my eyes. 

“They are when they hug your ass so tight,” he shrugged. “ I had to stop myself from punching that IT guy Tony.”

“It’s Troy. And Troy is like 50,” I shrieked. 

“Well Troy, was definitely staring,” he shrugged before walking towards the door. “Thanks again for the help today Mel. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

And with that, I was left alone in Theo’s new office. Exhaling. I went to my office to finish the workday.