Page 46 of Hired By the Enemy
I suck in a sharp breath. “I really think that if we don’t incorporate environmental concerns into our business model, then we’re going to be left behind by our competitors.”
“Well, it’s obvious it’s something you’re passionate about, and it’s great to see your passion. Why don’t you finish the rest of your presentation, and we can see what you’re thinking?”
I go through the rest of the presentation, but I’m flustered by the way Paul keeps sending smirks around the table like I’m a child they’re indulging.
I need everyone on board with this. The eco-rewards system is a major part of the direction I want the company to head in the future.
But it’s not good leadership if you ignore your team’s feedback on a major shift in company policy.
“Does anyone have any questions?” I ask when I finally reach the end of my slides.
“Thanks, Matthew. It’s always great to hear your ideas. Right, I think a cocktail by the pool might be in order after that,” Paul says, standing.
What the hell? He’s completely undermining me. But when everyone else gets to their feet as well, throwing grateful looks at Paul, how do I argue that they need to sit back down and discuss my idea now? I’ve never wanted to be that kind of boss.
“We can talk through this more when we get back to San Francisco,” I say.
“Sure thing, Matthew,” Paul says as he heads out the door.
The room quickly empties.
I remain sitting at the table, feeling hollow, trying to recover from the trainwreck that was.
Trying not to feel that my own company is slipping away from me.
When I finally get to my feet to follow the exodus of my colleagues, I have a sudden, inexplicable urge to find Liam.
After the morning I’ve just had, I need comfort.
I don’t want to think too hard about the fact that the person I want to see the most right now is the last person I ever thought I’d seek comfort from.
Chapter Twelve
Liam
I’m hanging out by the pool, waiting for Matthew to get out of his meeting. Finally, his colleagues emerge from the conference room, but Matthew isn’t with them.
I feel twitchy because it’s been a few hours since I’ve touched Matthew and I’m craving it right now.
I’ve never felt addicted to someone before.
But these last few days feel like they’ve been an exercise in becoming hooked on Matthew because it appears Matthew and I simply can’t get enough of working off our animosity.
The only problem with the working-off-our-animosity theory?
It’s becoming harder and harder to remember the animosity between us.
Last night, we talked for hours. Maybe it’s because of our shared history, but I find it easier to talk to Matthew than anyone I’ve ever slept with.
A tightness winds inside me because I don’t want to think about what emotion has replaced the animosity between Matthew and me.
But the tight feeling unwinds the moment I see his dark hair emerge through the doors.
I stand up.
“Hey, sweet cheeks.” I greet him with a quick kiss.
Not to brag, but I’m rocking the fake-boyfriend thing. So many of Matthew’s colleagues have commented on how nauseatingly in love we are.
