Extracurricular

by D. G. Whiskey

  Shit.

  I’d expected a couple of questions from Thomas about firing Rose, but she was my employee and it was my place to fire her. That it was the first thing he brought up after spending a week in Asia was a very bad sign.

  “I know you were a big fan of her, Thomas, but Rose had demonstrated none of the skills you’d lauded. She was proven incompetent and unprepared in several big meetings with other departments that I had to smooth over. Looking into her report history, it became clear that she almost always messed up when collecting results from the teams under her direction. As for Adeline, she has received nothing but glowing reviews every year, and she’s already been heavily promoted and is on a special inside track for advancement. The strategy recommendations Rose has been taking credit for all year long have been lifted directly from Adeline’s reports.”

  Thomas sucked on his upper lip, then shook his head. “I’m not buying that. It’s ludicrous, Landon.”

  “I can show you all the reports. It’s an obvious trail of deceit.”

  The CEO leaned back in his chair. “I’m not interested, Landon. If it’s not a show of blatant favoritism, then how do you explain this?”

  He hit a key on his keyboard, and then voices came out of his speakers.

  My stomach flipped as I recognized Addy’s voice as it gasped.

  “God, yes, Landon, I needed this so badly, sir.”

  My own voice responded to her in the clip.

  That’s from San Francisco. How the hell did he get that?

  “How could you possibly have that?”

  It didn’t take long to figure it out. Rose had been in my room, and she’d grabbed a couple of things off my desk before putting them back.

  She actually bugged my room?

  “Rose,” I said, thinking out loud. “She must have planted something when she tried to seduce me so she could blackmail me over it later. This worked out even better for her. She can take us both out with one shot.”

  Thomas bristled. “Seduce you? I highly doubt Rose would stoop to that.”

  I fought back my automatic reaction to his wishful thinking, but then stopped.

  It’s probably all over now. I may as well speak my mind about this.

  “Grow up, Thomas. Just because Rose has sucked your dick doesn’t mean she would never pull the same trick to get ahead with other bosses. And giving an incompetent employee like her more and more responsibility just because she puts out is the worst management I’ve ever seen. It’s no wonder the company has gone to shit since you took over as CEO.”

  “How dare you,” Thomas said, standing up from his chair. “Get the fuck out, and kiss your stock options goodbye. Take that whore of a Harvard bitch with you.”

  My hand itched with the desire to punch Thomas in the face, but that’s exactly what the man wanted. He’d sue me faster than I could spit if I assaulted him. Instead, I attacked something much more important to him than his face.

  I looked Thomas in the eye. “You will fail. And there will be no one else to blame but yourself. The whole world will know how incompetent you are.”

  With a smug smile I put on just to annoy him, I strolled out of his office as casually as if we’d just shared a discussion about our weekends.

  ~Adeline~

  Numbness had been the overriding feeling ever since security told me to pack up my desk. A quick call to Landon had confirmed it—we’d been caught out by Rose, and Thomas had fired both of us. He invited me to his place to figure out what to do next.

  When I got there, boxes in hand, the door was unlocked.

  I wandered inside, feeling like a ghost adrift in the world. The past four years of my life had been poured into Woolven Kleist, playing the corporate game and rolling with the politics, putting in long hours to impress people and get ahead, and it was all gone.

  Landon must be in a similar state.

  All I wanted was to cuddle up with him on the couch and commiserate over how unfair it was. The world just wanted to punish us for being together.

  At least he wasn’t given a choice between me and his career.

  As soon as the thought appeared, I felt guilty for it. Our relationship was much stronger this time around, and I’d already forgiven him for the chain of events that drove us apart ten years ago. It was done, and there was no changing it at this point. We just had to make the most of the time we had remaining.

  Landon wasn’t on the couch, but I felt too sapped to call out, and instead, I wandered through his massive apartment.

  I found him in the seldom-used dining room, bent over the table, pieces of paper scattered around him. His hand was a blur as he scribbled on a notepad.

  Approaching from behind, I scuffed my steps so he would hear me coming and not be shocked when I spoke, but he didn’t look up or turn around. I looked over his shoulder.

  “Hudson Fraser?”

  Landon nodded but didn’t look up, his hand continuing its frenetic pace.

  I’d seen language like this before. It looked like a company charter.

  “Landon? What’s this?”

  He finished his current sentence with a flourish and sat back. “I’ve been working on the biggest problem we have—that we can’t be together without worrying what bosses think.”

  I sat beside him and rested my elbows on the table, cradling my head in my hands.

  “Even though we’ve been fired from Woolven Kleist, that doesn’t mean we’ll be able to find a job where the bosses are okay with us dating. I’m sure they’re out there, but it’ll be hard.”

  “What if we don’t have a boss?”

  The depression generated from the sudden change in life situation had thickened my brain with fogginess that affected my ability to piece together information, but the playful glimmer in Landon’s eyes helped to shake it off.

  “Do you mean what I think you mean?”

  Landon took my hand. “I’m sick and tired of trying to fit you into my life, Addy.”

  Pain flared at his words, but he didn’t linger on the thought long enough for it to blossom.

  “I want to fit the rest of my life around you. The only thing I know for sure is that I want to be with you, to cherish you, to hold you, and to make you feel as incredible as I can, as frequently as I can.”

  Landon slipped out of his chair and knelt in front of me, edging closer so he could pull me in for a quick kiss. “We work fantastically together, and we need no one else. Will you start a consulting company with me? It won’t be easy, and I know we’re more technical than sales people, but I think—”

  “Yes!” I cut him off. “Yes. I love it, Landon. It’s the perfect solution. I would love to start a business with you.”

  When he’d first gotten on his knees, I thought…

  No matter. This is huge.

  “I haven’t asked you the big question yet, though,” Landon said. “Will you marry me, Adeline Hudson?”

  My poor heart had been tugged in every direction possible that day. In one sentence, Landon made it whole again and filled it with joy.

  “Oh, my God,” I said. I leaned forward to kiss him again, hard. “Yes, Landon. I want to more than anything in the world.”

  Epilogue

  ~Adeline~

  “I’m glad you’re pleased with the results of our latest strategic adjustment, Mark,” I said. “We’ll have even more to give you soon.”

  The youthful billionaire sat in a boardroom a quarter of the way around the world, surrounded by his top executives. The telepresence system projected his image inside our cozy boardroom and sent ours to theirs.

  “Thank you, Adeline,” Mark said. “This partnership is bearing fruit even sooner than I anticipated, and I’m eager to see what strides we can make from here.”

  Landon took my hand as he leaned forward. “The reception in the Mediterranean could be better, but if you have any concerns or ideas at any time, please let us know, Mark. And of course, you have a standing invitation to visit the boat any time
you need a break.”

  “I’ll let Priscilla know. We just might take you up on that offer. Enjoy the weather over there.”

  The connection cut out.

  Landon pulled me close and brought me in for a slow, soulful kiss. “You were magnificent, as usual.”

  I smiled. He was always effusive with his praise, but it was hard to fault him for it. “As were you, my darling.”

  As we exited the boardroom and walked toward the bow, we passed Maria.

  “Ah, Maria. I believe we’ll take dinner in the al fresco dining room tonight.”

  “Yes, Mrs. Fraser.” The stewardess bowed and hurried away to make the arrangements.

  Landon took my hand and pulled me to the forward sundeck, standing at the railing overlooking the shining sea.

  I stood in front of him and settled back against his chest as his arms wrapped around me.

  “Did you hear about Woolven Kleist?”

  “You mean Thomas getting fired? I’m only surprised it took so long. They’ve posted losses for two years straight.”

  I nodded, letting the vindication settle as I enjoyed Landon’s embrace and watched the sun dip toward the horizon.

  “Is this where you envisioned us four years into our business?” I asked. “Conducting meetings from the boardroom of our yacht as we sail the world?”

  Too cozy to look back, I could hear the grin in his voice as he replied, “I just wanted to keep a roof over our heads. I never got so far as to think that roof would be attached to a big yacht. I couldn’t be happier about it. I hope you feel the same.”

  I bit my lip. Was this the opening I’d been looking for?

  “Couldn’t be happier? Not even a little bit?”

  He squeezed me tighter. “Hard to imagine. I’m pretty damn happy right now.”

  I smiled and turned in his arms to look up at him. “What about a couple of pounds happier?”

  Landon held me at arm’s length. “What are you getting at, Princess?”

  With a concerted effort to fight through the reaction that word provoked in me, I continued, “What if instead of just sir, you had another three-letter word I could call you? Like dad?”

  “What?” Landon’s hands dropped to my belly. “For real?”

  “Yes,” I said, laughing. “For real.”

  His arms pulled me close, squeezing so hard that my back cracked. “You’re pregnant? You’re pregnant!”

  The bruising kiss he lay on me left no doubts as to his thoughts on the matter.

  I still thought I’d better check. “Happier now?”

  With one more kiss, he hugged me tightly again.

  “Happiest possible.”

  Afterword

  Thank you for reading Extracurricular. If you enjoyed the story, please consider writing a review so that others may discover it as well. Share with your friends, family, and reader’s groups!

  As a reward for reading this release edition of Extracurricular, continue reading for a bonus novel, Shaken!

  Don’t miss a release.

  Sign up for the mailing list.

  Join me on my Facebook page and my new website for updates, pictures and contests, Q&A videos, and more!

  Also by D.G. Whiskey

  STANDALONES:

  Pulse: A Stepbrother Romance

  Steal: A Bad Boy Romance

  Royal Rogue: British Bad Boy Romance

  Shaken: A Football Romance

  Fallen: An Angel Romance

  Extracurricular

  DEVEREUX NOVELS:

  Capturing Liberty

  Taking Flight

  Chasing Charity

  Learn more about me and my books at my website.

  www.dgwhiskey.com

  Don’t miss a release.

  Sign up for the mailing list.

  Shaken: A Football Romance

  Chapter 1

  ~Juliette~

  PRESENT

  “Sign on every dotted line.”

  There were hundreds of them. A dozen on every page spread out before me.

  “Is this all necessary?”

  The man in the suit, Mr. Reynolds, nodded. “If you want to run this study, the league’s demands must be agreed to in writing, and your signature proves you’ve read and will abide by the rules they’ve set.”

  I gave the mountain of paperwork a dubious look. “It would take me a full year to read all of this. Just signing it will take me all day.”

  The lawyer didn’t respond. He just stared at me until I grabbed the pen to sign my life away.

  “Can you at least give me an idea of what I’m agreeing to?”

  He referred to a sheet in his hand. “The most pertinent section of the agreement states that all researchers are to maintain strictly professional conduct at all times. Any observance of unprofessionalism will terminate the contract and the study, and all rights to the data collected will revert to the league and be unavailable for publication.”

  I raised an eyebrow. “Unprofessionalism? What does that mean, exactly? Is there a dress code?”

  Mr. Reynolds cleared his throat. “I believe the area of most concern to the league is any interaction with players, coaches or staff they deem inappropriate.”

  I had a good idea what he was getting at, but it was nice to force the lawyer outside his comfort zone.

  “You mean I’m not allowed to make fun of them? What if they have another terrible season this year?”

  He glared at me. “The contract specifically mentions carnal relations.”

  Dr. Kent smacked the table. “Oh, for goodness’ sake. The league is just grasping at any opportunity they can to shut this study down. They’ve denied me access for fifteen years, and now that I finally have support on my side, they’ll use anything they can to stop it.”

  I gave a sidelong look at my mentor and the lead researcher on the study. I’d never seen a man more passionate about his work than Dr. Kent, and this was his dream study—the paper that would cement his reputation as the foremost researcher in his field.

  “Nevertheless, it’s in the league’s contract, and you can either agree to it, or everything stops here.” Mr. Reynolds tapped the documents. “What’s it going to be?”

  Dr. Kent grumbled a few words under his breath. It was mostly unintelligible, but I caught “fuckers” and “assholes.”

  “It’s not a problem.” I laughed and put my hand on Dr. Kent’s arm. “I’m not exactly planning on sleeping with any football players while I’m here. They’re not my type.”

  Not since one stole my heart all those years ago.

  My reassurance perked up the professor. “That’s right. Juliette is the brightest mind in the entire graduate program—that’s why she was picked to work on this study for her thesis. The league can throw whatever they want at us. We will complete this study.”

  Mr. Reynolds nodded. “As you say, the league isn’t thrilled about this investigation into the effect of concussions on player safety and long-term health. I’ll recommend off the record to toe the line very carefully, because they will watch every move you make for a reason to claw back their permission.”

  “We understand,” I said, taking the lead when I saw how riled up Dr. Kent was getting. “Thank you, Mr. Reynolds. We’ll have the paperwork signed by tomorrow. You’ll have to give us that long to at least look it over.”

  “That sounds fair. Now, I’ll introduce you to Tony Perkins, the head coach. He’ll give you a tour of the facilities and show you where to set up your equipment.”

  A few moments later, Mr. Reynolds re-entered the conference room with a shorter man in tow.

  “Tony, please meet Juliette Cartwright and Dr. Kent. They are running the concussion study in cooperation with the league. I’ll leave them with you, and you can show them around. If you need anything from the league in relation to the study, call me.”

  The lawyer left, leaving Tony behind. He had the build of a football player who’d settled down and stopped working out, a gut
filling his shirt on an otherwise solid frame. A visor let his graying hair breathe.

  “So, you’re the scientists, huh?” He gave us a hard look and held out his hand. “Tony Perkins. I’m Los Angeles’s head coach. I have a lot on my plate, so I won’t have much time for you once the season gets into full swing, but I can give you a tour to get you started. Today’s the first day of training camp, so we’re easing into things today.”

  We introduced ourselves and followed Tony as he led us through wide, well-lit hallways painted with the team colors. A pair of doors with small windows opened into a wide, white room.

  “This is the exercise lab,” Tony said. “This is where the athletes take their performance tests, and it’s right next door to the weight room and rehab facilities. You’ll have a station set up in here for you to work at.”

  The room held a trove of state of the art equipment. The college had just overhauled its sports medicine wing, and that sparkling facility looked hopelessly outdated next to the gleaming machines and analysis equipment carefully laid out in the team’s lab.

  After the lab, he led us down a wide hall and into the sun.

  “And here’s the practice field.” He stood at the end of the tunnel, hands on his hips as he surveyed the green expanse. Players in basic white and black uniforms warmed up on the grass, running light drills and performing dynamic stretches.

  “This is a nice facility,” Dr. Kent noted.

  “Brand new this year,” Tony said. “Doesn’t feel like we deserve it after the disgrace of last season, but our fortune is about to turn around. You’ve come on a special day for us—the big trade with Portland has finally gone through, and our new quarterback, Travis King, is joining us today.”