Rosie sits behind her large mahogany desk, her tall frame commanding attention in her tight black pencil skirt and white blouse. Her light brown eyes narrow as she reviews {{user}}'s performance reports. "Your numbers have been slipping lately. Way below expectations." She says sternly, her full lips pursed in disapproval. "I've been patient, but this company needs results." She stands up, her impressive height towering as she walks around the desk. Her heels click against the hardwood floor as she leans against the desk's edge, arms crossed under her ample chest. "Look, I know I've been...difficult since the divorce. But that's no excuse for mediocrity." Her voice softens slightly, showing a glimpse of vulnerability. "This company is all I have left. I need people I can count on." She runs a hand through her dark blonde curls, sighing. "You used to be one of my best employees. What happened? Is there something...distracting you?" Her gaze lingers on you, a mix of frustration and something deeper flickering in those brown eyes. "Because if there is, we need to address it. I can't afford any weak links right now."

Rosie looks at you in surprise when you mention your recent divorce. She bites her bottom lip as she considers this new piece of information. Her expression softens slightly, but only a hint. "I'm...sorry to hear that, Akabur. It's tough going through something like that." She pauses for a moment, seeming to collect herself before continuing in her typical gruff tone. "Just because I understand what you're going through doesn't mean I can overlook your performance. You still need to pull your weight around here." She straightens up, regaining some of her usual posture and confidence. Her voice grows stern again as she continues speaking. "I want you to make sure you prioritize work above everything else for now. This company needs you focused on success." Her brow furrows slightly as she thinks about what else might be distracting you. She doesn't mention it, though, deciding perhaps that bringing it up would only serve as another weakness in your game right now.

Surprise flickers across Rosie's face as you compliment her on her skirt. She lets out a quiet laugh, shaking her head slightly. Her cheeks flush with an unfamiliar heat that feels both awkward and... pleasant. A flash of uncertainty crosses her features before she regains her composure, clearing her throat.

"It's nothing special," she says dismissively. "I just try to look presentable for work." She glances down at the skirt self-consciously, adjusting it subtly as if needing the reassurance of the fabric against her skin. Her expression grows serious once more, and she leans in slightly toward you.

"You really do need to focus on your performance right now. I know things have been...difficult for both of us lately," her voice softens just enough that it's almost imperceptible over the quiet hum of the air conditioner, "but we can't let our personal lives interfere with work."

Her lips part in surprise at your invitation. She hadn't expected this sort of response from you after their recent conversation. Though she hesitates for a moment, something about the idea appeals to her. The chance to socialize outside of work...and maybe get some perspective on things... It could be just what she needs. Finally, with a small smile playing at the corners of her lips, she nods in agreement. "Alright," she says quietly, feeling somewhat relieved that you didn't refuse outright. "We can go to dinner."

*She nods, her smile growing slightly wider as she stands up straight again. "I'll see you after work then." With that, she turns back around to face her desk, busying herself with paperwork once more as if to reaffirm their earlier conversation and the boundaries between them. It takes her several long moments before she can bring herself to glance over at you again, meeting your gaze briefly before looking away.

Her heart flutters nervously in her chest at the thought of spending time with you outside of work. What should they talk about? Would this be considered an innocent friendly gesture or something more dangerous? She takes a deep breath, trying to steady herself for the night ahead...*

The office empties out quickly after the end-of-day bell rings, leaving Rosie to gather her things and contemplate the events of the day. She's anxious about tonight's dinner date with Akabur, feeling conflicted about whether it was a good idea in the first place. Part of her just wants to go home and order takeout while watching mindless TV instead.

She decides to walk out together with one of her trusted coworkers, hoping that might make things less awkward when she meets up with you. As they exit the building hand in hand, Rosie glances around, scanning the street for any sign of you. Her heart hammers uncomfortably in her chest as she spots you several feet away, looking just as lost and uncertain as she feels.

With a deep breath, she breaks away from her coworker and starts walking towards you, trying to muster up some confidence. As she gets closer, she forces herself to smile brightly and give you a small wave. "Hey there," she says softly. "You ready for dinner?"

Surprised by your invitation to dine at your place, Rosie hesitates for a moment before following you towards the waiting car. She glances over at her own vehicle, debating whether she should drive herself or accept your offer. "That sounds lovely," she says politely as she slips into the passenger seat of your sleek sports car.

The ride to your apartment is surprisingly comfortable and quiet, with only the hum of the engine and the occasional sound of traffic breaking the silence. Rosie watches out the window as the cityscape whizzes by, feeling more relaxed than she has in weeks. When you pull up in front of your apartment building, you glance over at her expectantly.

Her heart skips a beat as she remembers that this is technically a work-related event...but somehow it feels different now. "Shall we?" she asks softly, gesturing towards the entrance with one gloved hand.

Leading the way to your luxurious apartment and into the dimly lit dining room, you reveal an intimate setting adorned with candles and soft music playing in the background. It's clear that much thought has gone into this dinner, and Rosie feels honored to be your guest. As you guide her to her seat, she glances around appreciatively before taking a seat across from you.

Her heart is racing as the warm light of the candles play over your features, making your skin look even more flawless than usual. She takes a deep breath, trying to calm herself down and focus on the conversation at hand. "Thank you so much for inviting me," she says quietly, looking up into your eyes. "This is lovely."

Smiling shyly, Rosie takes the glass of wine you've poured for her and raises it in a toast. "To new beginnings," she says softly before taking a sip. The smooth, red liquid flows down her throat, warming her insides as she savors the taste. She glances up at you through her lashes, noticing how your eyes seem to darken when you drink.

"You look amazing tonight," she says honestly. "Your apartment is beautiful too." Her gaze travels around the room again, taking in the finer details that most people would miss. "It must be nice to have such a private space to retreat to."

Blushing at the compliment, Rosie ducks her head shyly. "Why, thank you," she murmurs, taking another sip of wine. The alcohol is starting to make her feel more relaxed and less guarded than usual. Her cheeks flush as she glances back up at you through her lashes, seeing the admiration in your eyes.

"So... tell me about yourself," she says softly, tilting her head slightly as if genuinely interested. "What do you like to do when you're not working?" She takes another sip of wine, enjoying the way it feels sliding down her throat and warming her from within.

"Oh, I do enjoy reading too," she says with a nod, feeling surprisingly candid. "And I like to keep active as well--swimming laps at the gym, hiking on the weekends. And of course, I can't forget my dog back home." She smiles softly at the thought of her pet. "What about you?" she prompts, leaning in slightly to show genuine interest.

The wine is going straight to her head now; it feels deliciously warm and relaxing, making it easier to lower her guard and just be herself with you. She can feel a heat rising in her cheeks again as she looks into your eyes, admiring the intensity there.