Page 67 of Takeover
“You’re both lucky that this is a case of prior engagement and that Mr. Anderson has a short-term assignment.” He turned to Michael. “He was never going to remain your boss.”
Michael nodded and a look of understanding passed over his face. “Of course. He’s not part of the merger.”
“No. That was a particular sticking point with the Four Rivers board of directors, though we would have liked him to join us.”
News to Sam. It was a struggle not to speak, but something told him caution was a better approach. Maybe the weight of Malik’s stare, or the indentation his fingers made in the seat cushion he gripped.
“Which brings us to William Vandershoot, the man who would out you, in more ways than one.”
Michael smiled. “I go to Pittsburgh Pride every year. I don’t make a big deal of my sexual preference, but he’s only outing me to nonobservant folks. If they have an issue, that’s their problem.”
“Perhaps it’s not a worry for you, Mr. Sebastian, but for Mr. Anderson?”
It was Michael’s look, not Malik’s, that pressed against his heart. “I—made the decision recently to remain in Pittsburgh.” He swallowed and added. “To be with Michael. I was going to come out anyway.” His face must be red from the heat he felt all over his body. “I’m tired of hiding my sexuality, but I’d rather it be for Michael, not because William is trying to blackmail me.” Anger and pride were a potent mix. He clung to those rather than the fear. He’d been afraid too long.
Michael leaned back in his chair, his confidence so breathtaking Sam focused on Malik instead. Getting turned on now would be even less politic than having sex with Michael in the first place.
But he knew Michael approved of what he’d said. That was what mattered.
Malik nodded once. “And William?”
“He wants in on Sundra,” Sam said.
“William Vandershoot will not be an employee of Sundra Networks, regardless of what personal information of yours he places on the table, nor what recommendation he might try to extort from you.” Malik pushed off the chair and paced the length of the room. “I am tempted to let him follow through with his plan so that the both of you face the consequences of your sloppy behavior.” He turned. “But then you are doing that right now, aren’t you?”
“Better a crisis managed than a disaster allowed,” Sam said.
“Ah, yes. And what would you do, Anderson, in my position?”
Sam tented his hands and placed them against his lips. He hated these kinds of questions. Malik might as well have asked,How should I punish you?His spine hurt from all the tension in his back. “Announce the merger as planned. Have me leave early. I won’t object.”
“And Mr. Sebastian?” Malik said.
“I can’t be site manager.” Michael’s voice was soft, but firm. “You should pick someone from Sundra for that position.”
Malik nodded. “Very good and nearly correct. Officially, your exit date remains the same, Anderson, but you will make yourself scarce at the office earlier.”
“Done,” Sam said.
“Mr. Sebastian, as you surmised, you will not be promoted.”
“Understood.” Michael sat firm in his seat. Calm, as if this were but a summer breeze blowing over him and not yet another chance at his rightful position being snatched away.
That was far better than Sam managed. His legs trembled underneath the table.
“Greta has agreed to work at Four Rivers and manage the transition on-site. Mr. Sebastian will work directly with her. We’ll revisit your role at the office once the merger has been completed and integration is underway.”
Not a closed door, then. Sam let out a breath.
Malik’s expression softened, which was unusual. “If all goes well, this will be a mere bump in the road for you, Michael.”
Michael nodded. “I’ll do my best to earn back your trust.”
“You have my trust. Both of you. This was not an easy thing to bring to us, especially considering all you’ve been through, Michael.”
A crack in Michael’s unflappable armor appeared and he nodded, his lips pressed thin.
No, it hadn’t been easy. But it had been the correct move. Slowly, Sam’s ability to breathe normally returned.
