to ask if there is a politer way to ask this?

[WhatToSayNoIdea]

If an ex-bf (works in same field who you worked with regularly and has been a source of lucractive work) calls you at work out of the blue after a long period of no contact where he could equally be calling either about a new piece of lucrative work OR could be calling fishing for sex

...

You answer the phone

what actually you want to say is " let's not fanny around with all this "how are you, been a long time" small talk - cut to the chase,
are you phoning for a work reason in which case, I'm interested and tell me about it.
or are you tapping me up for a f*ck in which case you can f8ck off yourself and this conversation is over.

I was going to go with

Sorry but I'm really busy. Were you calling for a reason?

Or is that too cold - bearing in mind it could actually (genuinely) be a work offer and if it is, it would be worth a lot of money to me.

Basically, I've got no time for him if it's a sex call and I just want to avoid that random chat before we get to the point.

Any other suggestions?

I've met a lot of men. I don't automatically assume they all find me irresistible though.

Hmm. Sorry to raise this but you said he's not a nice guy and he wasn't good to you.

Is there any possibility that this may not be a simple 'either/or' situation? In other words, he hooks you in with a big work lead - but further down the line the deal/referral/job only happens if he gets his 'benefits' ? It could get very messy.

He sounds bad news. Approach with caution.

I think if that were me I'd phrase it 'What can WE do to assist', so keeping it 'company' response not personal. Keep using 'we' not I.

@Bluelady

I don't automatically assume they all find me irresistible though.

She doesn't think he finds her irresistible. More that he might be looking for a quick shag.

I think you do actually have to exchange a few pleasantries. That's how business is done. It can't be skipped. But you could keep that phase of the conversation really brief. Once you've offered up that you're finding the weather lovely but your bus journey is awful, and asked him how his business is doing, THEN ask, "So what can I do for you?"

If he is rambling with the chat and you need to cut him off mid-stream, interject with, "I'm really sorry but I just have a client arriving in a minute - is there something I can do for you?"

Is it your firm whose professional services he might need, or you specifically? If the former, can you pass him on to someone else to deal with? Get your colleague to return the call, saying, "WhatTo said you called on Friday. She asked me to give you a ring: I'm actually the one who deals with the new chapel roof contracts now. Is there something I can do for you?"

If it wasn't business he had in mind, he was being extra inappropriate leaving you a message at work, and he deserves to be put on the back foot by receiving a call from your colleague!