Emma was young. Too young for her job and she knew it. Over promoted in her last job because of her looks and a drunken make out with the Site Manager at the Christmas party.
Now she was out in the world on her own at just twenty one trying to hold down a Sales Managers role in a company that actually cared about results. Trouble was, she hadn't had any results.
Her six month review was due soon and without securing a contract they would let her go. She had a mortgage to pay. And after that idiot of a boyfriend had pissed off, her livelihood depended more than ever on this job. And it depended on closing this deal today.
"It's a high price." Dominic observed absentmindedly as he handled the soft touch cosmetic bottle sample.
"And your lead-times are a little long."
Emma felt her heart sink but she pushed her mass of thick black hair away from her face and forced a smile on her puffy lips.
"But with us you're buying from the market leader. That means quality and assurance of supply. Our competitors can undercut the price but they can't match us on guaranteed supply. The finish on these products is difficult to achieve. Our competitors will struggle to maintain a consistent quality
If you sign today we can..."
Dominic cut her off.
"They've proven for two years that they can do that. I just don't see what you can offer that they can't.
What justifies the extra costs to my business?"
"Personal service." Emma threw in the first thing she could think of as she gave her warmest smile yet.
If flirting with a man almost old enough to be her father saved her job then that's what she would do. After all he wasn't that bad looking and it was just flirting.
Dominic put the small bottle back in its presentation box with the other samples and regarded the pretty girl sat opposite him.
"You're very young for your job." He said quietly.
"How old are you?"
Emma blushed.
"Twenty two."
She'd heard this before and knew he was questioning how she'd secured a role normally held by middle aged men. She also knew they all assumed she'd slept her way there, and there was some truth to that. But it hadn't been done purposefully.
Bad drunken sex in a car early December eighteen months earlier had propelled her to where she was today. With a man around Dominic's age. She wasn't proud of it but it was what it was.
"I'm good at what I do." She knew that was a lie.
Dominic continued to stare at her. She could see his eyes moving down her body but she held her composure. Determined to keep his attention in any way she could. She had little chance of securing a contract but she would give it her all until the last moment.
"Like I said. What can you offer me that no one else can?"
Emma noted his eyes stayed on her tits as he asked. She suddenly wondered what she was supposed to be offering.
"What er... could I offer that would secure the deal?" She asked hesitantly. She expected him to make a pass, invite her to dinner or something.
There was a moments silence while he visibly weighed up his next words.
"Personal service." He said. His eyes locked on hers.
Emma blushed again. Suddenly aware he had more than dinner in mind. A rush of adrenaline made her lips quiver as she tried hard not to react. Her mind raced through how much she would have to flirt with this man. Dinner definitely. A bit of a feel up? A snog? She wanted to tell him to fuck off home to his wife, but Christ she needed this sale. If she lost her house she would be homeless, sleeping on a friends sofa. No way she could land another decent paying job quickly.
"And will you sign the contract today?" She pushed.
"It's dinner time. My secretary'll be leaving for lunch in a few minutes."
Emma blinked, averting her eyes to the samples on the desk between them. Suddenly she was worried.
"What are you suggesting?"
"You need this sale right?"
With little choice she made eye contact again and admitted her desperation.
"Yes.
I don't have a job without it." She felt vulnerable and her eyes betrayed it.