More Than Hate You (More Than Words)

Her accusation spools through my head, a refrain on repeat. She’s right. And that won’t change.

So why am I hesitating?

Maybe I’m wrong. Maybe there’s another way to work this situation to everyone’s advantage. Maybe…

But there’s not. I’ve known for a while that I could prevent the competition from winning Wynam’s business or woo the girl. I can’t have both. I’m always going to have to choose. And no matter my feelings for Sloan or the fact they’re growing every day, I have to choose my boss. He’s my best friend. And I owe him.

Still, I drag my feet, brewing another coffee while grabbing a bite of my protein bar, all while trying to analyze why I’m not simply picking up the phone to gleefully finish this thing off.

Then I realize why. Not only will Sloan hate me…but I don’t know what will happen to her professionally.

That’s not your responsibility.

Isn’t it?

I wrestle with that, turning it over in my head, before finally snarling out a curse and reaching for my phone. Evan answers on the first ring, breathing heavily. Given the hour, he’s likely spending quality time with the StairMaster. “Bas, missing me kicking your ass in the gym?”

“You wish.” I snort. “Hey, I’m about ready to pull the trigger on our backdoor takeover of Reservoir. But I need something first.”

“Shoot.”

I take a deep breath. Here goes nothing… “Protection for Sloan. She can’t be out of her job.”

In fact, I think she deserves a giant-ass promotion…but I’ll let Evan digest the rest of my plan before I bring that up.

“What? Buddy, this girl is the enemy. You’re falling for her, and I get that you want to protect her. It’s natural. But business and pleasure don’t mix.”

“That didn’t stop you from claiming Nia.” The words are out before I can think twice.

“She was always on our team.” I hear the warning in Evan’s voice.

“I can get Sloan on ours.” At least I hope I can.

She’s stubborn. She knows her own mind. She won’t be easily swayed. And deep down, she has that little-girl need for her daddy’s love she never got as a kid. That’s going to be tough to break through. Tougher still to switch her allegiance.

But not impossible.

Evan sighs. “I’m listening. What are you thinking?”

“If I take Shane’s place, that will make reorganizing in whatever way we want easier. All the VPs are compromised and must be replaced immediately.”

“Are you sure? Shane can’t influence them if he’s no longer CEO.”

“Sure, he can. All he has to do is threaten their reputations and families. Sloan’s VP would seemingly do anything to prevent his wife from finding out that he fucked a stripper while she was home with their newborn.”

“He sounds like a douche, too. I get your point. Trashing him can only help our cause.”

“Sloan could do his job. Easily. In her sleep. With one hand tied behind her back, metaphorically speaking.”

Evan hesitates. “She has no executive experience.”

“Not on paper, but she’s been running most of that organization—without the power or the pay—for nearly two years.”

“I’m concerned you’re confusing her business acumen with her skills in bed.”

“We’re not sleeping together.” Yet.

I intend to rectify that. I’ve got a plan for that, too.