Page 44 of The Dicktionary Club

He leaned over me, snapping the laptop shut. ‘No.’

For a brief moment, I could feel Philip’s warm, strong body press into mine, and almost immediately I tensed up. He simply plopped back down on his seat.

‘You know, I’m starving,’ he announced.

‘We have cookies.’ I pointed to the pitiful plate of Sainsbury’s finest stacked up like a Christmas tree in front of us.

‘No, I mean proper food. Shall we go grab some dinner?’ he suggested.

I felt my face twist in confusion. I was finding this man was strange. I couldn’t get the measure of him. Was he being rude, arrogant, unprofessional? Was this the kind of behaviour needed to succeed in the business world? I wasn’t even sure if he’d taken my pitch,well, my attempt at a pitch seriously. Had he gotten the entirely wrong end of the stick here? What did he think this was?MaybeI’ll help you, but only if you suck my dick, Ella? Jesus, it wasn’t the nineties.

‘Sorry, no. I don’t do that,’ I replied firmly, tugging at my blouse.Yes, I can be strong and put my foot down here. I am a professional woman.

‘You don’t eat?’ he questioned. ‘There’s a name for that condition.’

I sighed, unwilling to laugh at this joke. ‘I don’t go for private dinners with men I don’t know. I prefer to keep things professional if we are working together.’

Philip laughed. ‘I was inviting you out to discuss your proposition, brainstorm if you like, not jump on your bones. I mean .?.?. unless .?.?.’ His eyes widened.

I felt my jaw drop and aggressively shook my head. ‘Sorry, no. That’s not how we do business here at Smart Reputations.’

His face lifted, and he pointed to me as if a bolt of lightning had just struck him with an idea. ‘Ahh, Ella, you’re gay! That’s why you opted for the name change.’

My cheeks reddened in an instant. ‘I am not!’ I protested alittle too forcefully.

Philip tutted. ‘It’s nothing to be ashamed of. My sister is gay and she’s just about my favourite person.’

‘I’m not gay, Mr Khan. I am single, but I’m professional and not interested in you like that.’

‘Wow.’ He leaned forward, looking baffled. He paused for a few seconds, as if allowing my words to sink in. ‘Really?’

My heart was thundering in my chest. I could feel every muscle in my body seize and tighten from how uncomfortable I felt.

‘Really,’ I confirmed.

‘OK. Wow. That’s good to know.’ He paused, chuckling to himself. ‘Well, I’m going to grab a bite to eat. Let me think on your idea.’

Philip stood up, and I joined him.

‘I’ll be in touch tomorrow if I come up with something.’ He held out his hand politely. ‘I would normally hug. I’m a hugger. But I don’t want some sexual harassment case filed. I fear I may have muddied the waters there.’

I shook his hand firmly. ‘I’m not a hugger. Thank you for your time. I do appreciate it.’

Philip headed towards the door of the conference room, then just as he was leaving, he turned to me. ‘And Ella?’

‘Yes?’

‘For someone who apparently likes to leave on the electricity, you really need to lighten up.’

He reached out a hand and switched off the light. Suddenly the entire conference room was plunged into darkness, then the door slammed shut. I could hear his mocking laugh travel down the hallway as he left the building.

‘Ahhhhhgghh!’ I cursed, trying to shuffle my way to the switch, bumping into furniture along the way.

What the hell was that man’s problem?!

Chapter Fifteen

Ella

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