“Sure. What can I help you with?”
“First, is there any way Nash can assume the presidency early?”
“Thomas’ will stipulate quite clearly that you will remain President for three months to help the transition of ownership.”
“So, he couldn’t cut a deal with the board behind my back?” I ask, thinking about his meeting happening right now with Peter Briggs.
“No. If any decisions were to be made early that attempt to negate the will, they would have to be backed 100 percent by the partners. It would have to be a unanimous vote. Nothing else would circumvent Thomas’ last wishes.”
I let out a soft sigh of relief. That’s good news because I know Mark would never throw me under the bus. “And what if, at the end of three months, the partners deem him unfit to be the President?”
“That’s always a possibility I suppose, but highly unlikely.”
“Humor me.”
“Well, then I imagine you would remain in that position. Unless, of course, they decide to bring someone else entirely new in to take over.”
Doubtful, I think. “Thank you, Ethan. You’ve been very helpful.”
“Of course. Don’t hesitate to call again if you have any more questions.”
“Appreciate it.”
We hang up and sabotage immediately enters my mind. It’s likely the only way to permanently get rid of Nash and allow me to step up and run TB Tech like I was always meant to do—without him getting in my way and distracting and antagonizing me.
Hmm.For a moment, I consider all of the evil, nasty things I can do to destroy his reputation and make his leadership appear faulty, lacking and full of holes.
And none of it sits right with me.
Dammit. My morals and ethics only know how to play fair so no point wasting time down that road.
At this point, all I can do is keep working hard. I am the best choice when it comes to who should run this company and I truly believe the board will see that.
At least, I freaking hope so.
9
NASH
My meeting with Peter Briggs goes well and it’s nice to know I have an ally. He makes it clear that he’s in favor of me assuming the presidency. I know Mark Jenner will side with Charlie and who knows what the remaining partners will do. It’s important that I schmooze them all up and make sure that they’re on my side when the time comes.
I don’t have time for lunch since Peter and I talk longer than expected and Charlie and I are supposed to meet at 2:00 p.m. So, I go down to the cafeteria on the second floor atrium and grab a sandwich and an apple. Once I get into a rhythm, I plan to use my lunch hour to work out like I used to do. The gym here is great and there’s a huge bathroom and shower in my dad’s old office that I can use if I don’t want to use the ones down there.
Speaking of which, no one has given me an office yet so maybe I should just settle in Thomas’ corner office. There isn’t anywhere else that looks open and I really don’t want to sit in the conference room for the rest of the day.
Carrying my sandwich, apple in my mouth, I walk down to the big, beautiful office where Thomas spent most of his life. His desk is still covered with papers and folders like he’s merely stepped out and will be right back. I set my sandwich down and wander over to the amazing view and look out over Manhattan. Just as I bite into the apple, I hear someone walk in behind me.
“What do you think you’re doing?” Charlie asks.
I turn around and finish chewing before I answer. “Admiring the view.” I don’t mean to, but my gaze slides down her slim-fitted pantsuit and damn it’s a vista to appreciate. Charlie fills it out perfectly and my gaze lingers a moment too long on the high heels peeking out from beneath her trousers.
Dirty thoughts invade my head, and I can’t help but picture those long legs wrapped around me and Charlie beneath me, naked except for those heels. The moment my dick swells, I turn and pretend to look out the window again.
Shit.I’m wading into dangerous territory and need to lock it down fast. Mixing business with pleasure never ends well and it certainly isn’t even a possibility when the woman in question hates my guts.
My words must throw her because it takes a moment for her to find her voice again. “You just assume you can move right in here, don’t you?”
The shrill tone in her voice quickly takes care of my hard-on and it’s safe for me to turn back around. “Do you have a different place in mind? I didn’t notice an open office.”