Page 103 of What Happens in Dubai

‘Well … how does it feel?’ he asked once it was just the two of us.

‘Weird!’ I giggled.

‘Good weird?’

‘Great weird!’ I replied. ‘Tom, about last night—’

He held his hands up, wanting me to stop. ‘I know. It can’t happen again. You’ll be my boss, etc. etc. etc.’ He rolled his eyes.

‘Exactly. Plus, it’s more than that,’ I sighed, not knowing how to explain without sounding like a grade A psychopath. ‘When we broke up, I was really messed up. I felt nothing with any guy for such a long time. It’s taken me this long towantto feel something again, and I can’t risk going back to where I was before.’

He pressed his thumb against his mouth, listening intently. ‘I get it. And again, I’m sorry. For absolutely everything.’

I agreed. ‘I don’t need you to say sorry again. I forgive you. And besides, I was the one who turned up at your door last night. I mean, I wish there was no such thing as no-strings-attached sex with you.’

‘I wish that too, Zara. Although, the way you sassily marched out of my apartment this morning made me think you were over this.’

The room fell silent as finding Ebony’s earring was replaying in the back of my mind.

‘Maybe I am. Like, over that part of us. I knew what last night was. I suppose that’s what I mean.’

Tom’s arms rested on his hips as he looked stuck in thought.

‘Relationships in the workplace don’t work for us, and right nowmybusiness is more important.’

We both stood silently.

‘Well, touché!’ he smirked. ‘Come here, Zara,’ he said eventually and pulled me to him. I rested my head against his warm chest and closed my eyes. I felt his finger under my chin as he turned my head to face his. We looked at one another, then kissed gently, softly, lovingly.

I forced myself to pull away from him after a few seconds, feeling my heart quicken in my chest.

He let out an exaggerated puff and said, ‘Zara, Zara, Zara.’

I nodded, acknowledging the frustration.

‘Technically you’re not my boss till when?’

‘You’ll have to sign your full-time contract by Wednesday night.’

He smirked. ‘I’ll see you Wednesday night then? We could have a glass of champers, celebrate one last time, andthensign the contract?’

My heart ricocheted. Was he suggesting one last goodbye shag?

‘Tom, stop!’ I laughed at him chancing his luck.

‘Oh, c’mon. Don’t pretend last night wasn’t fun. One last time before I can sue you for sexual harassment?’

Before I could think it through, I heard myself saying, ‘I’ll keep my diary free.’

Tom squeezed my hand tightly and stepped back. ‘Keep the entire night free. There will bea lotof celebrating! Let’s go out with a bang, eh!’ He winked and headed back to his room.

Chapter Thirty-Three

Wednesday came around in the blink of an eye. The clinic was shut the entire day as I had meetings scheduled with Juju, the bank, my accountant and lawyers. Everything had fallen into place, and Raj kept his word as the paperwork arrived, officially handing me over the reins to Individualise. The clinic would still be owned by Raj, but I had full control over the work, the staff and any new concepts I wanted to explore, plus I had an exceptionally large pay rise to look forward to. I also had to keep up with paying the bills, liaising with payroll and honouring the commitment to Juju to keep utilising their brand. It all felt exhilarating, but at times I still struggled to wrap my head around it.Why did he pick me?I wondered. I loved Raj for this opportunity, but I knew how difficult it would be without him.

I hadn’t heard from Tom for a few days, and as much as the proposition of one last night together was enticing, I wasn’t sure if he’d changed his mind or if it was even what he’d meant at all. But I had taken no chances. My vagina to arsehole was shaved to the core, and underneath my floaty day dress I was wearing the sexy Ann Summers ensemble I’d originally bought for Cameron. I was hoping it would be better appreciated by a throbbing Thomas, than it had been by my hiccup from the Highlands.

It was approaching five, and the shutters were down in the clinic. I was perched on the sofa, rummaging through tax returns when Tom strolled through the door.

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