The Project

A few minutes later he called out that he was ready. She went into the fitting room and found him wearing the blue shirt and tidy black pants. He looked ill-at-ease but the transformation was startling. The shirt made his shoulders look broader and the trousers fit snugly around his narrow hips.

"Very nice," she said appreciatively. "But you're supposed to leave the top button undone." She reached up and undid the button and smoothed his collar back. Her hands lingered on his chest. "This is good quality fabric. It won't fade or pill or anything…"

Julia stroked the soft fabric as she talked and was surprised at how warm his skin felt through the shirt. She could feel his heart beating, fast. She hadn't really noticed before but he was a good six inches taller than her. Her eyes were level with his chin and there was the barest hint of blond stubble on it. He smelled like Imperial Leather soap and some other scent she didn't recognize. Unexpectedly, she felt a sudden wave of desire. She looked up in surprise and found he was staring down her. There was a strange expression on his face and his eyes looked a darker blue than normal. He reached up and put his hand over hers, which was still on his chest. She drew in a sharp breath.

The sales assistant chose that moment to bustle in and asked if everything was to their liking. Julia removed her hand so fast it was as if it burned. She stepped backwards and Steven turned away from her, blushing furiously.

"Everything is fine, thanks," she told the assistant. She escaped back to the main area of the shop and leaned against a counter, breathing fast. What the hell had gotten into her? She wasn't type of woman to let hormones take control. Steven might be becoming a friend, but he was still a younger colleague who looked up to her and he was not a suitable or appropriate romantic partner for her. Not to mention the fact that she had already arranged a second date with Ben. She had to control her impulses for both their sakes.

By the time Steven emerged from the fitting room she was calm and composed again. He looked apprehensive but she pretended nothing had happened. "What do you think of the clothes?" she asked cheerfully.

"They're comfortable enough. If you think they are appropriate I guess I'll buy them," he said.

"Great," she replied, pleased. "The shirt is on sale but the pants aren't. We should check the next store are see if they have anything cheaper."