Page 13 of Hers to Love
“Positive.”
“How positive?” Marshall pushed the words through thick teeth.
“My source is coming directly fromhiscompany’s legal department.”
Marshall snorted. “Then I don’t know how true that is. Sounds like his legal department has leaks.”
“You learn to foster relationships where you can.”
“True.”
“And what better place to have a source than in another company’s legal department?”
“Sure, sure. They’ll be essential if we’re considering corporate espionage,” Marshall said dryly.
“Come off your moral high horse, Marshall. You know that’s how this all works. You think Brigham doesn’t have his minions in every other tech company out there? How do you think he’s been able to acquire so many smaller firms in such a short period of time?”
“If you’re insinuating that he’s breaking the law, then I’m even more inclined to believe he’s capable of assault.”
Perry’s head snapped back. “You believe her?”
Marshall held Perry’s gaze. “She hasn’t told me all the facts. She’s been discreet. Which is how an executive assistant should be. So, yes, I believe her—whatever she decides to say. I don’t have any indication that her character is any different than what she’s displayed. You haven’t even met her!”
“Is she hot?”
Marshall pinched the bridge of his nose. “Perry…”
“Then she is!”
Yes.Yes!She was more than hot. She was stunning. Truly. “So what if she is? Men have settled for far less—and I’m not trying to be a jerk.”
“I know, I know, but this bolsters my argument.”
Marshal laughed. “In what way? She’s attractive so she must be lying? From what I know of Brigham, I’m surprised she stayed with him for five years. The man is a notorious womanizer. With a new model every week. Kori was probably under a lot of pressure for a long time. We’ve both heard the rumors. This was bound to happen.”
“I’m inclined to believe they were in a relationship and it went south. Maybe she wanted more—like marriage.”
“Perry, you’re…you’re crazy.” Marshall chuckled.It was insane!
“It’s not crazy, Marshall. You know these cute girls graduate college looking for a meal ticket. They’re walking around in tight, short skirts and leaning over desks with amplified breasts.”
Marshall laughed even harder. Kori’s dress wasn’t tight, but it couldn’t obscure her curves.
“I’m shocked you let your own assistant get away from you.”
Marshall’s laughter died. His eyes narrowed on Perry. “Have you forgotten that I was divorced last year?”
“Exactly my point. When’s a better time than after a divorce to upgrade your spouse? And your assistant was definitely an upgrade. Don’t go pretending to be mad. I know you don’t love your ex anymore. No reason to defend her honor.”
Marshall had straightened in his chair, but he settled back. No, he didn’t love Sabrina’s mother anymore, but that didn’t mean the pain of losing her went with her in the divorce. He wished it had, but no. His own inadequacies had been brought to the forefront, and now he was a borderline alcoholic. He couldn’t afford to upgrade his spouse. Only a simple woman would want him, and he’d fall asleep on someone who wasn’t intellectually stimulating.
“A relationship with my assistant would’ve been completely unprofessional. Why give the board another reason to get rid of me?” he asked pointedly.
Perry’s thin lips tipped downward, and he nodded. “I can’t argue with that. But your decision to hire Ms. Kaye doesn’t sit well with the rest of the board. They think she’ll damage the company’s reputation. Can you guarantee us that she won’t sue?”
“Well, if all of you leave her alone—”
“Be serious, Marshall.”
