Page 98 of What Happens in Dubai

I laughed at his cheesy comment even as I blushed, savouring it. ‘You know you’re handsome too, Tom. There’s no point in me telling you that.’

‘I know,’ he smirked. ‘If you weren’t my boss and it wasn’t deemed entirely inappropriate, I’d probably kiss you right now.’

Goosebumps sprinkled up my neck. It felt like the right thing to do in that moment. My eyes lingered on his as my thighs turned moist at the undeniable chemistry sparking between us.What will I do?

He seemed to want permission.

‘Tom, I—’

Suddenly, we were blinded by headlights as our taxi pulled up.

‘Well, it looks like you’ve been saved by the bell, Zara.’ Tom leaned forward, kissed my forehead and jogged through the rain towards the taxi, once more holding the door open for me to get in first.

I jumped in quickly and sat down.

‘The Italian Centre please, driver, then head to the West End.’ Tom gave the instructions and I smiled towards him. He was pushing his damp hair back from his face, and gave the driver directions so quickly, without hesitation, there was no second-guessing where he was going. He wanted to go home.

‘So, what do you think Raj will think tomorrow?’ I asked.

‘I think he will bloody love the clinic, and more importantly, love the books!’ Tom leaned over and squeezed my hand reassuringly.

As the taxi ride continued, we chatted casually, not acknowledging the tension growing between us. But inside I was racked with anxiety.What if this was the last time I saw him?Tomorrow Raj would be back, and we wouldn’t need Tom at the clinic anymore. I wanted Raj home, but it was clear that I didn’t want to lose Tom. I felt desperate, out of control and torn, but remained quiet, too afraid to say anything that would stir up my hurt from the past.

All too quickly, the taxi pulled up outside my flat, and I reached for my purse. Tom placed his hand on top of mine and shook his head.

‘This is on me. You wined and dined me, lady.’

‘It’s the least I could do. Honestly, I can’t thank you enough for the past few weeks.’ I looked at him, at his perfect face, trying to take in the moment. ‘Goodnight, Tom.’

He winked. ‘Night, boss.’

I got out of the taxi, gave a small wave and watched Tom drive out of my life once again.

Chapter Thirty-One

I marched into my flat shouting loudly for Ashley, but heard nothing back. I needed to speak to her about my night with Tom.Had I done the right thing?I rummaged around my bag for my phone. No missed calls or texts from Ashley. She must still be with Dave. Agitatedly my fingers twitched, aching to phone her for advice. I needed reassurance I was doing the right thing. Surely kissing Tom would have been a bad idea? But, my god, he was the best shag ever. I mean compared to basic Cameron, I was in need of a decent dick.Maybe I could have meaningless sex with him, like one last pump to get it entirely out of my system?

I slumped onto the sofa.

Or would that bring back crazy, self-loathing feelings I’ve been trying to heal since the last time he fucked me over?

I immediately stood back up, pacing the floor. My gut told me I’d done the right thing, but my ravenous vagina was yodelling Tom’s name from the inside. I couldn’t think and felt dizzy with decisions. I had a choice to make, so I yanked my Spanx down, desperate for air, and felt my muffin top finally relax. Just like that, with a sudden sense of relief, I knew precisely what to do.

I hobbled out of my Spanx, tugging them past my shoes, then sprinted out of my apartment and hurried down the rainy streets of Glasgow, attempting to flag down a taxi. The icy rain was bouncing up my legs, and I could feel my dripping hair become flat against my face. Ubers were passing by, but no one was stopping. I continued walking up towards the city with my arm stuck out, and finally, a car pulled over.

‘Head towards Kelvingrove please, driver.’

I had to tell Tom how I felt. I wanted to let him know that I felt something too, but was terrified. That no matter what had happened in the past, I wanted him in my life as a friend rather than not at all. Something at the bottom of my mind was telling me not to go, but my pounding heart was screaming with adrenaline, hoping for a happily ever after.

I stepped out of the taxi, facing the entrance to Tom’s home. It looked smaller than I remembered, but just as grand. I took a step and felt a puddle soak the back of my calf. I was shaking, from the weather and nerves. What if he rejects me? I knew he enjoyed the chase, and I had been in torture from the ‘almost’ kissing moments, but he always seemed so cool. Perhaps it’s all a game to him.

I walked to the buzzer, but noticed the door was slightly ajar. I pushed it open and approached the staircase. The plush carpeted staircase. As I held the railing, I had a flashback of me fleeing down the steps, dressed in candy underwear, and my mouth felt dry.What if he’s with someone else tonight? Maybe he hasn’t changed.I’ve seen a different side to him this time around, a supportive side, championing my ideas and pushing me to deliver. When I was with him, fuck, I was lucky for the cunt to give me a nod in the corridor.Had he changed?I wondered. Or maybe I had. I could hear music playing as I continued to climb the steps. What would I say? I wasn’t even sure what I wanted. To be friends, to be lovers, to fight or to argue. I had no idea, I just needed to tell him I felt it too.

I stood facing the door, took a deep breath and knocked on it. From inside, I heard footsteps on the hardwood flooring, and then Tom was standing there. His shirt had been undone a couple more buttons and he looked relaxed, clutching a glass of wine.

‘Zara? Are you OK? You’re drenched!’ He came towards me and held my soggy shoulders, looking concerned.

‘I’m fine, honestly.’ I took a deep breath and laughed. ‘I don’t know why I’m here, actually. This is embarrassing.’

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