Vanilla On Top(51)

Pressure settles on my chest as I struggle to voice my concerns. “Uh, it sounds like a long shot, but I’m willing to do whatever you need.” I clear my throat and glance at the floor then back up. “What does this mean for Harvey and for my position?”

His face loses all traces of humor. “I won’t deny what Harvey hid from us all these years may be the entire firm’s undoing—and I’m really furious over it, as are the other board members. But he also helped to build the company and make it what it is today. I don’t want him involved anymore and neither does the rest of the board. He’s going to be pushed into an early retirement. If—and it’s a big if—if we can get past this mess and save the firm, his job is yours.”

My heart expands at his words, the pressure in my chest indescribable. I’d be the first woman in the company’s history to be on the board. Granted, it’s a small board, but damn, it’s a huge step in the right direction for the all-boys crew currently holding the reins.

I nod and lean forward. “All right, then. Let’s talk terms, first for my advancement and next for the company.”

Surprise lights his eyes at my announcement, but a smile curves his face when he realizes I’m serious. If he thinks the board is going to get me for a cheap price because of my age or gender, then they have another think coming.

Oliver, which he insisted I call him after my third use of Mr. Sayers, and I go to lunch after our meeting. If I can save the company, I will be granted the CFO position and a salary close to what Harvey was making. The added money will increase my financial security and bring me one step closer to a brighter future.

At the end of our meal, Oliver reinforced the need for discretion. We can’t risk anyone from Apollo getting a whiff of what we’re planning.

I don’t like the prospect of hiding anything from Tony, and I’m not sure I can do it. What will happen to us if I do succeed and save my company? Has he ever lost a buyout before? Could he lose his job?

I shake my head, trying my best to dispel the guilty thoughts that my actions could hurt his career. This is the modern world and business should be separate from personal lives. Right?

My phone vibrates in my pocket, indicating a text has come in. I draw it out and see it’s from Tony.

How’s your day going?

Busy, I type back. Yours?

Same. But my thoughts keep drifting to a blue soap scrubby….any idea why? ;-)

My face warms at the reminder of how he washed every inch of me with that scrubby this morning, until I was squirming and practically begging him to take me. And then how he made sure all my needs were met before we turned off the water.

LOL! You were very thorough with your washing. I will give you that!

I’m thinking of cutting out of work early, like 5. What time are you working ‘til?

Crap. With this new plan I have a boatload of work I need to get done. I’ll be here until at least 8.

Damn. Okay. Want to meet after? Come to my place?

I’ve never been to his apartment. I wonder where it is. Sounds great. I’ll call you when I’m done.

Off and on throughout the day, my thoughts trail back to him and last night. It felt like we really made progress as a couple.

A couple. Wow. Is that what we are now? Even though we shared an incredible experience last night, I’m still not sure where I stand with him. He did mention the word relationship, which I thought would be taboo for a guy like him. Keeping him a little at arms length until we clear up the buyout might be for the best.

My cell rings and I see it’s Carla. I answer right away. “Hey, girl. How you doing? You’re in Philly this week, right?”

Carla groans. “Yeah. It’s been a long ass week so far. And that guy I dated last week blew me off.”

I scramble around to remember whom she’s talking about. Oh yeah, she went out with one of the speed dating guys. “His loss. Don’t waste any more time thinking about it.”

“Easier said than done. I was hoping I could talk you into going clubbing with me on Friday.”

“When do you get back?” I hate clubbing and I’m hoping she’ll be getting back so late she’ll be too tired and bail on the idea.

“I’ll be home around noon. Plenty of time to rest up and party.” I hesitate in answering and she jumps in, a cajoling tone to her voice. “Come on…don’t make me cheer up myself without you.”

I laugh. “Oh sure, like you’d be alone for more than five minutes at any bar.”

“That’s not the point. And besides I don’t want to pick up a guy. I want to have a girls night. Dance and forget men for a while. How about if I invite Gemma and Katrina, too? We could make a real night of it. Haven’t done that in ages.”