‘Oh, OK,’ I said, my tone as understanding as I could make it.
‘Way too vulgar,’ another added.
‘We could take it to a control group, but it’s giving gossip column,’ one concluded.
‘OK, well .?.?. we called it that in the first instance, and the principle of the website was always to—’
Britney raised her hand.
‘We can’t continue without a name at this stage. We need something we can launch in the press statement tomorrow, Ella. I’m afraid the concept of the app will have to wait until we have a market-ready working title.’ She attempted a polite smile, but I’m pretty sure there was venom behind those teeth.
What a fucking bitch, I thought.
‘OK, right. Got you. Should we .?.?.’ My mind was racing. ‘I mean, we could always brainstorm?’ I suggested, knowing how much a group imaginative session would help ideas come to life at my old work.
‘My team work better researching what names are already on the market. Perhaps we should reconvene at twelve?’ Britney suggested, staring at her watch.
‘Yeah, OK, that’s fine.’ I was still standing, facing the group. There was an impassive wall of silence glaring back at me. ‘Will I just .?.?. go then?’ I asked, not knowing my place or value at this company.
Britney glanced at me with an undisguised look of disapproval. ‘For now, I think that would be useful.’
‘Cool, see you all at twelve then.’ I headed towards the door, hearing what seemed to be a brainstorming session ignite behind me.
What the fuck was her problem?
I shook my head and stormed back to the office, hoping Zola and Katy would be there to vent to. Unfortunately, the room was empty. The vast glass walls gave a clear view out to the bustling office, full of work and focus and creativity. I slumped down in my chair, not having a clue what to do.
‘Agggghhhh!’ I groaned, punching my fists off the desk in exasperation and fury.
‘Well, I can see your first day is going to plan,’ a deep voice said.
I lifted my head and spotted Jimmy leaning against the door frame.
‘Y’all having fun?’ he asked, looking somewhat entertained at my lashing out.
‘Sorry.’ I immediately sat up and sorted myself.
‘Hey, don’t apologise, carry on, that’s what offices are for. But here’s a quick tip .?.?.’ He stepped in and closed the door, taking a few steps towards me. ‘If you don’t mind.’ Jimmy leaned over the desk, his neck and chest sweeping by me. His warm, fanny-tingling scent engulfed my senses. Then I noticed we were in darkness. The glass had tinted over, making the world beyond disappear. No more office, no more New York skyline. It was just us.
‘The switch for privacy is right here.’ His voice was soft as he showed me, his finger lingering over the button just under the lip of my desk.
I cleared my throat, allowing my eyes to adjust. I was hyperaware of his muscular silhouette leaning beside me.
‘Thank you,’ I managed, clearing my throat.
I thought I could feel an obvious tension in the room, but was I making it up? Was it because I’d masturbated to him last night? Well, only for a second, technically, so it doesn’t count if it was Philip who made me cum, right?Nonsense, I told myself.For the love of God, stop thinking about it, Ella.
I pressed the button, allowing the sunlight and the office bustle to reappear magically beyond the glass.
‘So, what’s the problem, Ella?’ Jimmy asked, casually resting his thigh on my desk.
My eyes skimmed over his physique again. Jesus Christ, his quads looked like they could crack open a watermelon at any given time.
‘Nothing.’ I forced a grin, not wanting to seem weak. This guy had just taken a massive gamble on our idea, and I didn’t want him to think I wasn’t capable of delivering.
‘Well, when nothing bothers me, I like to take a walk. Would you care to join me?’ he asked, standing again.
‘I have to get back here at twelve for Britney,’ I explained.
