“I met him at that Marketing Technology conference in Denver last fall. I didn’t tell you because, like I said, he’s a savvy businessman.” Boss laughed. “He made me sign an NDA before we even began discussions to explore this idea.”
I rolled my eyes. That sounded like Ian—always cautious and in control.
Boss approached me and led me back to my chair. “Kelli, please sit down.”
I sighed and reluctantly complied.
Boss took my hands right back as soon as we sat down. “Kelli, look at this like a partnership. Without you on board, this isn’t going to work. The office staff loves you too much.”
“It’s too late to butter me up.”
He laughed nervously. “That sounds like my girl.”
I didn’t find this humorous at all. “I’m going to have to think about this. There are other factors to take into account.” I stood. “I’m going home for the day.”
His head hung with a loud exhale.
I walked toward the door that joined our offices together.
“I’ll give you a raise,” Boss yelled out.
I didn’t even bother looking at him before I opened the door. “If I stay, you bet you will.”
I didn’t know if any increase in pay was worth working with Ian. I couldn’t believe he was going to be the Director. The big question was why he wanted to be. It sounded like he had plenty of money now, and he darn well knew I worked here. Ian always did his homework. I bet he already knew every employee’s name and his or her vital statistics.
I walked over to my desk and looked around my office lovingly. It was spacious and stylishly decorated with dark wood furniture; I even had a private bathroom. The view was great too. It overlooked a small lake and walking path. It was going to really suck to give it all up, especially for the man who did some major damage to my heart. It had taken me a long time to get over him, but you never forgot your first love, especially when you felt the way I felt about Ian.
As a precaution, I swiped the pictures of my nieces and cat from my desk and placed them in my satchel. The thought of never coming back made my stomach roll. How did this happen? I was expecting a promotion this morning, not a figurative slap in the face.
When I walked out of my office, Delfia looked up from her computer. “Should I transfer your calls to your mobile?” she asked with trepidation.
“That won’t be necessary.” I had to rush past her or the tears I’d been holding back were going to fall. Unfortunately, I had to pass the conference room on my way to the stairs.
I swear it was like Ian was waiting for me. “Kelli,” he called out.
I ignored him and walked as fast as my high heels would allow. It wasn’t fast enough.
He easily caught up with me on the stairs. “Please stop.”
I stopped on the landing and faced him. Looking at him invoked a deep hatred and an overwhelming desire to slap him, but I decided lashing out verbally would probably be more appropriate. “Why? So you can gloat about stealing my job?”
He walked down the stairs like he really was on a runway and met me on the landing. I’m not going to lie, it kind of took my breath away and that made me even more furious.
“I would never do that.” He drew closer, hitting me with his clean, intoxicating scent. “I didn’t know you were being considered for the position until this morning.”
“Oh, so this was a perk for you?”
His brows furrowed. “You know I’m not that kind of a person.”
“No, you’re wrong. I don’t know what kind of a person you are. I don’t think I ever did. You already lied to Gary. You should have told him you knew me and how you knew me.”
“I didn’t lie to him,” he said flatly, offended I would think such a thing.
“Still using the Greyson white lie, I see.” He was great at not telling the truth, all while telling the truth.
“He never asked, and I didn’t see why it was important to bring it up. This is business. It has nothing do with the fact that you and I knew each other previously.”
I shook my head at him in disbelief. I knew it shouldn’t bother me, but that was a little cold. We more than knew each other, but I had to remind myself that our relationship had meant more to me than it had to him. He obviously didn’t even regard it as a relationship. This wasn’t going to work; maybe it was just business to him, but for me, it was personal. “You can make this your first order of business then. As of this moment, I resign.” I turned and flew down the stairs.
