“Good.Now, let’s get to the meeting with this idiot.”A scowl settles between his brows.“You always meet with him alone, correct?”
“Yes.His department is one of the ones I’m in charge of.We do weekly meetings to make sure we’re on track.”
“Ok.”He nods his head and I know he’s working through what to do.“I’ll make sure I'm there for your meetings or Luke is.If that doesn’t help, you can take over one of the departments I head up and I’ll take this one.”
“Thanks, Uncle Parker.”
“Anything for you, sweetheart.”He presses a gentle kiss to the top of my head, then pushes open the door to the conference room.
Josh’s eyes widen as he sees Uncle Parker walk in first.He relaxes a little bit when he sees me follow him in.
“Hey, Cici.It’s nice to see you again.”The sly smile spreading across his face makes me want to rush to my office and take as hot of a shower as I can.
I give him a tight-lipped smile and take a seat next to Uncle Parker.I wish I could hide behind him and let him deal with this entire meeting.
“Ok, can you give me an update on where the department is with the marketing for the Roger’s account?”
Scott, Powell, and Coleman have expanded since Dad worked here.I graduated with a master’s degree in business and marketing.I wanted to bring marketing to the company since that’s what I love to do.Uncle Parker and Uncle Luke loved the idea and jumped at the chance to bring something new to the company.They’ve let me lead most of it since it was my idea, but they’re always willing to step in and help when I need it.
“We’re ahead of schedule.We should have a plan ready for them by the end of the day.”
“Perfect.What about Rockwell?”I jot down information on the pad of paper I always carry with me at work.
“Rockwell isn't going as well as we had planned.I was thinking we could discuss it over dinner tonight.”His smile widens even more, making me sick to my stomach.
“Not happening,” Uncle Parker growls.
“Oh, I wasn’t implying you should come with us, sir.I think Cici and I could handle it.”His brows draw together as he tries to regain control of the situation.
“I know what you were implying, Josh.Miss Powell isn't interested in working with you outside of this office building.On anything.You are her employee.Someone she has complete control over firing if you speak to her inappropriately again.”
“Sir, I wasn’t-” he sputters, but Uncle Parker cuts him off.
“I’m not an idiot and I don’t tolerate unwanted flirting in my company.There will be a note placed in your employee file.This is your one and only warning.If you flirt with Miss Powell again or imply you should work together outside of this building, I will personally fire you.Is that understood?”Uncle Parker arches a brow.
“Yes, sir.”Josh ducks his head and refuses to meet my gaze.
The rest of the meeting is quicker than any other meeting I’ve ever attended.Josh hurries to answer every question and he glances at his watch more than a few times.I think he’s shifted uncomfortably in his chair at least every twenty seconds.It’s almost comical seeing the change in him.This is someone I could work with.
I just want respect.I don’t want people thinking they can get away with things or sweet talk me into something I don’t want, just because I'm a woman.I need to make sure I place clear boundaries before it becomes an issue.Make sure everyone knows I'm not someone to mess with.
Chapter 2
Covey
Taligigglesonmylap as she rubs her little hands over the thick stubble coating my jaw.She loves the way it feels and I just like seeing her laugh.I swear she stole a piece of my heart the first time she asked me to hold her and I'll do whatever I need to do to make her smile and laugh.
Even if that means she’s getting mac and cheese all over my face.
“I think Covey will need a bath by the time he leaves tonight,” Winnie singsongs.
“You don’t have to let her do that, man,” Schmidt reaches for his daughter, but I shake my head.
“Nah, I don’t mind.Let her have fun.Right, Tali girl?”
She lets out an ear-piercing squeal and everyone covers their ears.I chuckle and cradle Tali against my chest.
Smithy and Liliana are sitting to my right with Schmidt and Winnie to my left.Charlie and Wyatt, and Cord and Macy, are sitting across the fire from me.Wheeler, Holden, Jackson, and Leo are sprinkled throughout.We’re all relaxing after a long week of practice and games.
