Page 30 of Without Apology

It wasn’t the first time Emma had been hit on, but considering the guy wanted to be CFO, his behavior was unbelievably brazen. “If he isn’t getting the hint, you tell me.”

She leveled me with a look. “If he doesn’t get the hint, you’ll find him with a stiletto up his arse.”

With Emma, I didn’t doubt it. “Guess it would settle the position of CFO.”

“See? Win, win.”

“Send him up.”

***

I ensured I was outside of my door when Jeff arrived. As expected, he went straight to Emma’s desk where he asked about her weekend. I cleared my throat and watched as he stood up straight and noticed me.

“Hi, Simon. How’s it going?”

Emma rolled her eyes at his familiarity.

My response was icy. “Mr. Faison. You requested to see me?”

I had the satisfaction of watching his smile falter. “Uh, yeah, I did.”

“I have five minutes.”

He followed me into my office where I stood by the window with my arms folded, trying in vain not to listen through the thin walls as Peyton explained one of her spreadsheets to Russ.

Jeff came in and shut the door. Then he took a seat as though we were two mates about to catch up on old times. “I won’t take much time. I wanted to find out when you were making the decision on CFO.”

“After we finish the initial audit, we will be conducting interviews. Most likely next week. There’s no use doing them before we’ve made the decision to buy.”

“Right. Guess that makes sense. So, Peyton actually applied?”

Where was he heading with this? “I believe George indicated she had.”

“Yes, well, George has a soft spot for her since he knew her father and all. It’s how she got the job. It’s how she keeps it.”

I had to check my temper. Regardless of how I felt about her, this guy was turning out to be a complete prick. “You’re telling me she’s not qualified for the CFO position?”

He shrugged. “I’d make the argument she’s not qualified for the job she does now, but hey, that’s ultimately your call.”

I wanted to tell him that while she’d been working a sixty-hour week he’d barely put in half the effort. Lazy sod. I found his work ethic and moral compass completely lacking. But I didn’t say a word. There would be a time for action, but saying anything now would only tip my hand. “You’re correct. It is my call. Anything else, Mr. Faison?”

“Nope, nope. Unless do you know if Emma—?”

“Let me cut you off and say no. You don’t ask me about my assistant, and you certainly don’t talk to her about anything that doesn’t pertain to the job.”

“Ah, I get it.” He grinned, insinuating Emma and I had something going on.

“No, you don’t, but your five minutes is up.”

For the first time, he started to look nervous. Good.

***

I paced my office after I heard Peyton tell Russ good night and pack her things up. That had happened around five. She’d told him she’d be downstairs for another hour and then online later tonight if he had any questions. If Russ was worth anything, he’d be here most of the night prepping for tomorrow.

Finally, unable to stand it any longer, I went downstairs to her office. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t thinking of the kiss when I knocked and heard her say come in. This time, however, when I closed the door, I leaned on it, keeping my distance. I was determined not to make the same mistake twice.

Yes, I was committed despite the fact she looked exceptionally stunning today in a wrap dress highlighting her curves and showing off her long, toned legs.

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