‘I thought the shows we saw all had one thing in common—they were less vibrant than in previous years, less “out there”, and also less...overtly sexy. So your “ordinary is extraordinary” theme is right on target. Hemlines were lower...less cleavage was on show. But I do think you have a chance to add something here. I love the muted look—I think it’s classic and elegant—but I think there are times when people do actually want to look sexy. Not necessarily when they’re out partying, but perhaps for a wedding anniversary or a big date. So perhaps you should offer a few items like that and develop some occasion-based advertising. A wedding anniversary is an ordinary yet extraordinary occasion, and even if you’re celebrating at home with a takeaway it’s OK to dress up... I also loved some of the frivolous extras out there—like exaggerated sleeves to add a bit of drama, an exposed zip to brighten up an outfit. So how about doing some fun accessories like the ones the models used? That flamingo umbrella was fantastic—though I was less sure about the pink body stocking.’
At the end of half an hour, as she concluded, he rose to his feet and clapped. ‘Sarah Fletcher. The best thing I ever did was bring you here. That was amazing and I’m going to send this straight to the design team. There are some excellent points.’
‘Really?’
Her face lit up, causing his breath to catch in his lungs, and all common sense exited. For days it had reigned and now its time was over.
‘Really. Hand on heart. So now we celebrate.’
Sarah frowned. ‘We’ve got a show we should attend, and...’ She hesitated. ‘And after that I wondered if I could have a couple of hours off. Just so I can nip out to get some souvenirs.’
‘I can do better than that. Let’s call it a day for work. We’ll go see Milan and souvenir-shop. What do you think?’
Indecision etched her features as she caught her lip between her teeth. ‘I... I told you... I didn’t come here to have fun. I came here to work—not to jaunt about Milan.’
‘I get that, but your job is done. We have a day and a night before we go, so let’s make the most of it. There’s no point working for the sake of working, and we’ve earnt the right to enjoy ourselves a little. Not as boss and consultant—just as two people.’
‘Yes, but... I mean, you don’t have to come with me. I’m sure you have better ways to spend a day off.’
‘Nope.’
A small alarm bell rang in the recesses of his brain when he realised that in fact he didn’t. That he wanted to spend the day with Sarah. The need to justify this provided an explanation.
‘You’ve done a fantastic job and I’d like to show my appreciation of that. So let’s go. Unless... Is it me?’
Wouldn’t that be an eye-opener? If in fact Sarah was looking for a diplomatic way to avoid his company?
‘Would you prefer to go by yourself?’
‘No.’ Her eyes closed in rueful acknowledgement. ‘That’s the problem.’
‘Ah. I’ve thought about that...’
‘You have?’
‘Yes and I’ve decided—screw it. We’re both adults, and we’re attracted to each other, but we’ve decided not to act on that attraction. It doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy each other’s company. Right?’
That inner voice tried to point out that there were flaws to this logic, but Ben was having none of it.
Doubt and desire warred in her brown eyes and then she nodded. ‘Great. I’ll just change quickly and then I’m all yours.’ She stared at him in almost comical dismay, then managed, ‘So to speak...’ before turning and practically fleeing from
the room.
* * *
Nice one, Sarah.
Annoyed at herself, she quickly shed the skirt and top and opted for a red lacy dress. It was not what she would have chosen if she were going alone, and she almost decided to change into jeans and a top. But the dress was pretty and...
Admit it, Sarah.
It was a touch sexy as well. Sure, it had a demure collar at the neckline and it hit mid-calf, but that was combated by the mesh underlay and peek-a-boo lace. But, sensible or not, she was wearing it.
After all, none of this was sensible. Because whilst her brain told her it wasn’t a date, her emotions felt it was exactly that. It was as if by presenting her report she had cut the employer-consultant connection.
Instinct told her she was playing with fire, tempting fate, that this was a mistake, but once ready she flicked a glance in the mirror and headed for the lounge, determined to make sure to play this down.
It was a resolution that dissolved the second she set eyes on him when, as always, the sight of him flipped her tummy and tingled her toes.