Page 15 of Love to Hate You

“Maybe,” Mark says carefully. “Nash is the one who’s going to want to step right in and take over. But, with the provision, he can’t.”

“Provision?” My ears perk up.

“You didn’t know?”

“Know what?” I demand.

“Thomas stated in his will that though the Beckett clan owns TB Tech, you will remain President for three months and-”

“Help smooth the transition. As Interim President. Yeah, I know that part and it’s a little insulting because Nash is going to get rid of me the moment the clock strikes midnight three months from the day I take over.”

“The provision provides that you will be able to return to your previous position as VP. We’re all assuming he intends to step up as CEO and President, but he can’t just fire you for no reason.”

“In case you’ve forgotten, we don’t work well together,” I remind him.

“We’ll see,” he murmurs. “In the meantime, know that I have your back. You’re a vital asset and everyone knows it.”

“I appreciate it, Mark.”

At least I can take comfort in the fact that I have three whole months to search for a new job.

Unfortunately, I don’t want to leave TB Tech. The final decision, though, will be out of my hands. Problem is it will be in the hands of a man who despises me.

Lovely.

7

NASH

Iarrive early for the Monday morning meeting and it’s strange being back at TB Tech. In a weird way, it almost feels right. I shake my head, not understanding why it would, and follow the receptionist into the massive conference room where several board members already sit.

They immediately stand up to shake my hand and my eyes are instantly drawn to the far end of the oak table where Charlie talks to a partner. For a moment, our gazes meet, and I can’t help but frown. The last two years have been kind and she’s far more attractive than I remember. I kept thinking the same thing at the funeral on Saturday. Her honey-blonde hair is pulled back into a low twist and she looks slim and elegant in a black pantsuit. Those blue-green eyes of hers assess me closely and she frowns right back.

Adjusting my tie, I walk along the edge of the table, closing the distance between us.Fuck.When did she get so damn pretty? All I remember is a harpy who made my life miserable. But this woman looks like some kind of blonde bombshell who walked in straight off the red carpet.

My heart thunders in my chest and when I reach her, neither of us says anything for a moment. It’s almost like we’re meeting for the first time. Mark Jenner, the board member, standing beside her clears his throat.

“I’m sorry for your loss, Nash,” Mark says.

“Appreciate it.” We shake hands and my attention returns to Charlie who looks like a beautiful ice queen. “Charlie,” I say.

“Nash,” she returns smoothly, voice betraying no hint of emotion. Calm, cool and collected, like always. But something in her aquamarine eyes’ flashes.

“I know this situation isn’t exactly comfortable, but I hope we can work through it and everyone can get on the same page,” I say.

“And what page is that exactly?” Charlie asks.

“The one that puts TB Tech’s best interests first,” I clarify. Her lips look glossy, and I can’t drag my eyes away.

“For some of us, that’s always been our first priority,” she says.

It’s a dig directed at me for leaving but I choose to ignore it. I’m going to try really hard to be the bigger fucking man here. Even if it kills me.

“The rest of my family should be here soon,” I tell them. Turning, unable to look at those plump, juicy lips any longer, I grab a Styrofoam cup of coffee off the table. There’s a whole assortment of muffins and donuts, but I ignore them. All I need is the dark, hot caffeine thrumming through my veins and drowning out this weird feeling that hits me when I look at Charlie.

Attraction?It can’t be. There’s no way I can be attracted to the shrew who used to drive me crazy. Sneaking a peek at her, I study her hand laying on the conference table. She has long, elegant fingers, no rings on and her perfect nail beds have a clear coat of shiny polish.

No ring.I think it’s safe to assume she isn’t engaged or married. Like me, she probably devoted all of her time working and not dating or trying to make a relationship work. Work has consumed my life and Charlie and I were very similar in that aspect. Of course, things change.

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