"You just fancy yourself a cock of the walk, don't you Mister Fancy Pants!"
That comment was made to Napoleon in the grey corridors outside the office he shared with his Russian partner.
The source of that comment was one Carmella Necci.
The woman had been in the translation section for several years, and thought Napoleon found her attractive, and she was really built to boot, he never tried to flirt with her.
He admired her from afar with her ample cleavage, long dark hair, and big brown eyes, but that was it. Leaving the rest to his imagination; he thought it a prudent course of action.
His instincts told him she just might be trouble, and besides there were plenty of fish in the sea, not just here at headquarters but outside of work as well. He was never really at a loss for company, or paramours.
"Carmella, I wouldn't quite put it that way. I enjoy the companionship of the ladies, and many like being with me...it's as simple as that. I don't strut around like a rooster in a hen house, if that's what you're saying.
"Well I'm a lady and you've never once made a pass at me. What am I not good enough for you?" She stood there with her hands on her hips, sticking her chest out to the point were Napoleon thought she was going to burst out of her yellow blouse.
"Not good enough for me? I never thought that of you. You happen to be quite pretty and shapely I might add. I merely thought you weren't interested in me, "he was lying of course, but in this case the truth would probably hurt her feelings. His instinct was to not get Carmella Necci pissed at him, for any reason. "
I'd never pursue a lady unless the feelings were mutual, of that you can be sure. Sometimes I like to just sit and have an engaging conversation with a woman; it's enjoyable to listen to the viewpoint of someone of the opposite sex." That was the truth...
Carmela took a step back, taking a moment to comprehend that. She thought of him as more of an unfeeling gigolo, a Casanova who had little regard for women, other than to use them for his sexual gratification.
What he said was not what she expected to hear from the renowned lover Napoleon Solo, especially since she'd just insulted him per se.
He hesitated, but took a chance as his opinion of her had been slightly incorrect, and now it was being altered as he suspected her opinion of him was as well.
"Would you care to have dinner with me this evening. Maybe we could get to know each other a little better. Absolutely no strings attached, I promise."
Carmela smiled. "Thank you Napoleon but I have to decline your gracious offer. Still it's a nice feeling finally being asked."
"All right, then I will leave that invitation open in case you change your mind some day." He took her hand and kissed it before retreating into his office, smiling to himself. You can't win them all, but that was fine with him. The fact that he made her smile and possibly made a friend were both a good result.
Carmella Necci sighed, and was a little embarrassed that she'd misjudged him. Napoleon was more of a gentleman than she'd assumed he was.
It was nice to know that...