Page 78 of Pure Recklessness

I froze. I hadn’t thought this through. I couldn’t exactly say: I’m calling to find out what time Mr Devlin plans to fire me after I flashed him my knickers, sat on the edge of his desk and basically begged him to fuck me.

Shit.

‘I’m… I just wondered if Mr Devlin had left any instructions regarding me?’

‘Instructions?’ I instantly heard the confusion in her voice.

‘Yes, regarding my work. For… the project I’m working on for him,’ I added quickly. That sounded like a perfectly reasonable question.

‘As far as I’m aware, you’re to continue working in the press office until your project has received the green light from the board.’

‘Really? I mean, good. Great! Thanks.’ My shoulders loosened. ‘Is Mr Devlin available? To speak on the phone?’ I clarified. There was no way I’d be returning to his office anytime this century. Even with Valerie there.

‘I’m afraid not. He left for New York this morning. He’ll be back at the end of the week. Can I pass on a specific message to him?’

He’s in New York. Phew.

That’s good. Distance is exactly what I need.

‘No, no. It’s fine. Thank you.’

‘Okay, speak soon, dear.’

Valerie hung up and I blew out a sigh of relief. I thought it was only cats that had nine lives.

By some miracle, it looked like I was in the clear.

Thank God.

The phone rang and my stomach automatically bottomed out. I really hoped I hadn’t jinxed it by speaking too soon.

‘Hello, Sated Press Office, this is Ellie, how may I help you?’

‘I should’ve called you on your mobile to save you having to do that long arse intro!’ Dana laughed and my tension instantly slid away.

‘Hi!’

‘Joe’s got your clothes. Are you free this evening to try them on?’

‘Yes! Definitely!’

‘Great. And I’ve booked your hair appointment. I had to agree to name my first-born child after my hairdresser to get it, but it’s done. And one of Joe’s make-up artist friends is going to give you a glow-up just before the awards on Friday night.’

‘Oh my God, thank you! I really appreciate it.’

‘You’re welcome!’ Dana said. ‘I know we were supposed to set up your dating profile, but maybe it’s better if we wait until after the awards? You’ll have a new look by then. And you never know, maybe you’ll meet someone at the ceremony and you won’t even need to use the app.’

The conversation I’d had with Mr Devlin where he’d said I wouldn’t have any trouble finding a man flashed in my head and I instantly pushed it away.

I didn’t want any other man.

I only wanted him.

Jeez. Deluded, much?

Nothing was ever going to happen with my boss, so I really had to get over this ridiculous crush.

‘Good idea,’ I said.