Chapter 1: Introduction
It felt like the day would never end. Between the customers and Jan’s last-minute meeting, Pam was wiped. She glanced over at the clock. Only 5:00 p.m. It’ll take them at least an hour and a half to finish the paperwork and return her files.
Thank God for Michael.
Pam wasn’t sure why she was thankful for her goofy boss. Perhaps it was his distracting Molly Hatchet music, or the way he made up ridiculous stories and bad jokes during the endless sales meeting to make her laugh.
Either way, she found herself looking forward to working with him the closer it got to quitting time.
It wasn't until most of the office staff left for the day that Pam and Michael began the dance that led to the inevitable. As the final straggler, Kevin, punched out and waved his good-bye, Michael called out to Pam, still finishing up some work at her reception desk.
“Hey, Pammy, why don’t you knock off early and help me close out the office? We’re almost there!”
She agreed and started gathering her belongings.
“Sure thing, Michael. I can do that!” she said with a polite smile, packing her purse, still lingering on her desk.
As they worked together, Pam couldn't help but notice the unyielding charm exuding from Michael. He ever so casually leaned over her, making sure she’d filled out the necessary paperwork, catching an early scent of her fragile cherry blossom perfume. The sweatpants that started off as a comfortable choice to end the day seemed to sag lower, showing off a small glimpse of his dark briefs.
It was subtle enough, but the insinuation was clear. She could no longer focus on her paperwork, the words in front of her dancing.
Michael caught Pam staring; color flooded Pam's cheeks, giving away her thoughts. His smile widened. The office was quiet; the only sounds were their hushed breaths and the hum of fluorescent lighting in the background. Neither could afford to lose control, but they’d reached a place they couldn't ignore either.
Her pulse quickened, growing short of breath.