Tanya simply sighed. “This sounds more like some personality development program and less like seduction 101.”
Neil chuckled. “Seduction 101? You make this sound like some sleazy movie.”
Tanya laughed at his comment, causing Neil to still completely. He noticed her entire face transform by her laugh. Her eyes twinkled behind her glasses and a small dimple appeared on her left cheek.
Unconsciously, Neil’s finger traced her dimple. “Where did this come from?” His tone was soft, almost endearing.
Tanya’s smile vanished at his intense look and the accompanying words. She felt out of depth and didn’t know how to banish the sudden butterflies in her stomach. This was Neil, her boss who usually annoyed or irritated her. As the evening progressed, she reminded herself over and over again that he was her arrogant and judgmental boss. An hour later, Tanya cleared her throat and focused on Neil. “So, the lesson! What happens now?”
Neil shifted forward before speaking, “As I said, look into your man’s eyes. Talk to him and touch him lightly on the arm, or his hands. Give him a small smile, flirt a little.”
Tanya looked at Neil with a blank expression. “What makes you think I can do that? Especially with a man who has been my friend for so many years? Wouldn’t that be…huh, stupid?”
“Tell me something, Tanya; do you want Ritwik to remain your friend or do you want more?” Neil caught her hands over the table.
Tanya’s heart did a tango. For a brief minute, she forgot what she was about to say.What was the question again? Ah, yes!“I want more,” Tanya whispered, not sure what she wanted anymore.
“Do you want some dessert?” Neil deliberately diverted from the original topic, to douse the sudden spark.
She eyed the chocolate in the next table longingly. Tanya knew she couldn’t afford to eat the calorie-laden dessert. Not with her ever-expanding curves. “No.”
Neil signaled for the bill and gave his card. He murmured something quietly to the waiter, before proceeding to the entrance. Neil allowed Tanya to proceed before him, opening the door for her like a perfect gentleman. Again, he opened the door as they moved to the car. Tanya was reluctantly impressed at his considerate behavior. Having never been treated like a lady, she felt warmth invade her system at Neil’s attention.
“How you walk matters.” Neil’s deep voice cut through her musings.
“What?” Tanya looked at him in the partial darkness.
“The sway of your hips should entice the man to wonder what’s beneath all the covers.” Tanya made a strangled noise, not knowing what to reply to his bold statement. They drove through the late-night traffic in relative silence. Finally, Neil stopped the car at her gate. Her lane, with huge trees on either side, was quiet compared to the traffic-laden, main roads of Bangalore. The beautiful, wide road mostly had individual houses, including her little house, that also had a small garden.
“Do you own sexy lingerie?”
Tanya’s eyes widened endlessly.What? Omg, I can’t believe he’s asking me about underwear!She almost sputtered before she croaked a “What?”
“Sexy underwear. Do you have any?” Neil was more than amused at her reaction to his question. The prim-and-proper Tanya Kumar apparently couldn’t handle talks about lingerie. If he was sure he wouldn’t be punched, he would have let out a hearty chuckle.
“That is a very personal question, and may I also add, none of your business.” Tanya’s indignant statement did bring out a laugh out of Neil. In response, she simply turned and glared at him.
Neil walked out and opened the door for Tanya. She got out of the car, unwilling to converse with him any further. She walked ahead, even as she plotted thousand different ways to kill her not-so-proper boss. “Wait.” Neil caught up with her at her doorstep. He had a parcel in his hand. “This is for you.” Neil stretched his hand towards Tanya.
“What’s this?”
“Something decadent. Something that I know you wanted.”
Tanya gave him a surprised look. “But…”
“You wanted to have that French pastry, right? Here you go.” Neil thrust the parcel at her.
“I can’t. It’s…I…huh, it’s unhealthy, not to mention difficult to work off.” Tanya looked at the package longingly and sighed. She tried to hand the package back to Neil.
“You are perfect as you are. Have it. Don’t deny yourself the simple pleasures in life, Tanya.” Neil looked at her seriously.
Tanya swallowed. For some strange reason, she wasn’t sure if he was only talking about the pastries anymore. She didn’t want to ask him, not when she was already feeling out of depth. “Thank you,” She whispered, before tucking a silky strand behind her ear.
Neil simply nodded and put his hands in his pocket. He stared at her for a minute, almost hesitating. “You know, a woman’s entire demeanor changes when she wears fine lingerie.” Neil continued with the original topic, much to Tanya’s dismay and horror. He stepped closer as continued in a softer tone, “When the lace or satin glides against her skin, her walk becomes more pronounced, unconsciously seductive.”
His deep voice and dark eyes made her stop for a minute. She felt herself blush painfully at his words. For once, she didn’t have a smart comeback. Neil looked at her and smiled lightly. “Goodnight, sweet Tanya!” With those parting words, Neil turned back and walked to his car.
Chapter 5
