Chapter One
Meeting Drama
Talina
I smile down at my phone, it’s a text from Malcolm. It’s my birthday. I thought he forgot this morning, but seeing the text gives me hope. I look up at my boss, talking in the front of the room.
As usual my awkward boss is looking anywhere but at me. Nelson Fisher is an interesting man, both brilliant and ambitious. Over the last four years, I’ve watched him prove to be a great contradiction.
I’ve watched from the back of a room, as he commanded a meeting. So much confidence and strength. He reeks of power when he is in his element.
Yet, I’ve seen him fumble over something as simple as my initial interview. It’s like watching two different men. I swear, I once thought he had a twin or something. Almost as if they take turns coming to work.
His right hand, Detra has always been there like his saving grace. I once thought they were an item. Rumor has it, they are just very good friends, more like brother and sister.
Detra’s nickname around the office is, the pit bull. She will chew anyone up and spit them out for Nelson. I’ve gotten glimpses of his sweet side. I’m glad that he has Detra. I think the wrong person would try to take advantage of that side of Nelson.
That thought makes me smile. I’ve also seen the man chew a few people up and spit them out for himself. He can be a very shrewd businessman. As I said, a contradiction in every way.
After confirming that Nelson isn’t giving me any attention, I try to discretely swipe open the text. I frown and sink lower into my seat, when I read that Malcolm has only sent a text asking me if everything is set for his parents’ anniversary party. It feels like a dagger to the heart.
When I first started dating Malcolm, all he talked about was finding the right woman he could settle down with and have a family. He wanted someone educated that he could hold a conversation with, someone he could build with. He claimed to want a financially stable woman.
Here I am, I tick off all of those boxes and some. Yet, we’ve been dating for five years and I feel like we are growing further apart, rather than together. Hell, I’m afraid to tell him about the bonus check I received last month from the multiple accounts I helped the company acquire with that social media campaign.
“I think we should host a party in LA for the REX account. I was just telling my team that we’ll cover more ground that way, in terms of new clients and targeting all of our existing clients’ needs,” my head snaps up, as I hear my own ideas being passed off word for word.
I look in the direction of our executive director. Art is a grade A, top notch, certified asshole. Sometimes, I don’t even think Nelson likes him. I think he has been tolerating him, as if he has just been waiting to replace him with the right person.
Detra has no patience for Art, most times she pretends he’s not even in the room. No, seriously, she has been known to ignore his words directed towards her, as if he never said a word.
My eyes focus on Art. He’s doing his best not to look at me. I look around the room at the other mix of faces. Some have a look of disgust, others look awed, but not surprised. I just presented this idea in the morning team prep meeting.
He shot it down as a terrible idea. His words were, ‘It’s too costly…we shouldn’t be using an idea of this scale with REX…Nelson will hate that idea.’ Yet, here he is, spewing my words like they’re his own.
I can feel my blood boiling, as I take another glance around the room, waiting for someone to speak up. I know it’s not going to happen, I just can’t believe it.
This isn’t the first-time Art has done this to someone. It’s par for the course around here. Although, it’s the first he’s tried it with me and I’m not having it.
I sit up in my seat, ready to go to battle for my hard work and ideas. However, there’s a face that draws my attention. Nelson is glaring at Art.
Nelson tilts his head, while staring at the man. “Have you looked into making this happen? What are the numbers, what venue were you thinking about?” Nelson responds.
I bite my lip in anger and dip my head. I don’t want to be that woman. Nelson is the CEO of the company. I weigh the consequences of airing Art’s ass out, in front of our big boss.
I look up through my lashes to see Art shift some papers around in front of him. His ass looks lost, he has no numbers or details on this. It’s not his fucking idea. I have all of the information in a file back in my office.
“I handed the mock up and specs to Talina. Talina, can you fill Nelson in?”
“Excuse me,” I snap, my head popping up.
I look back to Nelson. It’s odd, but he looks as if he wants to commit murder. I’m thrown for a minute, as I look at him and his reaction.
Figuring he’s going to ream me for being unprepared, I get ready to open my mouth. Nelson’s eyes slide to me, and he gives a slight shake of his head, causing me to clamp my mouth shut.
“Talina, Nelson asked you for the report. Would you be so kind as to focus on your job? You can daydream later, back in that undeserved office,” Art snarls at me.
Nelson stands from his seat so swiftly, it flies back. All heads turn to him, but his glare is on Art. My heart is pounding in my chest, my head feels like it’s going to explode.
I’m already planning to curse Art’s ass out later, in private. This doesn’t look like the meeting to call foul in. Fucking creep, he has been an extra asshole the last few weeks, since the holiday party. I’ve bitten my tongue enough. He’s my superior, but I always demand his respect.
“Sir,—,” I get ready to address Nelson.
He raises his hand in my direction cutting me off. I swallow my words and cut my eyes to Detra. She just gives me a smirk and nods her head slightly for me to be silent.
Detra has always been nice to me. Oddly enough, in the last few weeks, she has been stopping by my office a lot more to ask my opinion on a whole lot more than usual.
I didn’t think it was odd, until yesterday. Her questions were centered more on Nelson, not really marketing. Or at least, it didn’t seem that way.
“I think my ears must have failed me. Did you just speak to my employee that way? Especially, when I didn’t ask her for anything. I asked you, as it is your department and as you said your idea,” Nelson says, with a very deceptive calm.
“Nelson, I—,” Art spatters.
“You what? Like trying to embarrass people because of your power and position? How dare you insinuate that Talina hasn’t earned her office? She has pulled in millions for this company in this last quarter alone.
“Art, tell me when was the last time you added value to this company? Yes, I’m asking you this in front of everyone. I want you to know how it feels,” Nelson rumbles.
“I have led the teams that have secured our top clients,” Art puffs out his chest.
Nelson snorts. “I think I have displayed signs of being the village idiot. I must have. Do you think I don’t watch what goes on in my own company?”
“I don’t think that at all,” Art tries to back pedal. “I know you are observant over all of our accounts.”
“Shut up,” Nelson booms.
I look at Nelson through new a lens. Something about the way he is taking charge of this situation is hot. I tilt my head and look at my boss more closely.
Nelson isn’t your traditional good looking man. For one, he has a large nose that dominates his face. It’s not just long, but a bit on the wide side. It looks like it may have even been broken a time or two.
Nelson is on the paler side, which with the long hours he works, I can’t see changing much. I don’t know when this man sees the sun.
Yet, today, I’m looking beyond all of that. His hazel eyes are inviting, and his lips are full in a well-proportioned way. I never noticed before, but he has the longest lashes I’ve ever seen on a man.
His brown hair is always neatly combed, sometimes even gelled into place, but in this moment. It has fallen into his forehead. If he had on his glasses that are usually perched on his nose during meetings, I would think of Clark Kent.
My eyes slide down his body. Well, damn. Why have I never noticed how hot Nelson’s body is? The way he’s standing now oozes sex appeal.
“Talina,” Nelson says my name roughly, pulling my eyes away from his crotch.
I mentally slap myself. Why the hell am I ogling my boss? I have a boyfriend.
My eyes snap up to Nelson’s face. “Come,” he says.
I promise you. I think I do, which startles the fuck out of me. The rawness of his voice, rubs me in ways it just shouldn’t.
I stand quickly and round the table. When I stand beside Nelson, I look at a red-faced Art. Art’s eyes burn into me. If looks could kill, I’d be dead.
Nelson places his hand on the small of my back. I jump a little, before catching myself. It isn’t that I’m offended by the touch. It is just the opposite.
The electricity that passes between us is enough to make my knees buckle. I’m surprised and unwitted by it. It totally takes me off guard.
Thankfully, Nelson quickly removes his hand. I chide myself at the bereft feeling I have. I look up to see his cheeks have taken on a little color. I don’t know if it’s from his anger or if he too felt the charge I just felt.
“Do you know what I find funny, Art?” Nelson hisses.
“I’m not sure what could be funny about this,” Art mumbles just audibly.
“During our holiday party, Talina and I had a few glasses of Champaign to celebrate with our clients. What she failed to tell me prior was that, while she can consume other alcohols with more tolerance. Champaign loosens her lips.
“Talina’s date had to leave suddenly, but she remained with myself and the clients. Which, was partly because no one could find you. Talina was gracious in stepping in for you.
“Just so happens, Detra and I ended the night, placing Talina in a cab, after a very interesting evening. One where she talked for hours. During that time, I want you to guess which one of the many ideas she has in her brilliant mind, she happened to share with me,” Nelson levels Art with a hard glare.
I’m mortified. I vaguely remember the events he’s talking about. I want to curl into a ball and crawl under the conference table.
I can drink Tequila like a champ and be as right as rain. Give me Champagne and I will talk you to death. The room starts to spin. I don’t know where Nelson is going with this.
Seconds that seem like minutes pass and the floor has yet to open and swallow me up. If I get fired today, I’m keying Art’s car and slashing his tires. I’m just in one of those moods.
I was covering for his sorry ass, when I had that toast with Nelson and our clients. Malcolm had had an emergency, but he told me to stay behind. That’s when Detra came to get me, stating Nelson needed someone from the team. She couldn’t find Art.
I groan internally, hoping I didn’t embarrass myself in front of my boss or our clients. I had about three glasses, which means, I probably talked too much, I was probably very bossy, and I was most likely way too chipper.
Nelson’s voice brings me back from my inner agony. “Talina, I was going to save this announcement for the New Year. However, I think now is as good a time as any,” Nelson says, while looking down at me. He then looks away to the rest of the room.
“Talina single handedly secured us a twenty-million-dollar bonus from one of our top clients. A new project was tossed out by our client’s wife, and Talina pitched a full-blown campaign on the spot.
“I’ve never seen anything like it. Armed with her phone, a pen, and a few napkins to draw out a presentation right before our eyes. The contracts were signed and delivered this morning.
“After watching her in action, Detra and I sat and picked her brain for a few more hours. The REX idea was pitched a week ago. That’s why it wasn’t on this morning’s revised agenda. We’re already in contract.
“I just want to thank you Art for not paying more attention to your work,” Nelson snorts. “It’s now very clear who I have working for me.”
“I would never take my team’s ideas. I may have heard her mention a few ideas, that sparked my pitch,” Art tries.
“Save it,” Nelson growls. “Talina will be taking over as the new executive director, she will also be our head US and International analyst and developmental advisor,” Nelson announces.
“Excuse me,” my head snaps back, my eyes grow wide.
“Congratulations, it has been a long time coming,” Nelson says with a smile.
This time my legs do buckle. Nelson is swift to catch me around the waist and guide me to the seat he emptied earlier. He squats before me, handing me the glass of water Detra hands to him.
I can see the actions of everyone. I just can’t comprehend anything beyond that. My ears are buzzing. I’ve dreamed of a promotion like this one. Keyword, dreamed.
Art has been with the company for years. Nelson is right, Art is a leach. He doesn’t offer any fresh ideas and has been known to claim other peoples’ ideas for his own. However, he has held his position for way longer than I’ve been here.
Nelson has just essentially announced that he’s giving me Art’s job, plus the position Art had been hoping to acquire, as Nelson expands the company. Everyone knows Art has had his eyes set on the US and International advisory position.
It’s all our team has heard about in the last few months. We all worked our asses off so Art would get the position. At least, everyone except for Art has worked their ass off for him to get the promotion.
“What?” Art roars, breaking through my haze. “Nelson, what the hell are you talking about?”
Nelson doesn’t reply. Instead, he keeps his eyes on mine. “Are you okay?” Nelson murmurs to me.
I can see the concern in his face. I feel my face heat with embarrassment. Everyone’s eyes are on me and my boss. I blink a few times, hoping to find my equilibrium.
“Drink some more water,” Nelson coaches.
I hadn’t realized I took the first sip. I nod my head and take another drink. I drain the glass this time, as my eyes dart around the room.
“Focus on me,” Nelson says soothingly.
“Nelson, clearly she’s not ready for a promotion like this. Just look. What does this mean for me? I’ve given you ten years of my life. I started with you when you were a snot nosed kid with nothing,” Art snarls.
Nelson spins away from me and lifts to his full height. “I’d stop right there if I were you. You started with me when I had nothing and you’ve been trying to send me right back to nothing,” Nelson snarls.
Just then security enters the room. I turn to see Detra with a smile on her lips. I suddenly get the feeling I’ve been put in the middle of something so much bigger than me.
“I have been waiting for this day,” Detra purrs. “I can’t stand a thief or a traitor.”
“Wh…what,” Art spatters.
“Like I said. You must of thought I was some type of idiot,” Nelson says dryly.
“Nelson, I don’t know what you think you know,” Art says nervously.
“Shut the fuck up. You’ve lied and stolen from me enough. I had intended to wait to do this. I wanted to give you the opportunity to explain yourself, but I won’t have you here treating my loyal employees like shit under your shoe,” Nelson growls.
“Should they detain him,” Detra asks.
“I want him out of my building. My attorneys will be in touch, Art. This I can assure you,” Nelson replies.
I almost want to laugh at the way Art flails around, while being escorted from the conference room. Actually, a bit of a laugh does bubble up to my lips. I feel like I’m having an out of body experience.
Nelson turns back to me. A curious look in his eyes. He tilts his head and studies me closely.
“Everyone, you’re dismissed. We’ll schedule a meeting for when I return. By then, things should have settled around here,” Nelson announces to the room.
I go to get up from my seat, but he gives a slight nod for me to remain seated. He squats before me once again. Reaching over to the table with his long arms, he pours another glass of water.
When he turns towards me, he hands over the glass. I hear the door close, as the room empties. I take the water and shift in my seat a bit. I’m so embarrassed.
Here, this man has just handed over the promotion of my dreams and I nearly pass out in front of the entire staff. I feel like a moron. It’s just, he caught me off guard. I thought I was going to be called out for being a babbling drunk, during a work function, not given a promotion.
“I shouldn’t have lost my temper like that. I’d planned to promote you privately, after my trip to London,” Nelson mutters, a blush coming to his cheeks.
“It’s…it’s okay. I was just surprised,” I say softly.
He nods. “Yes, I can see that. I hope you want the job. The advisory position will lead to more travel. Nearly half of next year will be spent setting up the new office with myself and Detra.”
“Yes, of course, I definitely want the job. I’m just hoping you still want to give it to me,” I bite my lip and groan internally at how my words come out.
Nelson’s close proximity is starting to register with my head and my body. I can feel the heat coming off of him. It’s the strangest thing, but I feel this pull towards him that I’ve never felt before.
Nelson is so not my usual type, but I’d be lying to say, I don’t feel a serious attraction toward him in this moment. I’ve never given him much attention, but up this close, there is something appealing about him. Not like Malcolm, who can wink and your panties would melt off.
No, I can’t put my finger on it, but there is something attractive about Nelson. Oh, and the blush on his cheeks is darn right adorable. His eyes search mine.
“I’ve been wanting to give it to you for a long time,” he rumbles.
My eyes close as my pussy pulses between my legs. I think I’ve lost my mind. Still, that soft rasp to his voice. The one I’ve never given notice to before, is hot as hell.
“Um, I think I should get back to my office. I can pinch myself in there and do a little squeal if this all turns out to be real,” I give a soft laugh.
Nelson gives a small chuckle and stands. “It’s real. Again, I do apologize for how I’ve handled this,” he says, and takes a step back to give me room.
“No worries,” I shrug and stand.
I sway a little at first, causing my face to burn a little more. I take a breath and pull my shit together. I’ve worked my ass off for this promotion. I deserve it.
Get it together, Talina. You rocked that social media campaign. And bagged a twenty-million-dollar account, while drunk off champagne. Boss! You earned this.
I move quickly to make my exit, before Nelson can take back my new promotion, due to my sudden lack of sense. However, his voice washes over me, stopping me at the door. I pause with my hand on the knob.
~B~
Nelson
I know I should just let her walk out of that door. I’ve already skirted such a fine line. Being so close to her, I’ve had to call on all of my restraint. In reality, I want nothing more than to take her sexy brown body right here on the conference table.
I should’ve kept my mouth shut, but watching her ass sway, as she moved to leave the room, has fried my brain and common sense along with it. No, to be truthful, I lost my common sense the moment Art decided to steal Talina’s idea and talk to her like shit. I’d planned to have his ass thrown in a hand basket, I just wanted to get a few more ducks in a row.
Unfortunately, for him, I will never stand for anyone talking to Talina that way. Whether she’s mine or not. It will never happen in my presence.
“Talina,” I call, stopping her in her tracks.
I hadn’t planned on taking her on the trip to London with me, but I want her there now. No, I need her there. I look away, when her big, oval brown eyes connect with mine, instantly cursing myself for the move.
“Yes,” she replies.
“Now that I’ve announced the promotion. I would like you to accompany me to London. It will be a great way for you to get caught up and meet the team there. I hope that isn’t a problem. I know it’s last minute,” I say.
“Oh,” her eyes round. I can see the wheels turning in her pretty head, as I look up through my lashes at her. She bites down on that full lip. “Well, I have my boyfriend’s parents’ anniversary party next week. They would totally understand and I would be willing to go, but I sort of organized the entire thing.
“I’ll have to see if someone can take over for me. Malcolm hasn’t been too involved. I’d need to get him up to speed,” she rambles on, trying to make it work in her head. Those long lashes blinking, as her mind turns.
“No, no,” I interrupt her. “I will move things around. I don’t leave until Friday, but you can come in after, if that’s okay.”
“Are you sure, I think I can make it work,” she gives me that bright smile of hers. The one that makes her full cheeks rise and brightens her mocha face.
“I will not ruin your plans. This was short notice. Please, I’ll have Detra arrange for you to join me after,” I nod and give a tight smile.
“Thank you so much. I don’t think I’ve said thank you,” Talina says, sounding more like herself.
“You’re welcome. It’s well deserved,” I reply. “Talina.”
“Yes, Sir,” she says, with that infectious smile.
“Happy birthday,” I reply.
Her brown eyes grow again, and her cheeks light up with a glow. “Thank you,” she says, her brows wrinkling a little after saying the words.
My cell phone rings, breaking the exchange, before I can embarrass myself anymore today. I nod at Talina and take the call. She slips out of the room and I can think straight for the first time, since Art opened his mouth to steal from her.
I shouldn’t have invited her on this trip. She is involved and I just gave her a huge promotion. I would hate for her to think it was done because I’m trying to sleep with her.
Talina earned this promotion. I sigh, I’ll have to ask Detra to come along as well, to keep my head on straight. The last thing I need is a sexual harassment case. Not that I would try to force myself on Talina.
What is it about her? What the hell are you doing? I honestly have no idea.