Eight
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Two weeks later, Sam was sitting in Xavier Thomas’ outer office, waiting on Alex McDermott’s arrival. After the episode with Logan and Luke in his shower, one of the hottest days she’d ever experienced, Sam had taken two weeks to make a decision. Much to Logan’s disapproval, she had done so by taking two weeks of vacation and going back to San Antonio to visit her parents.
After she’d been so easily seduced by both Logan and Luke, after having been overwhelmed with confusion on what she should do next, Sam knew her only choice was to put some distance between them.
He’d been pissed. More than pissed.
She hadn’t cared at the time, although two days into her fourteen day getaway, Sam worried she might have put a rift between them that couldn’t be fixed.
She still didn’t know if that was possible, but regardless where she and Logan stood, she wanted to speak to Xavier and Alex without Logan’s interference.
Understanding had finally replaced her original disbelief that Xavier would want him to deliver their offer of employment with another company. Despite the fact that they were frolicking like teenagers, engaging in sex acts that you only read about, Sam accepted that Logan was her boss.
A chill slipped down her spine at the thought. Logan was her boss in so many ways, her body having decided that when he gave her an order, she responded eagerly.
Shaking off the naughty thought, Sam glanced at Veronica, Xavier’s exotically beautiful, executive admin. She was talking on the phone, her words kind, yet formal, as she informed the caller that Mr. Thomas was not in the office, and she would have to take a message. Sam grinned, understanding the little white lies an assistant often had to rely on when their boss didn’t want to be bothered.
Since her meeting with Xavier was scheduled for nine o’clock, and she still had five minutes to wait, Sam realized Veronica was merely being respectful of time. With a flick of her wrist, Veronica disconnected the call, pulled the headset off of her head and turned her attention to Sam.
A mischievous smile tipped the other woman’s full, red lips, her long black lashes fluttered only once or twice. “I hope you don’t mind that Deanna volunteered your help in putting together the Christmas party.”
Right. The Christmas party. Somehow, during her absence, Deanna had offered Sam’s services in helping the two women to get the upcoming Christmas party planned and executed. Payback for abandoning her for so long, Deanna had told her.
Truthfully, Sam didn’t really mind. She only wondered whether her discussion with Xavier and Alex that morning would change that.
“I don’t mind.” She smiled graciously at Veronica. Sam didn’t know the other woman well, but Deanna spoke fondly of her, and what little interaction Sam had had with the woman had always been pleasant.
“You’re a life saver actually. We’ve only got a little over two months to put this thing together, and I knew I couldn’t do it myself, even if Xavier thinks I am superwoman.” Veronica laughed, a sexy, raspy, feminine laugh that Sam found herself being envious of.
Veronica Sellers was a beautiful woman, with thick, wavy, black hair that hung down her back, resting just above her butt. With an hourglass figure and ample breasts, Sam wondered how the woman had managed to avoid most of the men in the office to this point.
From what Deanna told her, Veronica had been with XTX for about twelve years, having started out as an admin for one of the finance V.P.’s but quickly excelled to the highly coveted position of Xavier’s admin. She was probably close to fifty, but one couldn’t tell by looking at her. Sam only hoped she looked half as good when she was Veronica’s age.
“Just let me know what I can do to help. I’ll be glad to do whatever you need me to, just give me direction. I’m not good with the party planning thing, and one of this magnitude scares the bejesus out of me to be honest.”
“Well, the marvelous thing is that we have a little time. I’ve reserved the convention center already, since we’re expecting around eight thousand people to attend, and that’s if Xavier keeps it to significant others only and not families.” Veronica stated, her attention turned to the outer door that had opened behind Sam. “Good morning, Alex. Xavier will be just a minute, so if you want to have a seat.”
Sam looked up as Alex stepped into the formal entry to Xavier’s office, nodding her head in recognition and greeting.
Up until now, she’d managed to fight off the butterflies threatening to wreak havoc in her stomach, but seeing Alex made her nervous. She’d avoided calling Logan the night before when she had gotten back to town, wanting to do this the right way. Unsure where her relationship stood with Logan at the moment, she knew the man wasn’t happy with her decision to skip town for so long, Sam had opted to avoid him just a little longer.
If this went as planned, she would actually be taking a position with Alex’s security company, which might just take some of the zing out of what she and Logan were experiencing anyway.
For the last fourteen days, Sam had done little other than think about her relationship with Logan. She’d thought about the heated nights, and the dirty little deeds she’d done with Logan and his twin brother.
Knowing their relationship was taboo, just from the fact that she worked for the man, she wondered whether that was part of her appeal. Once she wasn’t working for him, would Logan lose interest? Moving on to the next exciting thing to walk into his life? She didn’t know, and right now, she didn’t have the time to ponder it.
“Xavier’s ready for you.” Veronica said sweetly, looking at Alex and then back to Sam. “I’ll set up a lunch meeting for you, me, and Deanna later this week so we can get together and toss our ideas around.”
“Sounds great.” Sam said, standing from the hard back chair she’d been glued to for the last fifteen minutes. Straightening her skirt, she waited for Alex, and once he motioned her forward, she led the way to Xavier’s office.
“Good morning.” Xavier greeted her immediately as she stepped into the luxuriously furnished office of the President and CEO of XTX Industries.
Sam responded to his gesture with a hearty handshake before she was ushered to a seating area that overlooked the beautiful North Texas scenery.
There weren’t nearly as many rolling hills in the Dallas area as there were further south, but the view from Xavier’s office was breathtaking. A small pond, or maybe it was considered a lake, sat off in the distance, surrounded by acres of green grass and tall, live oak trees dotting the horizon.
Taking a seat on the plush, leather couch, Sam addressed both men. “Thank you for taking the time to meet with me on such short notice.”
“Short notice?” Alex laughed, easing some of the tension she’d felt since arriving. “We’ve been waiting for you for the last couple of weeks. No worries though.” He smiled, taking a seat across from her in one of the leather side chairs.
“But, she’s here now, so that’s all that matters.” Xavier announced, his Texas drawl prominent, making him sound more laidback than Sam figured he actually was.
“I take it Logan presented you with the offer?”
Well…
“Logan and I spoke briefly about it. He shared with me the logistics, but I’d certainly like to hear more from you.” Sam spoke directly to Alex, knowing the job entailed her leaving her stable job at XTX to take a position that didn’t currently exist at his security firm.
“Understood.” Alex leaned back in his chair, one ankle resting on the opposite knee, his arms laid out on the wide arms of the chair. “As I told Logan, in order to protect the interests of XTX, and address the concerns that have been raised by two of your peers, Xavier and I have come up with a solution we feel would be fair to all parties.
“I’m not sure how familiar you are with CISS, but we’re a fast growing security agency, offering embedded private security for large corporations, as well as some personal security. Our clients currently consist of two Fortune 100 firms, as well as a handful of some of the most respected names in the North Texas area.
“As we continue to grow, we’re always looking to hire talent capable of taking us to the next level. Being that XTX has considered you an extremely valuable asset, both Xavier and I decided that keeping you on was in the best interest of both companies. In order to do that, I’ve created a position that will allow you to join CISS while continuing to manage your current projects for XTX.”
Sam listened as Alex relayed in more detail the same information Logan had presented. Just as it had when Logan explained, the details drew her interest. Figuring there was more, she didn’t interrupt, just nodded her understanding.
“In essence, from the outside looking in, nothing would change. XTX would hire you on contract to continue in the same capacity that you are today. The only difference is you would be employed by CISS, who would be responsible for your pay and benefits, and ultimately any future assignments. Should you choose to take the opportunity, Xavier and I have agreed to extend your contract to XTX for a full two years, giving you sufficient time to complete your current projects.”
“I’ve made sure Alex understands XTX has no desire to replace you. We’ve asked that a binding contract be written up, safeguarding XTX’s interests, ensuring us that you would not be replaced for the next twenty four months.” Xavier added, looking between Alex and Sam, his voice insistent.
Alex chimed in then. “That’s correct. However, you would no longer report to Logan, as we feel that would be a conflict of interest. Instead, you’d be reporting directly to Xavier for the duration of our contract with XTX. And just to clarify, your employment with CISS would not be contractual. We are offering you a permanent position within our company, your pay, both salary and bonus, will mirror what XTX is currently offering you. All opportunities for advancement are still available to you, just like any other employee of CISS.”
The longer she listened, the better and better the offer sounded. Being the pessimist that she was, not by choice, Sam wanted to know what the catch was.
Looking directly at Xavier, Sam asked the difficult question. “And if I do not choose to accept this offer?”
Xavier sat up straighter in his chair, his bright blue eyes reflecting the man’s abundance of experience. “If you choose not to accept, my only other option is to send you back to the San Antonio office. We would work to determine the best possible way to reincorporate you into the office, being that your replacement has been hired and is doing a sound job; we wouldn’t want to disrupt the productivity.
“In relation to career advancement, you would still have the opportunity to be Banten’s replacement, should the man choose to take another position within the company, retire, or otherwise leave. Aside from that, I’m afraid these are my only options.”
Sam didn’t like to hear that she had limited options, but she understood where Xavier was coming from. In fact, Sam knew he was being extremely gracious in offering even that much. If the shoe was on the other foot, and Sam was in Xavier’s place, she couldn’t say that she would be so flexible.
“Do you have any other questions?” Alex asked, thrumming his fingers on the edge of the chair, his easy smile making her want to jump at the opportunity, but she couldn’t seem to find the words.
Before she could speak, Xavier said, “And, if you choose not to accept either of those, we would have to be forced to terminate your employment. Don’t misunderstand. That’s the absolute last thing we want, Sam.
“This situation has come as a complete, though not unpleasant surprise, if you want to know the truth. As I’ve told Logan, I’m happy that he’s found someone that makes him happy, but I can’t let this interrupt my business. Even if the issues hadn’t been raised, I can’t say I could have let this continue. Alex pegged it earlier when he said this is a conflict of interest. I’m hoping that by doing this, we can protect you and Logan both, as well as XTX in general.”
Sam again nodded her understanding. When he put it that way, it made perfect sense. She wanted to work for XTX. She loved her job, liked the people and ultimately wasn’t ready for it to be over. As generous as they were in offering her the position, Sam couldn’t find it in herself to refuse.
“Thank you for the offer, and thank you for allowing me the time to contemplate my next step. I know that you have both gone out of your way to come up with this, and for that, I am truly grateful. I have enjoyed my tenure at XTX immensely. I got my start here, and I’d be more than honored to have the opportunity to continue working for this company, regardless of the logistics.” Sam stated firmly, trying to hold back the tears. Although this was a new beginning, she couldn’t help but feel as though it were an ending just the same.
“Does that mean you’re accepting the position?” Alex asked.
“Yes, that’s what I’m saying. I would very much like to accept your offer, Alex.” With that, Sam leaned forward, meeting the outstretched hand Alex offered, shaking on the deal. He once again smiled, making Sam wonder if he didn’t know something more.
~*~*~
Logan knew Sam was in the office, he even knew she was meeting with Alex and Xavier at that exact moment. Sitting in one of his many Monday morning meetings, he was doing his level best to pay attention to Larry as the man rambled on and on about something or another. Logan could care less at that very moment. Which, he acknowledged, was highly unprofessional.
His mind was on the fact that Sam had spent the last two weeks avoiding him like the plague. She’d put roughly three hundred miles between them while she took time to think about what she planned to do next.
That didn’t sit well with Logan, but she hadn’t listened to him when he’d attempted to talk her out of it. Instead, Sam had hightailed it out of Dallas, leaving Logan to sit and worry for fourteen whole days.
Worse than that, she hadn’t even bothered to call him when she got back in town the night before. Hell, she hadn’t called him at all for two fucking weeks. The only communication they had was through the few texts he’d sent to her; trying to make sure she was ok. Her one or two word responses hadn’t been what he wanted, but then again, he didn’t have much of a say in the matter. Sam had made sure of it.
The only thing Logan did know at this point was that Samantha Kielty had become his one and only weakness. She somehow managed to sneak her way past his defenses, into his heart, and now she was the one calling the shots. That definitely didn’t work for him.
Although, Logan thought when he’d taken her in his shower the day she’d chosen to take a walk to clear her mind, rather than talk it out with him, they’d come to an understanding.
Logan understood all right. He understood that Sam was scared shitless. How did he know this? He knew her, that’s how.
Sam was a sexy, sensual woman and the depths of her desire ran deep. She liked the darker side of her sexuality, and she’d met her match with Logan. She might be trying to run away, but Logan didn’t back off easily. When he wanted something, he went after it.
Apparently he needed to step up his game. He’d had the last two weeks to think about exactly how he would do it too. Sam might have the illusion she could run from him, and he would just sit back and wait for her to make up her mind. That was so far from fact, Logan smiled at the thought. He might be biding his time, but it wouldn’t last much longer.
“Does anyone have any questions?” Larry asked, obviously finished with his presentation.
“When are we going to have a happy hour to celebrate?” Jill Baker, one of Larry’s direct reports asked eagerly.
It was standard procedure for the team to get together and celebrate the small victories with a happy hour every now and then.
The room erupted in eager conversations about when and where they would meet. From what Logan gathered, they’d be getting together that evening at the place they frequented often. Pushing out of his chair, Logan answered someone’s question on whether or not he would attend. Of course he would be there, he assured them. Wouldn’t miss it.
Waiting for the room to clear out enough that he could get around the long, dark wood table, Logan noticed Abigail and Tricia Shoenrock chatting it up at the table. Apparently the two women didn’t realize he was still in the room. If they had, he was pretty sure they wouldn’t have wanted him to hear what they were saying.
“Don’t worry. I think we’re about to have more to celebrate than Larry’s project launching. I heard their firing Samantha, and you’re a shoe in for her position. Just have some patience.” Abigail assured the younger woman.
Clearing his throat as he walked out of the room, he didn’t bother looking back. Abigail’s sudden gasp told him that she saw him. That’s all he cared about.
To his knowledge, Sam was nowhere close to being fired, but he didn’t feel the need to share that with Abigail. The woman was digging her own grave if she thought making promises she couldn’t keep was appropriate V.P. behavior.
Manipulative and vindictive behavior was frowned upon at XTX, and Logan wasn’t above addressing the situation with Abigail the next time they saw each other. He wouldn’t, however, address her in front of Tricia.
More importantly, he wanted to find out what exactly was going on in Xavier’s office. Sam might think she could avoid him forever, but she would soon learn a valuable lesson.
She might own him, heart and soul, and she might doubt every word he’d ever told her, but Logan didn’t say things he didn’t mean and he damn sure didn’t tell a woman he loved her without expecting her to give him the respect he was due.
He understood insecurities, knew Samantha was plagued with them, but that didn’t make what she was doing right. She knew him well enough to know that he could only be pushed so far. And tonight, she’d learn just how far he could be pushed… before he pushed back.