Page 36 of Tempt Thy Neighbor

Which is exactly how I know I’ll have no problem winning this bet with Holland. We’re coworkers. For that reason alone, she’s off-limits to me.

“And before the competition around here starts to liven up.”

My ears perk at the word. “Competition?”

“Yep. When you don’t show up for coffee in the break room in the morning, you miss all the latest office buzz.” She gives me a wink. “Larry announced he’s retiring in two months, and Jessa is very big about promoting from within. Word is she plans to pick a new project manager.” She shrugs. “It doesn’t change anything for me—I’m not capable of managing anyone other than myself.” She laughs at her own joke.

A manager position? That’s a hefty pay raise, a foot in the door for a director position, and a big step up to show my family I’m doing just fine without them.

It’s something I am very interested in.

“Do you think a lot of people will be applying?” I ask, trying to gauge my competition.

“A few people voiced their interest, including Holland. With the way she’s nailing all her projects, I’m sure she’s on Jessa’s radar.”

Of course Holland wants the promotion. She’s as competitive as me.

I slide my eyes toward Holland’s desk and am surprised to find her staring back at me, eyes narrowed.

If she keeps looking at me that way, I might start to suspect she’s jealous of me giving Emma my attention.

Emma leans forward, her tits really brushing against my screen now. “I’m assuming by the gleam in your eye, you’re about to give her a run for her money.”

Am I going to bust my balls to beat Holland out of the promotion?

You bet your ass I am.

“You could say that,” I say, not taking my eyes off Holland.

Emma giggles. “Well, for the record, I’ll be rooting for you.”

I glance back up at her. “Appreciate it. I have some emails to send…”

“Oh. Of course.” She pushes off my desk and straightens out her blouse, pulling it back up to cover her tits. “I’ll let you get back to work. Just thought I’d catch you up with all the latest gossip. Maybe we’ll see each other at lunch.”

“Maybe.”

With a tight smile, she takes the hint that I’m dismissing her and slinks away, making sure to put an extra sway in her hips.

Her efforts are fruitless. I have no interest in sleeping with her.

But I do have a strong interest in beating Holland to the top of the ladder.

I pull up my email and draft a simple message letting her know I’ve officially entered the race.

From:[email protected]

To: [email protected]

Subject: Larry

Game on,princess.

Sutton Barnes

Soon-to-be Project Manager

Guessour apartment isn’t the only thing we’ll be competing for.

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