Page 13 of Just a Little Tempted

I didn’t love the idea of going around Ellen to reach her boss, but desperate times called for creative measures. I noted Melissa’s extension from the company directory and placed another call.

A different woman answered. “Hello, this is Melissa Frazier’s office.”

“I’m sorry—did you say Melissa Frazier?” I let just the right amount of confusion color my voice. “Oh, I apologize. I must have written down the wrong extension. I was trying to reach Harry Frazier.”

“That’s a perfectly understandable mistake. Their names are right next to each other in the directory. Melissa is Harry’s wife.”

“Is there any way I could be transferred to him? I’m Raina Seager, calling on behalf of Simon Powers. It’s rather important that I speak with Mr. Frazier directly.”

I hoped dropping Simon’s name would carry weight. The man had invested millions in this company.

“Oh, yes. I can help with that. I’m sure he’s in his office. Would you like me to transfer you directly?”

This time, my smile was genuine. “I’d like that very much.”

“Please hold.”

A click, a brief silence, then ringing before the call picked up.

“Harry Frazier.” He sounded confused, as if he couldn’t fathom why a call had bypassed his assistant. “Can I help you?”

“Mr. Frazier, this is Raina Seager from Simon Powers’ office.” I kept my voice pleasant but let a slight edge creep in. “I’m so glad I was able to catch you at the office.”

Silence stretched for a beat too long. He’d caught the implication. Good. I wanted him to know I was fully aware his assistant had lied about his availability.

“Um… yes, Ms. Seager. I actually just returned and was planning to call you back.”

Liar.“Well, I’ve saved you the trouble. I’m sure you’re a busy man, so I won’t take much of your time. I simply need to get a meeting scheduled between you and Mr. Powers.”

Another pause. I waited, curious how he’d handle this. Would he double down on his lie? Manufacture some excuse for why a meeting was impossible?

It didn’t matter. I was getting this done, and he was about to learn I didn’t give up easily.

“This call was transferred from within the building,” Mr. Frazier said, suspicion sharpening his tone even as he tried to deflect. “Who connected you?”

Ah. He was annoyed I’d found a way around his gatekeeper. “Does that really matter? What’s important is that we conduct our business. Mr. Powers wants to meet with you.”

“Well, sure, I know that. But you can’t just bypass my assistant. There’s a protocol here, a way we do things—”

He was blustering now. I let him ramble until he ran out of steam.

“Mr. Frazier, you have an obligation to meet with your primary investor. And it’s my job to facilitate that. All the hemming and hawing in the world isn’t going to dissuade me.”

“I won’t be pressured into scheduling a meeting.” He was trying to sound authoritative, but I caught the nervous edge beneath his bluster. “I’m a very busy man, and frankly, I don’t have time for this conversation.”

I sensed he was about to hang up so I spoke quickly. “If you don’t have time for a phone call, I can’t imagine it will be convenient when I show up at your office in person.”

“What?”

I smiled at the shock in his voice. He was starting to realize he’d underestimated me. “The last thing I want is to inconvenience you, Mr. Frazier,” I said, keeping my tone professional. “So I hope we can resolve this now. It might notreflect well on you if I have to make an in-person visit. The other executives at your firm, and Mr. Cooper, might question why such lengths were necessary just to schedule a simple meeting.”

Dropping the CEO’s name was a calculated move, a pointed threat wrapped in politeness. I was walking a fine line, and I hoped Simon wouldn’t think I’d overstepped to accomplish this task.

“No—don’t come here.” The bluster had evaporated, replaced by resignation. “Just… give me a moment to pull up my calendar. We’ll get something scheduled for next week.”

I leaned back in my chair, listening to the clatter of a keyboard on his end. Five minutes later, we had a meeting confirmed. I updated Simon’s calendar immediately, a small thrill of satisfaction warming my chest.

The rest of the day flew by and before I knew it, it was five o’clock. While I knew my hours would fluctuate based on Simon’s needs, he’d told me this morning I could leave at five today.