‘I think The Dicktionary Club is sort of immoral. The concept is good, but it has so many ways to turn dark. Women can say anything, make terrible shit up, and it will be out there. I wanted to come over here and create something amazing. Something I would be proud of. I wanted to make a real impact on the dating game. But I’m not convinced this is it.’
Jimmy shrugged like I had told him about the easiest problem in the world to sort. ‘Change it then. It’s your project.’
I blew out a breath. ‘If only it was that easy.’
‘Ella, it is.’ He looked confused. ‘By the sounds of it, you think it’s potentially unfair, immoral, right?’
I nodded.
‘What would make it fairer?’ Jimmy asked.
‘Probably allowing men to rate women too?’ I admitted. ‘Instead of posting individual reviews, we could summarise what more than one person thinks about someone.’
Jimmy grinned. ‘See?’
I laughed, feeling lighter just from sitting here problem-solving with him.
Jimmy was still grinning. ‘There you go, Ella,’ he said softly. ‘How are you finding Britney’s PR plan?’
I scoffed. ‘Honestly? I think it’s poor. I imagined the launch being at the Met or somewhere amazing, iconic even, but her plan is pretty basic.’
‘The Met!’ Jimmy laughed. ‘Aim high, girl!’
‘Somewhere like that. Like a fairytale. It’s silly, I know.’ I shrugged, a little embarrassed.
Jimmy reached out. ‘It’s not silly, Ella. Girl, if you want the Met, let’s do it!’
‘What?’ I laughed. ‘Do we have time for these kind of dramatic changes? We’d have to recalibrate the whole campaign. Thanksgiving is in, like, five weeks or something.’
‘Anything can be done if you put your mind to it.’ He smiled. ‘We could call the team in and get them to meet us back at the office?’
I sat up, a beat of pure excitement running through me. ‘What? Now?’
‘Absolutely, if you’re up for a late night?’ I sensed him watching me closely, as if he was understanding how I worked. For a moment, I felt truly seen.
‘Yes!’ I stood up. ‘Let’s go!’ Suddenly, I had a spring in my step. Everything felt lighter, one thousand feet in the air – even my knottiest problems.
Jimmy joined me on his feet. ‘Let’s do it.’
I skipped over to retrieve my shoes, glancing around the vast observation deck, sparkling with the reflections of millions of lights in the night sky, realising this was probably the best, most insanely memorable night of my life. I turned to Jimmy. ‘Thank you.’ I smiled.
He walked slowly towards me, stopping just in front of where I stood. Unsure if he meant to hug me, I didn’t move away. Despite my uncertainty, his closeness felt welcome. I felt grateful for a wonderful night, for him listening to me, helping me.
Around us, complete silence settled. He slowly slid his hand up my arm, his fingers tracing my skin. Goosebumps rose all over me as his touch lingered. Then he leaned forward and rested his forehead gently against mine.
His voice was just a whisper. ‘You are beautiful, intelligent and funny, Ella. Your ex has no idea what he’s lost.’ I felt his sigh on my face. He clenched his fists, looking as torn by the moment as I was. ‘Let’s make the best app out there, something that makes you burst with pride. I love when you glow.’
I shivered as desire pulsed through me, both exciting and grounding. The world narrowed to this perfect moment – Jimmy, the city lights, the mirrored surfaces, even the McDonald’s wrappers littering the table.
Jimmy’s hand slid down my arm, his fingers briefly brushing over my breast, making me instinctively lean closer. He interlaced his fingers with mine and gently pulled me towards the elevator.
As we descended, I felt butterflies and lust take over every inch of my body. He kept hold of my hand, a firm touch, and I imagined what it would be like for him to be squeezing my thighs, teasing my clit. I felt my underwear dampen at the thought.
Then the elevator stopped, and we stepped back out into the energy of the city, making our way to the Flirtify headquarters.
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Ella
