Kerry-Jane pushed a strand of black hair over her shoulder. She puffed her cheeks while she plucked up the courage to approach the enquiries counter.

“Can I help you?” A lad of about twenty—Alan, his name badge said—looked her up and down.

Hopefully I’ll have that effect on the manager as well. She cleared her throat with a light cough. “I’ve got an appointment. About a loan.”

Alan’s eyes flicked to her chest on the way to his monitor.

Kerry-Jane managed not to put a hand to her black blouse’s top button. Maybe I undid one too many.

“Ah, here you are,” he said. “Miss MacLeod.”

“That’s me.”

“You’re booked for three o’clock.” He waved an arm toward a row of chairs alongside an oak-paneled door marked Manager. He glanced at his watch. “You’re right on time. Please, take a seat. I’ll tell the manager you’re here.”

Kerry-Jane smiled an acknowledgement. She was half way to the chairs before she glanced over a shoulder.

He looked away from her rear. He flushed.

Kerry-Jane grinned to herself. As she took a seat, she ran a hand through her hair to push another stray strand over a shoulder. Her other hand smoothed her blouse and skirt.

Everything she wore was black, even her stay-ups. Her friend Amy’s advice was still as clear as though they were in the same room now. Feel sexy, not nervous. Then the manager will think you’re sexy, not nervous. And bingo, you’ll get the loan!

While she settled into the chair, Kerry-Jane rehearsed her speech to ask for the loan. It was important: she needed that new car. She puffed her cheeks as nerves fluttered in her stomach and wondered if everyone had a mild phobia of bank managers.

The door opened.

Kerry-Jane jerked around.

The blonde’s bob and navy blue suit were formal, but her sparkling eyes and genuine grin were more relaxed. The beginning of lines at the corners of her eyes and mouth and the tints in her hair added sophistication.

Kerry-Jane’s nerves twitched as she returned a smile.

The other woman offered her hand. “Hello. I’m Dawn. Dawn Lincoln. You must be Miss MacLeod.”

Kerry-Jane tried not to let her voice waver. “Yeah. I’ve come to talk about a loan.” She shook the offered hand. It was warm and soft, and Kerry-Jane was surprised when Miss Lincoln held on for a moment longer than she needed to.

Miss Lincoln’s eyes flicked to Kerry-Jane’s cleavage before returning to her face. The blonde held the door to her office open and waved toward a big chair beyond a thick, oak desk. The computer monitor and telephone looked out of place in the old-fashioned room. “Please, Miss MacLeod, take a seat.”

As Kerry-Jane walked around the desk, her fingertips brushed over the oak and the deep burgundy leather set into its surface. She noticed the gentle squish of the thick, burgundy carpet beneath her shoes.

She realized she was lingering at the extravagant desk. She pulled her fingers away, and glanced back at Miss Lincoln.

“It’s nice, isn’t it?” the blonde said. “Very posh.”

“Yeah,” Kerry Jane stammered.

“I’ll be back in a moment,” Miss Lincoln said. “Tea or coffee?”

Kerry-Jane didn’t want to think about spilling anything that could leave a stain in this pristine office. “I’d prefer water, if that’s all right.”

“No problem.” Miss Lincoln gave a nod before the door closed behind her.

Kerry-Jane continued across the room and eased herself into the leather chair. She leaned back, resting her elbows on the wide armrests and letting the seat envelop her. Her eyes rested on the desk, once again taken by the fine decor.

The decadent leather and oak were straight out of her favorite fantasy.