Read Online Conflict of Interest (Employee Relations Book 1) by Teresa Michaels - Free Book Online Page A

so,’” I finish her statement.
    The corner of her mouth twitches but she remains composed. “To help you through it,” Gabriella clarifies. She’s got a great poker face but I can see through her professional façade. She can’t wait for me to fail and beg for her help.
    That’ll be the day.
    “We better go and start the video conference. Don’t want to piss off Jack even if he’s across the ocean.” Mike slaps me on the shoulder as he passes by.
    For a minute I forgot that we were in his office. I look at the ground and follow Mike to the door. Christ, she pisses me off.
    “Hold on.” Gabby puts her hands on either side of doorframe, blocking me in once Mike’s in the hallway. “We’ll be there in a minute,” she calls to Mike over her shoulder.
    I clutch my laptop and shove my free hand into my pocket to occupy it. “What’s this about, Gabriella?”
    Last time we spoke I’d blown her off to avoid being with her behind closed doors. Christ, I couldn’t stop myself from grabbing her leg in a crowded room. If her leg brushing against me has that kind of effect on me, I can only imagine what being inside her would do.
    And now she’s trapped me in a room.
    I’m at war with myself. I want to slam the door and then slam her against it while her legs wrap around me. The sane part of my brain keeps me from doing just that on a daily basis. It’s my other brain that’s threatening to take over, and right now I’m not sure how much I care.
    Admitting that even to myself has me panicking. Willpower isn’t something I’ve had to call on before. My focus has been on my career. Everything you’ve ever wanted is finally within reach . Even as I tell myself this, I find it hard to ignore how easily that statement could apply to the woman before me if only I was allowed to go there.
    I won’t. That’s for sure. But I don’t like how she’s getting to me. Distracting me. The little time I’ve spent around her leaves me feeling less like myself. For my own good I don’t want to be near her, yet I’m drawn to her. I don’t need any diversions, yet I can’t get her out of my mind. I want her as my next meal, yet I couldn’t touch her even if I wanted to.
    In a nutshell, I’m royally screwed.
    She steps forward and places her hands on her hips. Like a caged animal I want to flee. I don’t though because I’m also a glutton for pain.
    “Are you prepared for the meeting?”
    I blow out a deep breath and consider my options. I could lie, but what’s the point. As soon as the meeting starts she’ll know I’m full of shit.
    “I’ll take that as a no,” she answers, taking another step forward. “Did you at least read the email?”
    The limited space between her chest and mine only makes me want to get closer. “I don’t recall seeing it.” Stick to the truth and don’t fucking move.
    “So you have no idea what the meeting’s about, do you?”
    “Workforce planning.”
    “Mike tell you that?” she smirks and raises an eyebrow at me.
    I smirk back and she shakes her head. Exhaling loudly, she crosses her arms over her chest, producing a hint of cleavage that makes my mouth water. The effort it takes not to gawk and grab at her is herculean. Of all the things I could be proud of, not touching her right now is high on my list.
    Bloody hell.
    “We lost a good candidate yesterday because you didn’t approve the email request for the offer. And there’s an employee issue brewing in your org that you should be aware of.”
    “I get hundreds of emails a day.” This is the truth. Still, I’m making excuses and we both know it.
    Defeated, she shrugs and steps back, her warm eyes losing some of their glow. “Okay then. See you down there.” She spins on her heals and leaves.
    I follow behind, leaving enough distance to watch the sway of her hips and pray I don’t get a hard on.
    Yup. Completely screwed.
     

     
    “Alright, let’s get started.” Gabriella calls the room to attention as she