Page 296 of Savage Bosses

Mr. Gates addresses everyone sitting around the boardroom table. “We need focus and efficiency going forward. My marketing and acquisitions teams are beasts. They’ll get Iconic more work than it can handle over the next two months, and that’s a good thing.” He trains his golden brown eyes on me and adds, “While we’re actively hiring new engineers, it’s going to take a time commitment from everyone, and there will be long nights.”

I have no problem preparing myself mentally to work long hours. I’m single with no children. I don’t even have a dog or cat, so I can make that adjustment with no problem. However, hearing ‘long nights’ come out of my boss’s mouth sends a pulse of heat rushing to my center. At this very moment, I know my body’s response to his innocent directive will become a problem.

I scan the room to see if anyone else notices my reaction. Of course, no one is paying any attention to me. Everyone is glued to what Mr. Gates will say next.

Silently pulling myself together, I remember this is my boss. This is my career, a well-paying career at that. I have worked here since I graduated college and am now a senior engineer. I can and will maintain a highly functional work environment, which means no heated body reactions to orders from the new boss.

As I mentally get myself together, Mr. Gates breaks down our new software development process.

“Regina is handing out some important changes. The first is your new daily workflow. It works like a gem and will increase production by at least twenty percent. I want everyone to review it and let Grace know if you have any questions.”

Regina places two sheets of paper in front of me. I begin to read the new workflow. According to his aggressive plan, there will be morning meetings and training, mid-morning pair programming for developers to watch each other code, and post-lunch peer reviewing each other’s daily work.

“The second sheet you received has our new dress code.” When I look up, Mr. Gates’ eyes are affixed to mine. “There have been changes to the dress code, and everyone should adhere to them.”

I read the paper, and my nerves bundle in knots. The new boss looks dreamy but will be tricky to work for. I remember wearing a form-fitting green skirt when I met him. When his eyes roamed over me from head to toe, I refused to think he was checking me out. But when we had our first one-on-one meeting, his eyes were also recklessly scanning my body. Since I love to wear form-fitting outfits, and our new dress code leans toward loose-fitting clothing, I feel attacked.

“Unless anyone has questions, that’s all for today. I’m looking forward to seeing this team prosper in a few months. Let’s get it done.” Mr. Gates dismisses the development team to take on the mountain of tasks he has summarized.

Ready to leave this meeting, I gather my pen and pad and leave with everyone else.

Mr. Gates’ brooding voice halts my escape. “Tahani, I’d like to speak with you.”

“Sure.” My heart rate immediately goes from a marathon to a sprint.

He looks at his assistant, who’s turning off the projector. “Regina?”

“Yes, sir.”

“Close the door behind you.”

“Yes, sir.” Regina scurries to the door and evacuates the room, pulling the door closed.

“Have a seat, Tahani,” he orders once we’re alone.

I sit down and prepare for what’s to come. “Is everything okay?” I want to addbesides you being stringent in changing the dress codebut keep that to myself.

He walks over to stand beside me, then places both hands on the conference table in a position of power. “You seemed a bit preoccupied during the meeting. Do you understand what’s expected of you over the next few months?”

I raise a brow. “I understand what’s expected of me.”

“What’s expected of you, Tahani?”

“Long hours and a new workflow to reach our financial goals.”

He runs a hand over his low-cropped, rugged dark-brown beard, then places it back on the table. “That’s partially right. As a senior engineer, you will also have to work closely with me as new assignments come in to maximize production.”

“I have no problem with that.”

He runs his thick tongue across his heart-shaped lips.

On second thought, I may have a problem with that.

He says, “It’s going to take true dedication from you. There will be long nights and a lot of pressure. Are you sure you can handle it?”

With him adding pressure to his long nights' demands, conflicting energy surges through me and hits me in the core. Yet, I nod assuringly and reply, “I can handle it, Mr. Gates.”

“Great. Meet me in my office at five p.m. I have some things to go over with you.”

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