I felt the spot next to me in the giant bed. I had heard of super-king size beds but this was something else. Simon had said he would leave early but he had left me with a dilemma. He had said to use one of his cars, but if I took one of them to work it would be obvious something had happened. On the other hand, I couldn’t leave it at my house and take my car; it would probably be damaged by the end of the day.

In the end I decided I had enough time for the bus and took that to collect my car. My flat, which had always felt so cozy and inviting suddenly felt cold and tiny. I sighed softly as I changed and headed to the office.

It turned out I didn’t need to worry. Fiona barely waited for me to get in the door. “So, is it true?” She demanded, her annoyance obvious.

“Is what true?” I asked. I had no idea what she was talking about.

“Geoffrey said he saw you and Simon being very cozy at the expo yesterday. He reckons you left together and looked like an item.”

I was shocked and speechless for a moment. What could I say? I wasn’t sure that Simon wanted it to be general knowledge yet and I really didn’t.

“That’s just stupid!” I said, trying to look angry. “I did see him there and he gave me a lift back to my car which was in the garage, but that was it.”

Fiona shook her head. “I thought you were better than that!” She exclaimed.

“Better than what?” I said. I could feel my cheeks blushing as my voice started to rise.

“Better than sleeping your way to the top!” She exclaimed turning and storming off before I had a chance to react.

Shocked I gazed after her. I didn’t know her that well yet but she hadn’t believed a word I said. If she didn’t believe me then what chance was there of anyone else accepting my story? It didn’t matter that they were actually right; they had no reason to know the truth at the moment.

It was then that I realized, what if Simon had already confirmed something to one of them? I might have just been a weekend conquest to show off about to the guys at work. Not only would that make Simon no better than the blokes I had dated in the past, it would also be obvious to everyone, like Fiona, that I was now lying.

I suddenly felt an anger burning inside me. I had trusted Simon, how could he do this to me? I had only been on the job for a week. I moved towards my new office, my head spinning. Although the office now symbolized what everyone was saying it would also give me a few moments to reflect; it was my space.

I knew there was only one thing to do. As discreetly as possible I made my way to the elevator and pushed the button for the top floor. Ellie smiled softly at me and ushered me straight into Simon’s office. He was on the phone. I sat on the hard chair, not wishing to get comfortable or let my anger go. After a few minutes he finished his call and spun his chair to face me; “Hi!” He said enthusiastically. “Everything okay?”

I paused, taking a deep breath, “No.” I said firmly. “Everyone seems to think I am sleeping my way to the top.” For a moment Simon looked grave. “What on earth gave them that idea?” He asked, raising one eyebrow in that infuriating but endearing way which only he could.

“Geoffrey saw us at the expo,” I said, feeling myself calming. I was glad I hadn’t gone in all guns blazing.

Simon laughed. “That’s it!” He quickly stopped when he saw my face.

“Don’t worry about it,” he said with a smile. “They are just testing the water, judging how you react. It will all blow over in a day or two.” He paused, the corners of his mouth twitching, “That is, of course, unless you want to sleep your way to the top.”

Shaking my head I left Simon to it. I knew he was probably right but that didn’t make it any better and it was me who had to deal with it, not him.

I kept my head down for most of the day. If Simon was right then that was the best option to take. I had to admit that, despite everything, I was looking forward to seeing him that night.

I waited until just after six to leave; I knew most people would have gone then. Of course, I felt a little silly hiding from my new colleagues, but I simply couldn’t face them again.

I drove straight to Simon’s house, grateful that I had picked up my own car. I needed a hug and a little reassurance.

“Hi,” he said with a big grin when I saw him. Instantly I felt better; especially as he pulled me into his arms and held me close. I could feel my breathing calming as I breathed in his manly scent. Suddenly all was right with the world.

After several moments he guided me into the house; we went straight through to the gleaming white kitchen; it looked like it had never been used. “This is for you,” he said, passing me a long box with a smile. “To help you feel better about today.”

Excitedly I ripped it open. Then my heart stopped. Inside the pale cream box was a stunning necklace. A heart shaped crystal as big as my thumb sat in the middle of the chain, framed by a delicate lace of silver. I sucked my breath in; taken aback by its beauty.

“You like it?” Simon asked, smiling. He picked it up to put it around my neck. I could feel my anger building instantly and explosively. How dare he try to make everything right by giving me an expensive gift? That was exactly what rich, arrogant people always did; assumed they could buy their way out of trouble.

Without thinking I threw the necklace onto the worktop. “What were you thinking?” I cried out at him? “How could you think you needed to buy my loyalty or my love?” Simon looked visibly shocked as I added. “I knew this was a mistake, you are just the same as the others; you think money can solve everything.” I paused, aware my voice was very loud. Taking a deep breath I tried to calm it before finishing my sentence. “Whatever this is, was or could have been, it’s over.” I cried out. “I can’t date someone who has no idea about my values.” With that, I left the room and his house. I didn’t let the tears fall until I had left his road.