Playing With Power - Book 2: New Adult Office Romance (13 page)

Parker loved to talk with his hands. As he gestured wildly toward the projector screen, he managed to knock over a glass of water. Cursing, he jumped to his feet, shaking the water off his soaked Blackberry. Lauren had to quickly conceal her laugh with a cough. Faith rushed to his side and started fussing over him while the rest of the team averted their eyes.

“Alright, for fuck’s sake. We’re done. Go. Faith, what are you even doing? Do you have magical absorbing properties all of a sudden? Get something!”

Lauren shook her head as she gathered her notes and headed for the door. For as long as she lived, she would never understand what Faith saw in him. A woman like that could have literally any man she wanted yet she wasted her time with him.
He must be good in bed, ugh, God, what am I saying? He’s the most selfish person I’ve ever met—

“Lauren, hang back a sec.” She suppressed a groan as she watched the last of the employees escape out the door ahead of her.
Take me with you!
She turned back to the center of the room, Faith now dabbing at Parker’s wet trousers with a wad of cocktail napkins.

“Yes?”

“Were you satisfied with the way that meeting went?”

No sir, I would’ve dumped the water over your head.
“Yes, I think so.”
What’s he looking for?

“Really? So you’re happy with your contribution, sitting there looking like some fucking lobotomy patient. What the fuck were you smiling about, Nick’s dick? Damnit Faith, just knock it off. Go get my gym bag, I’ll just change,” he said, swatting her away. Frowning, she flinched from him like an abused puppy and made to leave. “Try using your brain every now and again, yeah? Jesus, where was I?”

Lauren’s jaw ached from clenching. It took all her willpower not to jump over the table and thump him right in the nose.

“Anyway, I expect more from you. You’re essentially my number two and with everyone so stressed out, we need them to trust us.” A smarmy grin washed across his face. “Daddy and Mommy have to get along.”

She took a hard swallow and said, “I appreciate what you’re saying and I’ll try to participate more in the next meeting.”

“Great, great!” he said, his hands out in a friendly gesture. “That’s all I’m asking. Have a good night. I hope you enjoy Nick’s dick.”

“Have a good night,” she said through clenched teeth.

Consider that a lesson, Lauren. He’s a lot more aware and tuned in than you give him credit for.