“Does anyone have any final questions for Ms.Winters before we call the project to a vote?”
I examined the faces around the long table.The men and women seated before me held the future of this ambitious project in their hands.Their expressions were inscrutable as they weighed the merits of my proposal.
Laura Price cleared her throat, and the cold rasp of her voice broke the tense quiet.“I have a question for you, Ms.Winters.”
My pulse kicked up a notch as all eyes swiveled in her direction.
“This community revitalization effort is certainly...ambitious,” she drawled.“But let’s be realistic here.We’re a for-profit business—not some charity foundation.What tangible returns can we expect to see on this kind of investment?”
The board members’ eyes flicked between Laura and me as if watching a tennis match.Maintaining my composure, I met her harsh gaze with a level stare of my own.“You raise a fair point, Mrs.Price.At the end of the day, we are a business, beholden to our shareholders.However, I would argue that this endeavor represents a sound investment with the potential for substantial long-term returns.”
Drawing myself up taller, I clicked back through the slides, pulling up the financials.“As outlined in my proposal, the construction and operation of these facilities will create hundreds of new jobs in an economically depressed area.Not only will this revitalize the local tax base, but it will also foster goodwill and stronger brand loyalty from a highly under-served market segment.”
I paused before continuing.“By positioning Price Industries as a socially conscious leader, we’ll be better equipped to attract top talent from younger generations who increasingly prioritize corporate ethics and social impact.In essence, we’ll be investing in our future workforce pipeline.”
I leaned forward and braced my hands on the table.“Make no mistake, this project carries risks.But I firmly believe the potential rewards—both ethical and financial—far outweigh the drawbacks.”
I pressed on, refusing to be cowed by Laura’s frosty glare.“The data is clear — companies that prioritize social responsibility and invest in their communities consistently outperform their peers in the long run.This project represents a prime opportunity for Price Industries to solidify its reputation as an ethical, forward-thinking leader.”
I looked around the table, silently imploring the other board members to hear the sincerity in my words.“Ultimately, you’ll have to decide if bolstering our bottom line is the sole metric for success, or if cultivating a positive legacy that uplifts those around us is equally vital.”
Laura’s eyes narrowed.Before she could respond, Thomas cleared his throat, effortlessly commanding the room’s attention.“Thank you again for that comprehensive presentation, Ms.Winters,” he said.“I believe you’ve made a strong case for moving forward with this initiative.”Steepling his fingers, he glanced around the table.“Let’s take it to a vote, shall we?”
One by one, the board members voiced their decisions, a chorus of “ayes” slowly building momentum.Laura remained stone-faced throughout.
As the final “aye” rang out, I exhaled a shuddering breath.A warm sense of relief washed over me.
Thomas smiled.“The ayes have it.Congratulations, Ms.Winters.Your proposal has been approved.I trust you’ll spearhead this endeavor with the same diligence and passion you displayed today.”
My cheeks flushed with pride.“Thank you, sir.You can count on me to see this through.”
“Excellent.”Nodding, Thomas rose from his seat, prompting the rest of the room to follow suit.“Meeting adjourned.”
* * *
The room had emptied,leaving only Emmett and me.He stood leaning against the wall with his hands in his pockets.I continued packing up my laptop and purse, pretending I couldn’t feel his eyes on me.When I was ready, I slung my bag over my shoulder and turned toward him, batting my eyelashes.“Ready to go, Mr.President?”
Emmett prowled towards me, a feral glint in his eyes that instantly flooded my panties.Before I could react, he grabbed me by the hips and yanked me against his hard body, his mouth crashing down on mine.
I melted into him with a moan, my hands twisting in the fabric of his shirt.The taste of him—rich and intoxicating—had me nearly begging for him.
Growling, he spun us around, propelling me backwards until my back collided with the cool glass wall of the conference room.I gasped, but his hungry mouth swallowed the sound.
“Fuck, Callie,” he panted against my lips.“Do you have any idea how sexy it was to watch you up there?”
He grasped the hem of my skirt, bunching the fabric at my waist.I whimpered in anticipation.
“You were so confident, so poised.Standing up to my bitch of a mother like that.”His breath was hot against my skin.“God, you have no idea how much I want you right now.”
He hooked his fingers into the waistband of my panties and tugged them down, letting the flimsy lace puddle at my feet.I squeaked at the chill of the glass against my bare skin, but the sound caught in my throat as Emmett dropped to his knees in front of me.
He lifted one of my legs over his shoulder, and his eyes gleamed as he stared hungrily at my exposed pussy.I shivered, my pulse thundering.
“So fucking beautiful,” he whispered.His stubble scraped against my leg as he kissed and nibbled the sensitive skin of my inner thighs.
A strangled whine escaped my lips as his talented tongue lapped at the slick evidence of my arousal.My fingers tangled in his hair, holding him against me as he laved broad strokes over my throbbing clit.The rhythmic flickering of his tongue soon had me trembling on the edge, arching away from the glass in search of delicious friction.
“Please...”It was equal parts plea and demand.Emmett merely hummed in response, the vibrations making white-hot stars explode behind my eyes.
