Page 8 of A Bossy Surprise

Although I liked it a lot before, this is more flattering for his angular features.

I only allow myself a moment to appreciate how good he looks before my mind throws me back into the potential chaos that can come from all of this.

Whatever he’s doing here. I hope he isn’t staying long.

To figure out what’s going on, I really should listen to what the hell Arthur is saying, but I can’t because of the way Adam has pinned me to my seat with his stare. No one else exists.

It’s exactly why I’m grateful when Arthur draws Adam’s attention from me.

I take a moment to catch my breath as Adam addresses the whole room. “Good morning, everyone. I am Adam Grant. I’m the Senior Vice President of the Grant Media Group. We have just purchased GNN and I will be overseeing operations here for the foreseeable future.”

I’m done for.

There is no way out of this.

If this were two weeks ago, I seriously would’ve considered quitting my job, but I can’t quit now. The opportunity I’ve just been given is an amazing one. If I quit now, who knows when next I’m going to get the opportunity to head a news department again.

What the actual fuck?

Over the years it is been important for me to know exactly where Adam was. I’ve practically stalked him online for years. I’ve also gotten bits and pieces out of Lucas. Just enough that it’s useful, but not enough to raise any suspicion. As far as I knew he was still in California.

I have to find a way out of this. I can’t have Adam close to me.

I basically tune out the rest of the meeting. Which is hard, especially when Adam fires Maurice. The man is a total pain in the ass. So I’m not sorry to see him go. However, I’m too in my head about the possible ramifications of the house falling down around me to care that much.

I’m only snapped out of my reverie when Arthur says, “I know you’re all aware that the News Division Head position has been open for the past month. I’m sure you’re all curious to know who is going to be filling those shoes.”

The energy in the room picks up as people sit up straighter in their chairs. People have been dying to know who is going to get my job because although it’s not the most senior position in the organization, my new office basically dictates how everyone else works.

Arthur claps his hands together. “Please help me congratulate our incoming News Division Head, Kayla Wood.”

All eyes in the room turn to me.

I shift a little in my seat at the attention.

I look around and most of the people looking at me have derision in their eyes. I had expected that, but actually seeing it is a little different.

“Kayla, would you like to say something?” Arthur asks.

I had an entire speech prepared for this, but Adam has destabilize me so much that the words have flown out of my head. I guess I’ll have to wing it.

I climb to my feet and straighten my powder-yellow fitted knee-length dress. The whole time praying that I don’t topple over in my heels.

“Hello everyone. First of all I would like to thank Arthur and the management of GNN for having such faith in my abilities. I am so eager to get to work and show everyone what we can do. I have worked with most of you in one capacity or another over the years. So I know we can work well together.”

My words are supposed to be rousing, but as my eyes jump from person to person, I am noticing that I am not achieving that goal. I continue regardless.

“Moving forward, I would like to ask for your cooperation. As is the case with many things in life, change isn’t easy. There are bound to be some growing pains. I know that much. So I would like to let you know that my door is always open. Please come to me with whatever issues you may have.”

My eyes cut to Adam and he is staring at me. His face gives nothing away.

“Just like Mr. Grant said, I too would like to take GNN to new heights, and I can’t do that without each and every single one of you. Anyway, that’s about all I have to say. To finish off, again, I would like to thank the GNN management for this opportunity. I also look forward to working with all of you in my new capacity. Thank you.”

A round of lukewarm applause lowers me back into my chair.

“Thank you, Kayla. I have every faith that you will do an amazing job directing the news for GNN.” Arthur says and someone in the room, snickers, but I don’t see exactly who.

I’m sure Arthur heard it too, but he doesn’t address it. He just blows ahead.