By 5:15 p.m., she had changed six times, going through one power suit after another, before finally settling on a straight black skirt and a plum-colored silk blouse with a scooped neckline that showed a modest amount of cleavage. After some deliberation, she piled her hair into a loose French twist and donned a pair of pearl teardrop earrings. When she’d finished dressing, she surveyed her appearance in the mirror and nodded approvingly. She looked cool, sophisticated and professional, which was the effect she’d hoped to achieve. Although part of her had wanted to look sexy and alluring for Caleb, she also recognized the importance of making a positive first impression on his father and being taken seriously as a job applicant. When her doorbell rang at five-thirty sharp, her heart leaped to her throat, and perspiration instantly dampened her palms. Calm down, she told herself, sliding her feet into a pair of tall, strappy heels that accentuated the sleek curve of her calves. You’re not going on a date.
