Conflict of Interest (Employee Relations Book 1)

by Teresa Michaels

  Running my hand over her bare backside, I whisper in her ear, “Thinking of anyone else touching you has me seeing red.”

  “What are you—”

  I rock into her and slide one hand inside her panties, putting an end to her question. We both groan. With my free hand I dig my fingers into the flesh of her thigh and pull her against me, hard.

  “How bad do you want me to bend you over this desk?” I ask.

  My hand travels farther south. The dampness between her legs is all the answer I need.

  Gabriella drops her head against my shoulder and looks up at me with a mix of desire and hesitation. Instead of giving her an opportunity to object I crush my mouth to hers, swallowing her moan as I slide my fingers through her folds and sink one inside.

  “We can’t,” she pants, breaking away from my lips. “Someone could hear us.”

  I had no intention of doing this but short of a fire in this very office I’m not going anywhere.

  “Then you’d better be quiet.”

  I kick one of her legs to the side, spreading her so I have better access. She pushes against my erection and then grinds against my hand, chasing what she knows I can give her.

  Recalling that her dress ties on the side, I find the fabric and pull the bow loose. The silk material falls open, exposing her toned stomach and lace covered breasts to my roaming hands.

  Pulling down the cup of her bra, I pinch her hardened nipple and tug, her arousal driving me mad. She steadies herself with one hand flat on the desk and the other fisting the material of my pants. Having memorized how her body reacts I know she’s close but I have no intention of letting her get off without me inside her.

  Hypnotized by the softness of her skin and her scent I hastily grip the material of her panties in both hands and rip the lace from her body, letting it drop to the floor. Without a single obstacle in my way I unzip my pants and I position myself at her entrance and claim her mouth again before thrusting inside.

  Groaning into my mouth she tilts her hips back farther as I pump in and out of her, enjoying the most intense sensation I’ve ever experienced. I close my eyes and dip my head to kiss the sweet skin of her neck. When I open them I catch our reflection in the blacked out computer monitor.

  It’s the sexiest vision I’ve ever seen.

  “Open your eyes, Gabriella,” I tell her, my voice hoarse.

  Her lust filled eyes pop open and lock onto my reflection.

  “Watch. Do you see that?” I question running a hand over her breast.

  “God, yes.”

  “Never forget how good we are together,” I tell her in between ragged breaths. “Because no one else will ever make you feel this way.”

  “No one,” she agrees, her voice husky.

  Our pace climbs. The clanging of her bracelets hitting the wood of the desk offsets the percussion caused by our slapping skin. With my other hand splayed over her lower stomach, I push my fingers south and tease her clit.

  Her staggered breaths tell me she’s close.

  So am I.

  “Fuck,” I choke out.

  I cover her mouth with my hand to muffle her sounds as her core grips me tighter than a tourniquet and I bury my face in her neck. Her entire body starts trembling as I slam into her once more, emptying my release inside her.

  And that’s when it hits me—no wonder this felt so good, I didn’t wear a condom. Christ, I don’t even know if she’s on the pill. Panicked is what I should be. Instead I feel like I could conquer the world.

  If this is what’s it’s like to fall in love I’m not sure I want any part of it. I’m out of my fucking mind.

  Still inside Gabriella, I lean forward and grab the box of Kleenex. She whimpers as I pull out and clean her as gently as possible and then attend to myself. I zip my pants and adjust my tie, watching Gabriella remain completely still, both hands on the desk with her head dropped.

  I scoop up her remnants of her thong off the floor and try to formulate an apology for being to rough when her cell phone pings with a text. Gabriella quickly flips it over as she pulls the material of the dress around her and adjusts herself, but I saw the screen. It was Mike asking if everything’s okay between her and me. And now I recall the reason for my visit.

  “You should respond to him.” My words tumble out as a dare.

  “He can wait,” she says. Her gaze drops to her shredded panties in my fist and she holds out her hand, “I’ll take those.”

  I clench them in my hand with renewed anger. “Think I’ll keep them. At least that way I’m guaranteed you’ll be reminded of me each time that dress brushes against your bare skin. Better yet as I’m dripping down your leg with Mike sitting next to you at Jack’s staff meeting.”

  She gasps but recovers quickly. Striding forward she rips the fabric from my hand. “I’d rather not have you drop these and find them pinned to the labor relation posters in the cafeteria.”

  I watch as she shoves them in her purse and tosses the bag back under her desk. Rising, she plants her hands on her hips and stares at me. “What the hell just happened?”

  “Are you going to tell me what’s going on with Mike?”

  “Not until you tell me what’s going on between us,” she answers defiantly.

  “Then I have a meeting to prepare for.”

  Chapter 18

  Lucas

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  The door to my office shuts but I remain immobile. Did that really happen? More importantly, did I actually just let that happen? I cannot believe he came at me like that making demands to know my whereabouts as if I owe him any explanation.

  And Mike? Seriously?

  I run my hands through my hair and stare horrified at the blank computer screen that minutes ago served as a mirror for my indiscretion.

  Sex. I just had sex in my office.

  I should fire myself.

  I grab my phone and dial my best friend who apparently has some explaining to do. Kicking off my shoes I pace my office, waiting for Summer to answer.

  “What in God’s name did you say to Lucas last night?”

  “Hello to you too,” Summer snickers. “Did he crawl into your office with his tail between his legs?” she asks triumphantly.

  “No actually. He stormed into my office and shoved his shillelagh between mine.”

  She inhales sharply. “You had sex at work? You’re kidding.”

  “No, I’m not. If it was acceptable I’m sure he would have happily clubbed me over the head and dragged me to his office by my hair.”

  “Are Senior Vice Presidents not allowed to do that?”

  “Very funny. I have a meeting in half an hour and I’m scared to leave my office. What if someone heard us?”

  “Holy shit, Gabs. How did this happen?”

  “Wish I knew. I mean, not much registered after he bent me over the desk, though I do remember him saying something about you telling him I was on a date. Oh, and that he slept in my bed.”

  “I only implied that you were on a date and when I went to bed I said he could wait up for you on the couch.”

  “You knew I wasn’t coming home.”

  “That was the point, to let him stew. Honestly, I didn’t think he’d stay all night but it serves him right,” she says defending her actions. “I told you I’d castrate him if he hurt you.”

  “I figured you meant you’d kick him in the nuts.”

  “Emotional torture seemed more effective.”

  “Summer,” I groan.

  “Seriously, he looked so tormented by the idea of you with someone else.”

  “Yeah, well now he thinks that someone else is Mike. Why would he think that?”

  “Riiiight. I may have mention that you spent the night with someone he knew. Technically you
did but he’d have to be blind to think you were with Mike.”

  “Once upon a time you were with Mike,” I remind her.

  “Let’s not relive my past. Are you going to set Lucas straight?”

  “Eventually. Right now I’m contemplating how I’m going to get through a meeting with him sans underwear. He literally ripped my panties and marked his territory if you know what I mean.”

  “He peed on you?”

  “No he didn’t piss on me.”

  “Ooooh, got it.” Summer laughs and then sighs. “You have every right to be mad at me and you can finish cursing me out later but I’m about to board my connecting flight.”

  I groan into the receiver. “Fine.”

  “Listen, if it’s any consolation he seemed really broken up over things. You might want to hear him out.”

  What the hell has happened to my best friend?

  “Fat chance.”

  “We’ll talk later.”

  “Bye.”

  I toss my phone on the desk and then order four pant suits online, paying extra for overnight delivery. If for some reason Lucas decides he hasn’t had enough office shenanigans, I’ll need reinforcement. All the Spanx in the world wouldn’t be enough to keep him out and apparently I don’t have the willpower to try stopping him.

  Pants, however, are like a fortress. With the time it would require to unfasten a button, lower a zipper and push fitted material down my thighs, I’d have extra seconds to remind myself that I’m a professional, not some office skank or Lucas’s possession. Therefore, after today, no more skirts or dresses.

  Ixnay on the easy access.

  Once my online shopping emergency is complete, I pull up the details of the proposed social media campaign for our company policies that I’ll be presenting at Jack’s staff meeting in twenty minutes. I review the proposal one last time when I get an idea. However childish, a few minor changes to my recommendation to account for the obscene situation that occurred in my office does wonders for my mood. Seeing Lucas’s reaction will be even better.

  With renewed confidence I stride into the executive conference room and prepare to present. I pull up my presentation and place a set of handouts in front of every seat. People filter in and without looking I can tell the instant Lucas enters the room. Why? Because Mike sits down next to me and the hair on the back of my neck stands on end. Lucas’s presence behind me begs for attention but I refuse to turn around.

  Jack strides into the room and once everyone’s settled, he calls the meeting to order.

  “Good morning. Before we get down to business I have two announcements to make. First, you all know Gabby and Lucas spent last week in London. After a complete overhaul of our European strategy I am happy to announce we have renewed interest in our portfolio and have solidified a handful of major clients. All of which is the result of Lucas’s dedication and complete understanding of the market and our company as a whole.

  “This development was yet another example of the leadership and innovation Lucas brings to this team and the broader organization. He may have only been on this team for a short time but the impact has been monumental. To recognize all of that, Lucas has been promoted to Senior Vice President.”

  Jack turns to Lucas and shakes his hand. “Congratulation’s, Lucas.”

  Going through the motions I clap when everyone else does. My feelings where Lucas is concerned are so convoluted at this point I can’t tell how this is received. His peers have been here far longer, though it would be hard for anyone to deny, me included, that he didn’t deserve this recognition.

  “Moving on,” Jack says, bringing the team back together. “My next announcement may come as a bit of a shock. Mike, who has led our Global Sales and Marketing team for the last three years and has had tremendous success, has sadly given his resignation.” Chatter fills the room. “I know, I know. I was disappointed too. Not with Mike, but that we weren’t able to retain him. Mike will be joining a start up in Cambridge as CEO in a few weeks. I want to personally thank Mike for all he’s done. We sincerely wish you nothing but the best.”

  “Thanks, Jack,” Mike says. “I appreciate that.”

  Jack nods and shifts his attention to me. “I’ll be looking to backfill his role as soon as possible so if anyone comes to mind, let either Gabby or myself know. All right let’s get started. Gabby, you’re up.”

  “Thanks, Jack.” I stand and make my way to the front of the room. “Every year our employees are tasked with completing company mandated training on our policies. It’s been a tedious process that involves reading lengthy online documents and submitting signed forms once employees have read what’s expected of them, for nearly twenty policies. After speaking with Jack we decided it was time to revamp the process to include short, interactive online modules for each mandatory training.”

  I pull up the slides that show the modules, pleased when I hear murmurs of positive feedback in the room.

  “You couldn’t have done this before I left?” Mike teases, getting a round of laughter.

  “Nope, you’ll be here long enough to contribute,” I assure him. “Over the next two weeks each of you will work with our media department to create your own twenty second video for the assigned policies as a way to increase leadership visibility via social media and to remind employees that compliance is mandatory.”

  Even for me.

  God, I’m such a hypocrite.

  Even if Lucas’s words yesterday stung he was right. We can’t continue seeing each other and it shouldn’t have anything to do with the Elder Care Program. I file that thought away to deal with it later. Ignoring him last night might not have been the best idea or even fair. Doesn’t mean his reaction yesterday didn’t hurt or that his actions today were warranted.

  Says the girl who let him have his way with her on her desk.

  Stan groans. “Is this really necessary? Can’t our teams do this?”

  “Employees need to know that each of us have not only taken the required training but support it and expect the rest of the organization to do the same,” Jack chimes in.

  “That’s right,” I say, agreeing with his sentiments.

  “What are we supposed to say?” asks Ted.

  “Great question. I’ve created the scripts for you but you can tailor them as appropriate.” I smile and continue. “I’ve also randomly selected the topics you’ll each address. When you have a minute you can look over the details, including your script and let me know if you have any questions.”

  Everyone looks over their handouts. I know precisely the moment Lucas finds his assigned policy as the temperature in the room reaches boiling.

  Serves him right.

  When the meeting ends the rest of Jack’s staff swarms Lucas and Mike with congratulations, and I somehow manage to escape the conference room for the safety of my office.

  My relief is short lived.

  Lucas flies through the door and barely shuts it before launching into his tirade. “Is this some sick fucking joke?” he seethes, waving a particular policy in his hand. I have to bite the inside of my cheek to keep from laughing. “Sexual harassment? Is that what you’re calling this?”

  “Names were chosen at random. But whatever happened earlier, it won’t be happening again.”

  “Because of Mike?” He steps further inside my office and grasps the back of the chair on the other side of my desk. “He’s leaving. Nothing stopping you two now.”

  “Are you serious? We’re back to that?”

  Lucas turns his steely gaze on me.

  “Oh, for crying out loud, Lucas are you blind? There is nothing going on between me and Mike.”

  Lucas clenches his jaw. “How long until you two start publically dating?”

  “For the love of God, the man is gay! Mike is gay!”

  Lucas balks at my statement. “What? No he’s not.”

  “Yes, he is. I know this because Mike figured it out when he was dating Summer five years ago.”

/>   Lucas’s face scrunches up in disbelief.

  “It’s no secret. You’ve been in his office. The picture on his desk is of him and his partner. I wasn’t with him or any other man last night. I spent the night with my parents, helping my mom pack so that we can move my grandma into Recollections this weekend. I also spent a great deal of time attempting to remember why on earth I’d risk everything for someone who doesn’t give a shit about me.” I close my eyes and shake my head. “I second guessed ending things yesterday up until you walked into my office today. Thanks for making this easier.”

  His face falls. Lucas opens his mouth several times to speak but is apparently at a loss. Whatever half-ass apology he’s going to give me will have to wait because by the time he figures out how to begin someone knocks on my door.

  Stepping from behind my desk I move to answer it.

  He reaches out, grabbing my hand. “Gabriella…wait.”

  “I need to get that. Oh, and by the way, I’m on the pill.”

  I can only imagine what an unplanned pregnancy would do to his perfectly scripted life.

  He drops my hand yet doesn’t move as I walk past him and open the door. It’s a manager in Ted’s organization.

  “Hi, Megan.”

  “Sorry to interrupt,” she says glancing past me to where Lucas stands. “This is urgent.”

  Over my shoulder I watch Lucas grab his notebook. When the door shuts behind him I give Megan my attention though I can’t deny I’m dying to know what Lucas wanted to say.

  “What’s going on?” I gesture for her to take a seat.

  “Randy’s acting up again.”

  Great, this is all I need today.

  Randy, the same guy who weeks ago stood on the other side of my desk berating me for not supporting him with management up until Lucas put his tirade to an end. From what I’ve heard Randy has been on his best behavior since he received a warning in his file for his inappropriate behavior. Whatever he’s done must be serious for Megan to throw around the word urgent.