Jackson is leaning back in his desk chair, with his long legs propped up on the desk. He’s wearing slim-cut gray trousers, and shiny black shoes. He raises his head to look at her and smirks.
“What do you want?” he asks.
“I want to try to get promoted to jasmine,” Gabrielle says.
Jackson raises his eyebrows and shakes his head, “You’re not ready for that.”
“When will I be ready?” she asks. “What do I have to do?”
“Depends on how badly you want it,” he says, letting his eyes trail up and down her body. “Tell me, Gabrielle, how badly do you want this promotion?”
Gabrielle fidgets, tucking a sweaty strand of hair behind her ear. She’s wearing a leotard and black tights, but Jackson makes her feel completely naked. She bites her lip and straightens her shoulders, trying to look calm and
