‘At least we werebothlying, I suppose.’
‘I thought you were joking when you asked me my name. Couldn’t believe my luck to have some anonymity for once. But why did you say you’d gone away? Didn’t you want to see me again?’
‘Got it in one, cowboy,’ I said, and flashed him a smile, not keen to explain any further.
‘Wow. That’s pretty brutal.’ He shook his head, clearly surprised.
‘I’m sure you’ll find someone to make you feel better,’ I said, my head on one side. ‘You’re not bad looking.’
Blake laughed. ‘You think? Number eight inGQ’s sexiest men of all time, this year, thank you very much.’
‘That far down the list?’ I shot back, playfully.
‘Is this supposed to itch?’ Blake asked, nodding at his arm.
‘No,’ I walked over quickly, to check it. There shouldn’t have been any problem at all. It was a simple skin test. Blake stood up to give me a closer look.
‘Mmm, your perfume…’ Blake sniffed the air. ‘…is bringing back happy memories.’
I gave him a quick smile as he stood uncomfortably close, invading my personal space and he shuffled even closer as I leant in.
‘I think it would be easier if you sat down, actually,’ I said, taking a step back.
‘Oh, really?’ He towered over me with a wolfish smile.
‘Yes.’ I took another step back. ‘Please.’
‘Owwww!’ Blake lifted his arm and winced. ‘It’s burning!’
‘Is it?!’ I pushed him into the chair in panic and knelt down to examine the silicone. No sign of heat, or irritation. I picked at one of the corners and it came away clean, as Blake closed his legs around my back and pulled me in.
‘What are you… doing?’ I said, pushing him away. ‘Pete? I mean Blake! I’m at work!’ I gave a nervous laugh to try and make light of the situation.
‘Don’t worry about work, I’m the big star here, remember. No one will question me.’
I looked up at him, horrified. ‘It’s not just a work thing. I’m very flattered, but I’m sorry, I’m not interested.’
‘Oh, come on, Abi, that’s not what you were saying in the sauna.’ He leant down and tried to kiss me, trapping me with his knees.
I turned my head away. ‘Stop it, I’m serious…’
‘You’re really not into me?’ he said, in disbelief.
‘No!’ I looked him straight in the eyes to make it crystal clear. ‘Getoff me.’ My hands were shaking as I tried to stand up, but he was too strong. He leant back with a smile and put his hands behind his head, his legs solid, pinning me into his crotch.
‘Here we are!’ Lucy breezed into the room with a tray of coffees and stopped dead, in the doorway, as she took in the scene. Blake loosened his grip and I quickly stood up, adjusting my jumpsuit. Lucy’s eyes darted between the two of us, the tiniest frown on her face. ‘Everything OK?’
‘Absolutely,’ I said, fixing on a smile. ‘Blake was feeling some pain from the patch test.’
‘And Abi offered to help me out,’ Blake said, with a smirk.
Lucy slowly made her way across the room. ‘OK… let me check it for you,’ she said, handing Blake his coffee. I stood behind her as she examined his wrist, furiously eyeballing Blake, my heart thudding. He gave me a slow smile over Lucy’s head and the smallest of shrugs, making it clear he called the shots around here. He could do whatever he wanted.
‘It seems fine?’ Lucy said, looking up at us both.
‘Yes, that’s what I thought,’ I replied.
‘It felt like an itch I needed to scratch,’ Blake sniggered.
