The Dom: Steamy Boss Romance (Manhattan Records Book 2)

by M. S. Parker

  I supposed this was as good a test of our new normal as anything.

  Speaking of normal…

  I returned to sorting through my email, sending responses when necessary, moving others to specific folders. Deleting the junk that inevitably managed to make it through our firewalls no matter how often IT updated things.

  I’d just finished the last one when Stu’s response popped up on my screen.

  Ashlee says that she backed up the flash drive the Friday before she was terminated and put it in her desk. She remembers locking the drawer but didn’t check the drawer on Monday morning. She left her key on her desk before she left.

  If she’d had her key until Monday morning, the chances of someone having gotten into her desk between Friday afternoon and Monday morning was slim. It wasn’t one hundred percent since she hadn’t seen the drive that day, but it was more likely that between the time Ashlee left her key on her desk and when I sent IT down to wipe the computer, someone had used the key to steal the drive.

  Though I supposed it could’ve been taken after the computer wipe, depending on when security had picked up Ashlee’s key. I needed to narrow down the timeframe even more, but this was a phone call conversation instead of an email thing.

  They answered on the second ring. “Manhattan Records Security. How may I help you?”

  “This is Mr. Lexington,” I said, ignoring the image of Ashlee that popped into my mind when I said my name. “I need to know when an employee’s key was retrieved. This would’ve been a week ago yesterday. Employee Ashlee Webb.”

  “Of course, Mr. Lexington. One moment while I pull up the record.”

  “Thank you.” I took my daily planner from my top drawer and opened it to today. I had electronic reminders on both my phone and computer, and they automatically synced so that I didn’t accidentally double-book, but I also kept a physical copy too. As I waited, I ran over my schedule for the day to confirm that I didn’t have anything important planned.

  “Mr. Lexington?”

  “Yes.”

  “Thank you for holding, sir. Our records show that Miss Webb’s key was retrieved from her desk at eleven forty and logged in here at eleven forty-five.”

  “Was the key taken out by anyone after that?”

  A slight hesitation before he answered, “Yesterday morning, sir. Stu Hancock signed it out, saying that Miss Webb was working as a freelance contractor and he would be responsible for her key. Was that not supposed to happen?”

  I hurried to reassure him. “It’s all right. Miss Webb is working under Mr. Hancock as a freelance contractor, as he said.”

  I could almost hear his sigh of relief.

  “Then no, sir, no one else took out the key until Mr. Hancock yesterday.”

  “Who signed the key in?”

  “Chris Starr.”

  I could rule out some new security guy swiping the drive.

  I knew not only the name but the person as well. Chris had been the first security hire I’d made. He’d joined the army right out of high school, wanting to be a sniper. Three months before he had to decide if he was going to re-up, he was blinded in his left eye.

  I met him at Club Privé where he’d been working for a couple months after returning to the States. I’d mentioned I was looking for security for Manhattan Records, and he asked if he’d be able to apply. The club was elite and screened their members well, but it was still too crowded and loud for Chris. He’d been working for me ever since.

  “I need you to email me the security footage from the A&R department on Monday morning, starting when Miss Webb arrived until Chris picked up the key.”

  “Yes, sir. I’ll do that right away.”

  “Thank you.”

  While I waited for the files, I went onto the main server and pulled up the log-in information for that Monday. I kept that information on the main server for any manager to access. My computer was also able to log into the security cameras, but only in real time. Past security footage was on a closed server, accessible only from the security office.

  Four people had called off that Monday. One in the art department, two interns in sales, and one of the sound equipment managers. All of them had good track records, and they’d all come back to work the rest of the week. No one had called off Tuesday. Three people Wednesday, and one of them had been out the rest of the week, but there was a note from their manager confirming extenuating circumstances: emergency appendectomy.

  Just because no one had disappeared along with the flash drive didn’t mean no one had stolen it. It did, however, lessen the likelihood that whoever had taken it had done so on a whim rather than any forethought on their part. Impulsive didn’t necessarily mean unintelligent, though. They could have already set up a buyer and sold it but were smart enough to know that if they quit right away, they’d be at the top of any suspect list. Or they could not know where to go to find a buyer.

  Then again, all of this assumed that the motive was money.

  I frowned at the thought. Was it possible that someone hadn’t taken the flash drive because they thought they could sell it? Was there even another possible reason? It wasn’t the sort of thing a person could use for themselves, like stealing towels at a hotel.

  Before I could go too far down that particular bunny trail, an alert let me know that the files I’d requested had arrived. I closed out of the attendance records and pulled up the video feed. If I didn’t find anything here, I’d have to widen my search.

  Maybe Ashlee hadn’t locked the drawer like she thought she had. If that was the case, the drive could’ve vanished at any point in time from the previous Friday afternoon until the day I’d realized it was gone. I could only hope I got lucky.

  The clarity of the recording was such that I could see how haggard Ashlee looked. I hadn’t even noticed it when I’d called her to my office. Or I hadn’t let myself notice. I’d been all about how I’d thought I’d been wronged.

  I pushed aside the guilt. Ashlee and I had moved past it. I wasn’t going to let it distract me from getting to the truth. I focused even more firmly on the video.

  She wasn’t at her desk long, and though I didn’t look away as she walked out of the camera’s view, I cringed at the memory of what I’d been doing at that time.

  On screen, Suzie Lamas arrived, walking past Ashlee’s empty desk without a second glance. When Ashlee returned from, well, from being fired, I was relieved to see that her back was to the camera. Maybe I was a coward for not wanting to see her face, but I was still glad.

  It hadn’t taken her long to take what was hers, and I had a clear line of sight as she set her desk key next to the keyboard. I hadn’t seen her unlock the desk, so as long as she’d locked it before she’d left on Friday, the flash drive was in the drawer when she left Monday morning.

  For several minutes, nothing else happened on screen. Then, Stu came in, and behind him, I could see a few of the marketing department employees in the background. None of them were close enough to Ashlee’s desk to warrant my attention, so I kept watching. Nearly ten more minutes of virtually nothing passed before something notable happened.

  A woman strolled over to the desk, casually looking around as if she didn’t have anything specific she was supposed to be doing. Considering I rewarded employees for not dawdling, her nonchalant attitude was a red flag. She stepped around the corner of the desk and scooped up the key.

  I leaned forward as she unlocked the desk drawer and felt around inside. She pulled out a few pens, a stapler, a couple USB cords…and the flash drive. Everything else she put back into the drawer. The drive she dropped down the front of her shirt, and I assumed, into her bra. After locking the drawer again, she returned the key to where she’d taken it from.

  She was half a dozen steps away when the IT guy walked past her on his way to Ashlee’s desk. Her face hadn’t yet been at the right angle for me to get a definite ID, but when she turned nearly completely around to check out the IT guy, I was able to positive
ly put a name to a face.

  I closed the file, sent a thank you to security, and then pulled up a blank email. I wasn’t required to tell anyone what I’d just found since it was more than enough proof to justify firing the thief, but I didn’t want this coming back to bite me or Ashlee in the ass. I typed out a succinct explanation of what I’d seen and what I was going to do, then sent it to Stu, Suzie, Finley, and HR. Once that was done, I stood up. I wasn’t going to wait another minute.

  As I went to the elevator, I kept my face blank but polite, not doing any more than nodding to Ashlee the exact same way I nodded to everyone else I passed. I’d talk to her when I came back up, but only to let her know what’d happened.

  The moment Clara Dayton saw me coming, the color drained from her face, leaving her skin a grayish tone that made me wonder if she was going to pass out before I could confront her. She was on her feet by the time I reached her but had a hand on her desk as if she needed to steady herself.

  “Mr. Lexington, how can I help you?”

  “Do you still have the flash drive?”

  She opened her mouth, then closed it without making a sound. She nodded, gaze falling as she picked up her purse. She rummaged through it and then pulled out the flash drive. She held it out with a shaking hand, dropping it into my outstretched palm as soon as it was close enough.

  “You’re fired.”

  I turned to walk away, stopping when she spoke. “Don’t you want to know why?”

  I didn’t even bother to look at her. “It doesn’t matter why. You stole company property.”

  “Flora’s my friend.”

  I turned now, annoyance replacing the cool calm I’d been projecting.

  “Ashlee should’ve gotten fired too.” Clara’s color had returned with a vengeance, staining her cheeks an ugly red. “I’m going to HR, and I’m going to file a complaint that you’re firing anyone who won’t–”

  I held up a hand and she, thankfully, shut up. “I came down here myself to see if you would go graciously, knowing that you were lucky that I didn’t call the cops and report you for stealing. I’ll give you until I reach the elevator to leave. If you’re not gone, I’ll be having security detain you until the police arrive, and I’ll go straight to the in-house counsel to find every single charge we can have filed against you.”

  By now, people were staring at her, and I hoped that would give her the incentive she needed to leave right away. She may have deserved to get arrested for stealing, but I just wanted this done and behind me. I wanted to be able to stop at Ashlee’s desk and tell her what had happened.

  And maybe ask if she knew anyone who’d make a good receptionist.

  Ten

  Ashlee

  I could do this. Nate had thoroughly separated my job from his position, and there was even precedent for it. Manhattan Records contracted security on retainer and outside catering for events. Granted, my position was technically more involved than companies used only for specific times, but it wasn’t like I was the only person hired this way. No special treatment for me.

  I was still telling myself that when Nate stopped at my desk. I’d seen him pass by a few minutes ago, and he hadn’t even looked at me. That had been good, the way things were supposed to be now. As little contact as possible while at work so we could be together outside without any conflicting interests. But he didn’t walk past this time. He stopped.

  “Good afternoon,” I said politely, hoping I sounded professional and distant.

  “I have something of yours.” He held up a thumb drive.

  Relief of different kinds flooded me. First, for the drive being recovered. Second, because Nate had a clear business reason to speak to me. He would’ve had to walk past me to get to Mr. Hancock’s office anyway, so it made sense he’d just stop and give it to me directly.

  I reached out to take it, careful not to make any direct contact. I hadn’t yet learned how not to flush when we touched, and I honestly doubted I ever would. If someone happened to be watching and saw my physical response, it’d be impossible to keep the rumors from flying.

  My curiosity, however, kept me from simply taking the drive and thanking him. “Can I ask where you found it?”

  His smile flattened. “Let’s just say we need a new receptionist.”

  “Oh.” Clara. “Are you sure she didn’t just find it?”

  “I watched the security footage myself.” The muscle in his jaw pulsed. “She came up not long after you would’ve walked by her on your way out of the building. She used the key on your desk and rummaged through it for a minute or so before taking out the drive, then relocking the desk, leaving your key almost exactly where you’d left it.”

  I was glad he’d found it because I hadn’t been entirely confident in my ability to recreate everything I’d already done, not without compromising on time or quality, but I felt awful that he’d fired a second person because of me. Yes, Flora and Clara had both committed terminating actions, but neither one of those things would’ve happened if I hadn’t been involved. Flora probably still would’ve gotten suspended for talking about Nate the way she had, but Nate’s treatment of me was the reason she’d continued to spread rumors, and I had no doubt that it was Clara’s loyalty to her friend that had prompted the theft.

  “Don’t.” The order was sharp, startling me.

  “Don’t what?”

  “Don’t blame yourself for any of this.” He started to reach out his hand, then pulled it back, putting both hands into his pockets, as if that was the only way he could keep himself from touching me. “None of this is your fault. They made their own decisions, and they deserve the consequences. If anything, Clara’s lucky I didn’t call the police.”

  He was right. I knew that in my head, but that didn’t ease my guilt as much as it should have. I’d caused so much trouble for Nate, all because I’d been too scared to just walk up to Finley and tell him who I was. And it wasn’t like I’d only been here for a few months either. I could’ve approached Finley after working here for a year and then quit, long before this thing with Nate and I had begun. But I’d stayed and stayed, hiding my real intentions, giving myself excuse after excuse as to why I needed to wait.

  I didn’t need to wait any longer. I shouldn’t wait any longer. It was time for me to talk to Finley…and for me to leave Manhattan Records. I’d caused enough discord in this place. Me staying wasn’t fair to anyone. All it was doing was hurting people. People I cared about.

  I didn’t say any of this, though. Nate would just argue against it, tell me that he’d fixed any issues that could possibly come up. He’d say that this was his company and if anyone had a problem with me, they could leave. He’d protect me, no matter the damage it did to him personally or professionally. That was the kind of man he was.

  It was my turn to protect him, even if he was pissed when he found out.

  “I’m glad you found it,” I said as I plugged it into my computer. “I could’ve replaced the information, but it wouldn’t have been as polished as what I’d already done.”

  “That’s good.” He rocked back on his heels, then forward onto his toes.

  This was awkward.

  “Nate, there you are.” Finley’s voice preceded him, and I saw my own relief mirrored on Nate’s face. “Hello, Miss Webb.”

  “Hi.” I smiled at him, pressing my fingers together so he couldn’t see them shaking. I needed to get past this.

  Nate offered his reason for being here before Finley even asked it. “I found the flash drive that Miss Webb left in her desk.”

  “That’s good,” he said. “Stu told me how much information was on it.”

  “I fired Clara Dayton,” Nate continued with his quick explanation. “She stole it.”

  Finley frowned. “The receptionist?”

  “Her friend was fired previously for…unbecoming behavior. She blamed Ashlee and wanted to get her into trouble.”

  Something flickered in Finley’s eyes, and I wondered if it wa
s because Nate had referred to me by my first name. He knew that Nate and I had been together, but I didn’t know if Nate had told him about our recent weekend.

  “Stu also told me that you’ve made a…change to Miss Webb’s position.” Finley sounded like he was choosing his words carefully.

  “I did.” Nate gave a brief outline of my contract, and as he finished his explanation, he glanced at me, his eyes warm. “I wanted to be sure that there’d be nothing problematic about my girlfriend working here.”

  I didn’t know who was more surprised by the word girlfriend, Finley or me. Nate was the only one who acted like it was no big deal.

  “I guess that answers my next question,” Finley said finally.

  “Good.” Nate’s hands were out of his pockets, and he once more looked like everything in the world was going according to his plan. “We’re having a dinner at my place on Friday evening. Ashlee and I would love for you to join us.”

  We would? I stared at Nate, my eyes wide. He inclined his head ever so slightly, and I suddenly knew exactly what he was doing. He was giving me the perfect opportunity to tell Finley who I was. A place I felt comfortable, but not my own home. He’d be there so I wouldn’t be completely alone, but I also wouldn’t need to worry about anyone interrupting or overhearing.

  “Thank you,” I mouthed the words at Nate, and the warmth in his eyes wrapped around me.

  He was taking care of me again.

  Eleven

  Nate

  It hadn’t been easy, but Ashlee and I had made it through the week maintaining a completely professional relationship at work. Granted, we hadn’t seen each other much, but keeping my distance from her had been difficult enough.

  I wasn’t accustomed to denying myself like this, and it was harder than I’d imagined. Delayed gratification during an encounter or leading up to one was completely different than not taking the woman I wanted to a room and having my way with her, especially when she was only just down the hallway.