Page 4 of Take It Offline

This is Roberts’s preferred method of delivery. Drop a huge responsibility into my lap with little to no details, call it a development opportunity, and then rush out of the room before I can get my bearings.

So that’s why the devil is here.

Across the table, Charlie’s expression is as blank as the meeting room walls, and he’s unusually quiet.

I’ve never seen him like this, but I’m too busy being annoyed that Roberts still doesn’t trust me to complete this project alone. One step forward, seven steps back.

“At present,” he says, “there are over thirty standards that govern our information at a corporate level. That number needs to come down drastically by the end of the year. I shouldn’t need to tell either of you how important this is, especially after the reputational hit Digital took after the rollout of the system last year.” Roberts sends me a pointed look.

Even though bile is stinging my throat, I hold his gaze and force a nod.

“We have an uphill battle ahead of us, and the person who lands the analyst role will need to spearhead a full sweep of our Governance footprint. For now, though, I need you to start with the top-level procedure. This is an opportunity not only for the function, but for you as well. You’ve both proven you can deliver high-quality results. You especially, Charlie.”

My blood boils.

This is it. My promotion. The job I have earned with my tears, sweat, and thousands of unpaid hours of overtime.

I’m so, so close.

There’s only Charlie in my way.

“The two of you will work together to simplify the procedure. I don’t care how you manage it, but deliver that before the end of the quarter, and I’ll decide who is the best candidate for the promotion.”

Roberts checks his watch, then stands.

“I trust I can leave you to work out the details?”

“Of course,” I answer quickly. The last thing I need is Roberts insinuating I’m not a team player. I might despise every partof the man sitting across from me, but I’m still a professional, dammit.

Charlie, on the other hand, turns his head to roll his eyes. If I were ever caught doing that, I’d be raked over the coals, but oh no, not him.

“Good. Send me your action plan by the end of the week.”

With that, he’s gone, and the room falls into a deadly silence.

If I could think, I’d make up an excuse and leave. A meeting or a document-related emergency. Instead, I’m wondering how in the hell my life has come to this.

“So,” Charlie drawls from across the table.

Teeth gritted, I meet his gaze.

The first time I met Charlie Walker, he sauntered into my meeting room wearing a pinstripe McQueen blazer that did incredible things to his shoulders and waist, and the sight of him immediately banished every word in my head.

Tall, trim, pretty. A killer smile. In that moment, I wanted to know everything. I soon discovered he was as despicable as the devil himself.

No matter what I said, Charlie fought me every step of the way. As if I’d personally selected a system that only barely fit our needs. As though I hadn’t already faced the wrath of every other department I’d trained.

If I’d known he’d follow up that glowing moment by taking credit for all of my hard work, I would have… well, I’m not sure what I could have done, but I wouldn’t have wasted a single thought on how much I’d like to see what was under those expensive clothes.

The only thing we’ve ever agreed on?

We hate each other.

CharliefuckingWalker.

The smug son of a bitch I now have to work with.

“So,” I fire back, lifting my chin. I’m not about to give him an inch.

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