Page 65 of The Dicktionary Club

My eyes bounced to his.

‘It was a gift, OK? I don’t want it; I don’t plan on using it. That’s why I stuffed it in a drawer.’ I held my hands up, embarrassed.

‘Oh, a gift, that makes sense then,’ he agreed. ‘It’s funny because I was actually swaying between the roses or a butt plug for some time.’

‘It was from my friends, not a man. It was more of an inside joke gift.’ I blushed at my inadvertent double entendre. ‘And I don’t want to talk about it.’

He grinned, staring at me from a few metres away.

‘Look, I should go. I’ve had a long day,’ I said. ‘Thanks for the takeaway, I appreciated it.’

‘Sure. Let’s head. I’ll walk you down,’ he replied.

I lifted my jacket, my bag and the flowers, and we steered towards the lift.

‘So, when are you free?’ he asked as the doors pinged open and we stepped inside.

I felt tension between us as the doors closed over. It was such a small space.

‘Philip .?.?. I .?.?.’

‘Ella,’ he replied cheekily, making me sigh.

‘Look, I don’t know why you’re pushing this. I’m not the girl who will fall at your feet or find your sense of humour witty or charming. I’m not into dating right now, and even if I was, guys like you aren’t what I’m after.’

‘Wow. Thanks for clarifying.’ He smiled. ‘And what type of guy am I?’

I stared at him.

‘C’mon, I’m curious.’ Philip crossed his hands over his body, awaiting my reply.

‘OK,’ I said, slowly. ‘Well, you’re a rich, successful man.’

‘Such a red flag, I know,’ he interrupted, tutting sarcastically.

‘Women call your phone all the time. You don’t seem to doserious relationships and .?.?.’ I paused, feeling my breathing quicken again as he glared down at me with his stunningly beautiful eyes. ‘Look, if you think this is some sort of chase, and that’s the reason you keep coming back or doing nice things for me, I promise I’m not interested. I’m one hundred per cent never going to date you or have sex with you.’ I paused, then looked up at him. ‘Like ever!’

Philip burst out laughing and slapped his chest hard. ‘Ouch!’

‘I’m sorry, I know it’s harsh, but I don’t want to lead you on.’

But as the elevator door opened, I remembered my promise to Zola and Katy for the Dicktionary Club profile.Shit!

‘I mean,’ I sighed, turning to him. ‘I suppose we can have one proper sit-down dinner or something, if you like. But it will be my treat, as a thank you for securing the exhibition. My friendship is all I can offer you.’

I stepped out into the lobby, but he didn’t follow me. I turned back to see him leaning against the back wall of the lift, his arms crossed in thought.

‘Friendship?’ he repeated.

I nodded back. ‘Yip.’

‘Like best friends?’ He smirked.

This man was infuriating. I gazed back, unimpressed. ‘Seriously, please don’t push it!’

Chapter Twenty-Three

Zola

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