Conflict of Interest (Employee Relations Book 1)

by Teresa Michaels

  The last few days have flown by in a whirlwind, I nearly forgot what day it was.

  “Where’d you two go tonight?”

  “We stayed in and got a head start on celebrating for you,” Summer tells me.

  “Yeah, so much celebrating that I’m gonna sleep in your bed tonight if you don’t mind,” Kyra adds.

  “Of course I don’t mind…just don’t puke,” I tell Kyra and then notice something’s off with Summer. “Why’s your face all blotchy?”

  “Because Brad’s an ass. But I don’t want to talk about him. It’s your day. How are you celebrating?”

  Summer never cries or gets plastered for that matter. I want to know what Brad did to make her so upset but if she says she doesn’t want to talk about it I know better than to push…at least until I can grill her in person.

  “I’m going to a couple of customer meetings today and tomorrow Lucas is taking me to see the sights.”

  I still have no idea where he’s taking me but Lucas promised to give me a London experience I wouldn’t forget.

  “I bet he is,” Kyra winks. “What’s first on the agenda…his Big Ben?”

  “Is that the same as his London one-eye?” Summer asks innocently.

  “So we’re done with the Irish references and on to landmarks?” I shake my head and set the phone on the bathroom sink so I can finish my makeup. “Do I need to remind you two that it’s not like that? We’ve gotten along really well on this trip. Being friends is working out way better than I could have imagined.”

  “Better than when you shoved your tongue down his throat?” Kyra quips.

  “And mounted him on the dance floor?”

  “I didn’t mount him,” I defend myself, though I kind of did and they witnessed it so there’s really no point in denying it. “Fine, I was dry humping him like my life depended on it. Thanks for the reminder. Now if you’re done harassing me I think some congratulations are in order. Almost a week has passed without a repeat offense.”

  I proceed to tell them about the adjoining rooms and the restraint it required not to lick the beads of water off his chest like I was dying of thirst our first night here. I imagined he was in great shape but never did I expect the extent of the six pack of yumminess underneath his shirt. And if his tented towel was any indication of what’s beneath I’d bet he’s perfection all around. It’s a wonder I didn’t attack him in his sleep the other night.

  “Let me get this straight. You slept alone in his bed, wearing only his t-shirt and nothing happened?” Summer asks.

  “It’s not like I didn’t fall asleep dreaming he’d sneak up in the middle of the night, but he’s made it clear he’d never do anything to risk his career and I have no plans for sabotaging mine either.”

  “But you want to,” Kyra interjects.

  “More than an ice cream buffet,” I admit applying my blush.

  “You’re such a party pooper,” Summer slurs.

  “Jeez, how much did you drink? You’re supposed to be the level-headed one…tell me you’re proud of me and to keep making good choices.”

  “Screw good choices. No better yet, screw him. Or don’t. Men suck.”

  What in the world did Brad do?

  I glance at Kyra who shakes her head and holds up her phone to indicate she’ll text me later.

  “Okay, well I’m not going to screw anyone but I do need to get going. Why don’t you have like five glasses of water before you go to sleep? I’ll call you later, okay?”

  “But we didn’t sing to you yet,” Summer pouts. “Wait, wait, wait! I have the perfect song!” Summer dives across the bed and gets her iPad. Seconds later music blasts and it’s not the Marilyn Monroe rendition of Happy Birthday I’m expecting.

  “How come every time you come around my London, London britches fall down.” Summer and Kyra do their best Fergie impression, continually getting the lyrics to London Bridge wrong.

  I laugh through two-thirds of the song and thank them both for getting my birthday off to a great start. After we make plans to celebrate together when I get back in town I hang up and put the finishing touches on my hair.

  “It’s your birthday?”

  Lucas’s voice startles me from behind.

  With my hand over my heart I spin around to find him standing in the bathroom doorway with his tie draped loosely around his shoulders. “Jesus, you scared the crap out of me.”

  “I knocked but I doubt you could have heard anything over whatever that was.”

  I turn back to the mirror and put in my earrings, doing my best not to portray the internal freak out session I’m having. “How long have you been standing there?”

  “Long enough to know that none of you are musically inclined.”

  A million thoughts race through my mind. If he heard the song does he know what they were referring to? Did he hear the rest of the conversation? He didn’t answer my question, but that doesn’t mean anything. Right?

  When I’m brave enough to make eye contact he appears completely unfazed so I pretend to be the same.

  “I wasn’t singing.”

  “No, but you sang me happy birthday not too long ago. It’s not a performance my ears will forget anytime soon.”

  “Very funny. Now was there a reason you stopped by?” I tease, placing my hands on my hips though I know full well that he wants me to fix his tie. Without fail he’s asked me to do this every morning.

  He narrows his gaze. “You know what I want.”

  My stomach clenches at his words. I certainly know what I want. Keeping my eyes trained on his tie, I step forward and begin the process of looping the material and pulling it into a perfect knot. Lucas looks past me into the mirror, adjusting his tie slightly. Damn he looks delicious enough to eat.

  “You alright?” he asks, noting my reaction in the mirror. “You look a little flushed.”

  “Uh, yeah. Just a little hungry. Do we have time to stop at that café on the way to see the first customer?”

  “Anything for the birthday girl,” he winks.

  “Jack, he was incredible. The customers were beyond impressed. I’ll let him give you the details but it’s all good news. Both companies will be renewing their contracts and adding the new features from our portfolio. I had my doubts about him being ready for this role but seeing him in action proved me wrong.”

  Emails and calls have been pouring in from Jack all week. Someone’s obviously struggling with being out of the loop. While Lucas finishes up with the customer I decided to alleviate Jack’s worries. Now I can’t stop gushing. Lucas really is amazing with customers.

  “Music to my ears, Gabby. And the timing couldn’t be better. My wife’s health isn’t the best; she needs me at home. If you’re that impressed you must not object to him taking on more.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “If you think he’s ready for the next level there’s no reason why he couldn’t lead the division six months from now. Do you agree?”

  I pace back and forth. “Jack, that’s a big leap. Promoting him to SVP is one thing but taking over for you in a few months is huge.”

  “I told you I saw him as my successor.”

  “I figured you meant in twelve to eighteen months.”

  “If another divisional president comes in it’ll be a minimum of three years before Lucas gets the opportunity again. He’s not the type to wait in the wings. He’ll end up leaving the company,” Jack sighs and pauses. “Stretch roles aren’t a bad thing. I could stay on in a consultative role for up to six months after he’s appointed to ensure he’s settled.”

  “I’m not saying no, Jack, but I need to think about it. This trip has opened my eyes to his capabilities and he clearly has the potential…I’ve just gotten comfortable with promoting him to SVP a few months from now and you’re adding a whole new level on top of it. Besides, you’re going to need to secure support from your boss and peers.”

  “Won’t be that difficult if he has your vote.”

  �
��Give me a few days to think it over.”

  “But you agree he’s deserving of the promotion to SVP.”

  “That was decided before I stepped into this interim role, but yes. I agree.”

  Jack takes a deep breath. “We’ll talk about the rest when we’re both back in the office.”

  I end the call as Lucas steps out of the conference room at the end of the hallway.

  He joins me in the lobby. “You ready to go back to the hotel?”

  “Hotel? Aren’t we getting drinks with the customers?”

  “Not anymore. I have something better planned.”

  “Where are we going?”

  “It’s a surprise. Just promise to keep an open mind.”

  I have no idea what our plans are for tonight. According to Lucas the restaurant we’re going to has the best Tiger Prawn Tempura he’s ever had and an inviting yet classy atmosphere…just enough details to figure out what to wear. Luckily, I planned ahead and brought a dress to match the occasion.

  I walk to the closet wearing nothing but black lace panties and select my version of the little black dress from the hanger and slip into the formfitting dress that hugs my curves perfectly, hitting just below my knees. What really sets this dress apart is the appearance of a halter top, accented by several straps that run over the shoulder and connect mid-back. It’s classy with an edge and not being able to wear a bra makes it a little naughty too. Paired with my three-inch hot pink peep toed sandals it definitely makes a statement.

  “Hey,” Lucas’s husky voice bellows from the doorway.

  I smile, watching him in the mirror. “I swear you’re trying to give me a heart attack the way you magically appear from thin air.”

  He grins and I take a minute to appreciate his attire. Black suit, baby blue dress shirt and a black tie. For all the jokes I make about him being uptight where his wardrobe is concerned the man certainly knows how to wear a suit.

  “Need a hand?” Lucas gestures toward my exposed back with his hand and stalks toward me before I can reply.

  The zipper barely reaches the middle of my back. I don’t need help but I’m not about to miss out on an opportunity for him to touch me.

  “That’d be great.”

  Lucas comes to stand behind me and brushes my hair over my shoulder. He smells so good I want to bury my face in his chest and just breathe. With a firm hand at the top of my tailbone he holds the material of my dress in place and lifts the zipper. It’s agonizingly slow in the sense that I wish his hand was traveling the opposite way.

  Smoothing the material when he’s finished, I shiver as the tips of his fingers brush against my exposed skin.

  “You’re missing an essential piece of clothing if I’m not mistaken.”

  My nipples harden as if they were spoken to directly.

  “Guess I’m lucky I can get away with it.”

  His hands keep moving down my back, tracing the curve of my waist before settling on my hips.

  Breathe, Gabby.

  “Thank you.”

  I watch his reflection in the mirror and notice his eyes glued to my back. I turn around to face him. His hands loosen enough to accommodate the movement but quickly return to their place. Spellbound, I watch as his gaze hovers over my mouth long enough to make me squirm and then dips to my chest and lower. “You’re absolutely stunning.”

  My toes curl at the husky tenor of his voice.

  “So are you.”

  Lucas closes his eyes and makes a strangled sound as he squeezes my hips once and let’s go. “Meet me downstairs when you’re done.”

  I curse as the door shuts behind him, praying I haven’t somehow ruined the evening. I slip into my shoes and grab my purse and hightail it to the elevator. By the time I’ve joined him in the lobby whatever tension I invoked earlier hasn’t completely dissipated making the cab ride too quiet.

  “What are you thinking about?”

  “Whether or not tonight will be enough.”

  My forehead wrinkles trying to find meaning in his words. “What does that mean?”

  He shakes his head and looks out the window. “Nothing.”

  I plan on asking him to explain but my phone rings. “Do you mind if I get this? It’s my mom.”

  “Of course not. Tell her I said hello.”

  I answer and get birthday wishes from my parents, two of my brothers and my grandmother who is lucid for the first time in forever. That alone is enough to make my birthday special.

  “I should get going, Mom. Lucas is taking me to dinner. We’re in a cab right now.”

  “Oh, where’s he taking you?” she asks.

  “No clue. He’s kept it hush-hush.”

  “No matter where it is I’m sure it’ll be lovely. You two enjoy yourselves,” she says with a smile in her voice and I know what she’s thinking.

  “I love you, Mom. See you Sunday.”

  I hang up as the cab slows to a crawl.

  “We’re here.”

  Lucas takes my hand, helping me out of the cab, and leads me inside the restaurant.

  “You brought me to a steak house?” I ask as we’re seated.

  “Would you trust me on this? There are other things on the menu. I already told you about the tempura and look,” he points to the menu on the wall. “They have mac and cheese.”

  Who am I to complain? All day Lucas played it cool, never brought up that it was my birthday again yet cared enough to get out of an opportunity to further impress customers, and secretly made reservations for the two of us during a jam-packed day.

  Who does that?

  The kind of man you take home to your family and watch dance with your grandmother when they’ve just met, that’s who.

  “I trust you.”

  We order a bottle of wine and talk through dinner about anything and everything—his time in London, where we went to college and graduate school, bucket list items, places to visit and the destinations we’ve already seen. He even convinces me to try a bite of steak.

  “Come on, if you get mad cow disease I promise to take care of you.”

  “A lot of good that will do. You’ll be worse off than I will.”

  “Be real, Gabriella. The male brain is larger and stronger. It’s pure science.”

  Scowling, I kick him under the table. Doesn’t stop him from pleading his case.

  “European regulations on food are more stringent than those in the U.S.”

  “All right,” I relent.

  Lucas grins victoriously as he stabs a piece of steak with his fork and feeds it too me. It’s delicious.

  “You want another piece, don’t you?”

  Not as much as I want a piece of you.

  As the meal wraps up I’m floored that after all the tension we’ve shared, being with him is so easy. I don’t want the night to end.

  “Can I offer you tea or the dessert menu?” our waiter asks, gathering our plates.

  “Yes—”

  “We’re all set,” Lucas cuts me off.

  “I don’t get dessert on my birthday?” I pout. “What kind of friend are you?”

  Lucas levels me with an unreadable expression when the waiter leaves. “You’ll get your dessert but not here.”

  I uncross and re-cross my legs at his ominous response. It’s probably just the wine but in my head that sounded a lot like a promise. Get a grip, you’re reading way too much into things. The realization makes me sad which in turn is wrecking my buzz. New rule—no more than two glasses of wine when I’m around him.

  We settle the bill, which he insists on paying, and step out onto the cobblestone street and hail a cab. Minutes later, I notice we’re headed in the opposite direction of the hotel.

  “Shouldn’t we be going that way?” I ask, pointing out the back window as we drive over a bridge.

  “We’re not going back yet.”

  “Where are you taking me to now?”

  “I thought we’d get a head start on our tour of London.”

&nbs
p; “Really?”

  And just like that my buzz is restored, having nothing to do with alcohol.

  We make a quick stop at a liquor store. Lucas buys a bottle of wine and a corkscrew. Carrying the paper bag filled of our purchases he leads me through the streets of London until we’re walking along a river.

  “Is that the Thames?” I ask.

  “It is. Are you ready for your surprise?”

  I nod enthusiastically. Lucas grins and points a quarter mile away to the largest Ferris Wheel I’ve ever seen. “I think you’ll enjoy it, as long as you’re not afraid of heights.” He holds out his hand. “Want to take a ride?”

  He has no idea.

  I take his hand and let him lead me to the line for the metal monstrosity, but away from the queue of other visitors. When we approach the front, he hands a piece of paper to a man who leads us to the head of the line. The man ushers us into the next available capsule and closes the door behind us.

  “You got us a private capsule?” I practically squeal. “This must have cost you a fortune.”

  He looks at me straight faced and opens the wine. “I charged it to the company.”

  My mouth drops open.

  “Kidding,” he assures me and I breathe a sigh of relief.

  Stepping up to the glass, I hold onto the railing and take in the view of London lit up with lights.

  “Here,” Lucas hands me a glass of wine. “To your birthday.”

  We clink glasses and sip our wine. I should be talking myself out of the thoughts I’m having but I can’t and it’s not the wine. Lucas melts my heart in unconventional ways and keeps me on my toes. As much as I joke with the girls about wanting to be physical with him it’s moments like this and the idea of waking up in his arms after that I really want.

  It’s not a possibility but neither is ignoring the swarm of butterflies I get every time I’m with him that continues getting stronger. Spending less time together won’t change that and for one night I’m not going to talk myself out of enjoying his company.

  I set my empty glass on the wooden bench in the center of the capsule and return to his side. Pressing up on my toes, I kiss his cheek.