Playing with Power - Book 5: New Adult Office Romance Read Free Page B

Parker said. His eyes were cold and his lips barely moved as he spoke.
    “I do too.”
    He glanced over her shoulder and said, “I think they’re ready for you.”
    Confused, Lauren turned to see Faith waving her over. She mumbled a thank you to Parker as she left his office and walked down the hall. She was grinning ear to ear, her long blonde ponytail swishing behind as she glanced back to the main room. She pulled Lauren into a tight hug and whispered in her ear.
    “I hope you aren’t mad, but Parker told me he was going to offer you the position and I knew we had to celebrate.” She pulled back, practically beaming with happiness. Ah Faith, you’re too good for all of us, Lauren thought. “I just had to make sure you said yes first.” Then speaking in a louder voice to the whole office she said, “It’s my pleasure to present the new CTO of StyleSpur!”
    The entire office erupted in applause, punctuated with loud bangs as everyone pulled the strings on their poppers. Colorful streamers and glitter rained down on Lauren’s head as everyone cheered. They drew in to personally congratulate her, each person taking a moment to tell her how happy they were to have her in charge. Even Rochelle congratulated her, although her eyes were saying something completely different.
    As this was going on, Faith was busy in the conference room setting up a brunch buffet complete with bottles of champagne. Lauren was led into the room where, in a truly bizarre twist, Parker proposed a toast.
    “I’ll keep is short and sweet,” he said tartly. He raised his Solo cup of champagne. “To Lauren. May this be the beginning of a long and prosperous partnership.”
    “To Lauren!” they all replied.
    As the team mingled around the food, chatting and energized from the rare Monday morning treat, Lauren excused herself to the bathroom. Locking the stall door, she sat on the toilet lid and tried to collect herself. Parker’s words echoed through her mind.
    A long partnership...I’m going to fuck over all these people. I can’t possibly find everyone a job and there’s going to be collateral damage, no matter how hard I try. Whether or not he deserves it, am I actually capable of destroying Parker’s company? I suppose I’m in too deep now...
    She pulled out her phone and typed Landon a quick message.
    I know you won’t get this until you land but...I got it. He made me CTO. I don’t know if I should laugh or cry.
     
    Throughout the gathering, Lauren did her best to try and pull Faith to the side, hoping at the very least to arrange to meet for drinks later on. It seemed a nearly impossible task. Every time she got close to pulling her away, Parker appeared out of nowhere, still grinning like an idiot. Finally, as everyone began filtering back into the main room, remembering that they were indeed at work, Lauren was able to corner her in the nearly empty conference room.
    “I’m so happy for you,” Faith said rubbing Lauren’s arm.
    “Thank you sweetie, seriously. This was way too much, you outdid yourself. You certainly know how to throw a party. Listen, I was wondering if—”
    “Oh, I can’t keep it a secret anymore!” Faith exclaimed. Her energy was so overwhelming Lauren nearly took a step back. “I promised I wasn’t going to tell anyone but...” she said looking around to see if the coast was clear. “Parker asked me to marry him over the weekend.”
    Lauren had never been good at poker. According to her brother, she might as well play with her cards facing out for all the good her poker face did. She couldn’t conceal the shock on her face.
    “I know, I know. You aren’t his biggest fan.”
    “Faith, it isn’t that. I...there’s something I’ve gotta—”
    Clearly not listening, Faith exclaimed, “Look! I’ve been wearing it spun around but look what he gave me.” She twisted the ring around on her finger revealing a gigantic diamond that sparkled under the fluorescents. “Isn’t it beautiful?