When Plain Elaine, who is more of a general PA than a dedicated EA anyway, calls through to say that Marlowe has arrived, I force myself to sit tight for a few minutes. First impressions are important, especially when they’re actually second impressions and you’ve already fucked up the first round. So I’m intent on portraying to Miss Winters from the offset that I’m a busy, powerful guy juggling a million Very Important Balls.

I hastily pop a mint in my mouth, take out my keyring with its fidget spinner, and watch three recent TikToks from my favourite creator and owner of a barrel-shaped Staffy called Tinkerbell. Fuck, she’s cute. Not as cute as Mark, obviously. If the owner didn’t live somewhere in Scotland, I’d be tempted to cyber-stalk him and suggest a doggy play date. I can just tell Mark and Tinks would get on famously.

When I arbitrarily judge that I’ve kept Marlowe waiting long enough, I press the intercom for reception.

‘Send her in.’

I open my office door before standing in front of my desk to greet her. Mark trundles to the doorframe. My office takes up one corner of the executive floor and is a showcase for the quality Sullivan Construction is known for, with its double-height ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows, acres of plush white carpet, and impeccable finish. I’ve purposely kept the furnishings minimal to emphasise the sense of spaciousness. It’s really very Zen, especially for a guy like me. Nothing about me is Zen.

I roll my shoulders back to improve my posture, widening my legs to assume a victory stance as I stick my hands in my pockets. I’ve got this. I am a strong, capable man, the head of a business empire, and a respected leader. I have women coming out of my ears, smoke coming off my Raya app, and so many options for pussy that I don’t need Alchemy or Seraph or—wait. Did I remember to send back those contracts, or…?

Focus, Sullivan. Woman. Job. Interview. Respected leader. Where was I? Right.

Oh, fuck.

Jesus fucking Christ.

She’s just so damn beautiful, in a way that’s ethereal and natural. Wholesome and sexy at the same time. She appears in the doorframe, bending to greet Mark. He’s lodged himself squarely in her path, giving her no choice but to acknowledge him. Her long blonde hair falls in a sleek curtain over her face, and I shamelessly ogle the silhouette of her body in heels and a pale pink fitted dress that might just be my downfall. She hasn’t seen me yet.