“Because I was the lead acquisitions contact on the deal, not Nikko. I researched Parkerson’s office culture and realized they are a strongly knit group capable of anything they set their minds to. A higher offer would be more agreeable and less likely to piss them off. The last thing you want is them fighting us.”
“Really? The new offer was suspiciously drafted the next morning after the team’s initial proposal. Kind of late for you to be doing ‘research’ on an existing deal.”
My teeth grind together in anger. The bastard is fishing. No one knows of my dalliance with Heather except Marcus. He’d never sell me out, would he? I know he’s money hungry but I never thought he’d stab me in the back.
I go with my gut and assume he wouldn’t. Can’t slot the man guilty with no proof except for the hot air blown from this windbag.
I smile, hiding my true feelings like any successful businessman, and turn the tables on the prick. “Are you worried I may be right? That if you go half-cocked into Friday’s meeting with a lower offer, the deal will collapse?”
Brian’s smug expression falters, self-doubt briefly flitting across his features before being squashed behind a mien of confidence.
I’ve got him. “You might get shit-canned if you blow this deal, Brian. It’s the biggest one Nikko has let you handle.”
“Don’t worry about me. This deal is nailed up tight. I’d worry about your own sorry ass. After I close this buyout, I’ll be stepping up to take your job.”
I lean against the edge of my desk, slowly shaking my head. “You really think one deal will make a difference to Nikko?” I push off and saunter toward the door, waving my arm toward the exit to indicate the jerk needs to leave. “I’ve earned this company billions, Brian. Don’t underestimate my value.”
He stalks past, anger radiating off him. “And that’s the root of your problem, Tony.” He spins to face me. “You overestimate your worth. Ever think about the man you replaced before you were the golden child? I bet he thought his job was safe, too.”
The industrial carpet muffles his retreating footsteps as he storms down the hall. Idiot doesn’t even know the history of the company. No one had this job before me. Nikko trained me himself so he could supervise the overall company rather than micro-manage everyday operations.
I’m sick of these games. Life has to hold more than just bullshit and pissing matches.
A sigh escapes as I pick up the phone. A deep voice answers after two rings. “Sir? Do you have time to talk?” I rub my forehead, where a knot of tension gathers. “Great, I’ll see you in five.”
I pack my briefcase and head to do the hardest thing I’ve done since I started working. It’s going to be a long night.
Chapter Nineteen
Heather
Every day has been the same since Monday. I work later than I’d like and then return to my apartment to spend the rest of the night with Tony. Some nights we’re frantic for each other and others we relax in each other’s embrace, taking the time to explore and enflame for hours.
When morning arrives, I wake in his strong embrace and tension fills me with dread over what will happen to us. Every sunrise brings us one step closer to Friday’s meeting, where my lover learns I’ve been keeping a huge secret from him.
I met with Carla yesterday for lunch and spilled my guts. I filled her in on some of the details from last Friday night at the bar, our weekend in Hoboken, and every late night rendezvous we’ve shared since. I left out the really personal parts, but she got the main gist. She had no advice to give, other than the obvious, which was to tell him what I’ve been doing all week—and jeopardize my whole career in the process.
Really? What the hell kind of choice is that?
In hindsight, talking about my parent’s death explained some of my issues and why I’ve acted like I have. But not telling him I’ve worked the past week and a half to ruin his buyout runs precariously close to lying.
No one loves a liar.
Did I miss my window? Should I have told him everything last weekend in the car?
Can’t change the past, so might as well look toward the future.
A future that could be without Tony.
I’ve got everything I ever dreamed for my career: a stable job, higher pay, a new position on the board. Would the fates be so cruel that I would have to choose either a great job or a great love—and not have both?
Tony shifts in the bed next to me, drawing my attention to here and now. Today feels as wonderful as the others this week. I lazily stroke my hand down his forearm, hoping to steal one last moment together before he discovers my lies later today. I turn in his arms and kiss his neck, desperation adding an edge to my passion. Tony responds instantly and we make love, fast and furious while the sun rises.