Hi Steph,
Sorry, the meeting time is now 3.15 and can you
set up your laptop before the meeting starts?
Seems that they want the full show this afternoon.
Sorry again and thanks in anticipation!
Steve.
“Great!”she said aloud to herself as she began to do battle with wires in an attempt to attach her laptop to the screen inthe conference room. The screen didn’t appear to recognise it at first, making her sigh. She checked the time and as it was only a quarter to three she tried to synchronise them again. While she waited for the outcome, she bent down to plug her laptop into the mains and as she straightened she saw her flowchart on the large screen prompting her to give herself a little clap. When someone joined in the clapping from behind her Steph physically jumped.
She turned quickly on her heels and was surprised to find Jon grinning back at her.
“I thought I should show my appreciation for the view of you bending over in that dress, but it is even more worthy of applause now that I see it from the front.” He clapped again.
Staring at him she was almost rooted to the spot. “You’re supposed to be in Geneva.”
“Ah, I was, but I seem to remember a very beautiful lady asking me to rush back, so . . .” he said seriously.
“I see, although I’m not sure it was a request.” She smiled at him now hoping the confusion and angst of the night before on the phone could be put behind them.
“I think you’ll find it most definitely was, darling. I really, really am desperate to be alone with you,” he admitted.
“We are alone,” she teased.
“In a room surrounded by glass walls,” he pointed out with a wave of his hands.
“I can’t think why you’d want solid walls.” She continued to tease.
“Apart from the fact that I am desperate to hold you and to kiss you and to be completely honest if we were truly alone I would fuck you right now,” he told her darkly, making her take a sharp intake of breath which appeared to amuse him judging by his wry grin. “And God, you would seriously enjoy it.”
She wasn’t sure whether she should reply, but before she had the chance to, the conference room door opened and a procession of people in suits followed Steve in and sat around the table.
“Mr Brooker, I wasn’t aware you’d be joining us,” said Steve.
“I was done in Geneva so there was no point in hanging around.” He took his seat at the head of the table. “Right, let’s get on,” he said to unanimous nods all round.
Steph was sittingopposite Jon at the bottom of the table, next to her laptop in front of the screen.
Steve discussed the depth and breadth of the specialist legal services that Brookers now had ready access to before going on to explain that Steph was the designated liaison point from Baker, Ross and Riley. He explained that she had been an asset to them since her arrival and as well as being organised, professional and approachable, she was also very knowledgeable and had a very quick turnaround with any queries or problems. As Steve handed over to her she wondered whether Jack had contacted Brookers yet with plans for his switch of her with Martin. Standing to present her overview, projections and flow chart on the large screen, Steph was very aware of Jon watching her every move and just how tightly fitting and potentially restrictive her dress was.
She finished by taking any questions about the contract before handing back to Steve.
“So any queries about Baker, Ross and Riley go through Steph and any general legal queries can go through our own legal team, me or Steph who is based in our legal department.”
Jon interrupted at this point and said, “Although H.R. are discussing the possibility of moving Miss Pryor’s base to a more enclosed environment.”
Steve and Steph exchanged a confused look before she looked back at Jon who just smiled at her.
“If there are any department heads who are wondering if their own departments are going to be put out to tender, I can assure you that I have no plans to do so unless you suddenly decide to underperform and then you may make the decision for me.” He sounded irritated by the rumours currently circulating, like the ones Steve had told her about. “Oh, and can I have quarterly figures on my desk for Wednesday morning please, electronic or hard copies,” he added before standing to signal that the meeting was now over.
Some people were beginning to leave while others chatted to each other as Steph began to close her laptop down and disconnect it, momentarily revealing a picture of her and Lindsay in very little bikinis from their holiday to Portugal earlier in the year.
“Your partner?” asked a slightly imposing woman of about forty-five.
“No,” said Steph quickly. “My best friend, she is just back off her honeymoon so our girly holidays may have come to an end, although her husband is very understanding and laid back.”
