Page 11 of Unleashed

I scoffed. “What, that he’s a brown-nosing little kiss-ass? Don’t you notice how he’s constantly hovering around your father, hanging on his every word?”

Slade looked thoughtful for a moment. “You think so?”

“If your father was honey, Thomas would be buzzing around like a damn bee. He’s not qualified, and you know it.”

“He has a master’s degree.”

“Doesn’t mean shit.” I leaned forward. “I’ve found several of his calculations riddled with errors. Honestly, it makes me wonder if he got a free pass in college.”

Slade sighed. “He’s on probation. All new managers must go through a sixty-day trial period.”

“So? He’ll just shove his work onto the people below him to cover for his incompetence. Frankly, I don’t want his greasy hands anywhere near my office.”

Slade chuckled. “Then go to his.”

“That’s even worse. I’d have to sanitize my entire body afterward.”

Before he could respond, my phone buzzed. I picked it up, and sure enough, it was Thomas, summoning me to his new office—the corner office that should’ve been mine. My stomach twisted with indignation as I listened to him bark a half-assed request to meet with me. His tone was smug, as if he knew exactly how much this burned me.

I hung up, muttering, “That was Thomas.”

“Summoned by the new boss already?” Slade teased, raising an eyebrow.

“Yes,” I replied tersely. “I’m expected in his office in a few minutes.”

“Try to be civil,” Slade said with a half-smile.

“I’m not happy about this situation, but I know how to show respect, even if my boss doesn’t deserve it.”

He grinned, rolling his eyes.

I pointed a finger at him. “Did you just roll your eyes at me? That’s rude, you know.”

“You do realize I’m technically one of your bosses too, right?”

“Yeah, but I like you,” I shot back with a smirk of my own.

Slade laughed, a sound that somehow lightened my mood, but the weight of what awaited me with Thomas hung over me like a storm cloud. As much as I liked Slade, I wasn’t sure his promises would ever come to fruition. Still, a small part of me wanted to believe that maybe—just maybe—things could turn around. But I wasn’t holding my breath.

He grinned, eyes gleaming. “Really? How much?”

I narrowed my gaze. “What are you implying?”

“That you should have dinner with me.”

Here we go again. I glanced away, not ready to deal with this. Slade had always pushed for more, but I wasn’t sure I could give it. Not now, not after everything that had just happened with the promotion. He was part of the boys’ club, the one I’d never be allowed to join.

“Suppose I say no?” I folded my arms. “I don’t think it would be right to have dinner with you. You’re the vice president of Abbott.”

He chuckled, leaning closer. “Then you’re fired. Now, will you have dinner with me?”

I rolled my eyes. “Why so anxious all of a sudden? Trying to wine and dine me into staying? I already told you I’m not going anywhere.”

His smile softened. “I like you, Morgan. We once had something, and I want it again.”

“That was five years ago, Slade. I was young and stupid.”

“You weren’t stupid. And you enjoyed it.”

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