Conflict of Interest (Employee Relations Book 1) by Teresa Michaels Page B

closer and take her hands in mine. “Say you’ll come with me tomorrow to tour the place.”
    My mother watches me warily. “Even with a discounted rate, it’ll still be expensive.”
    If I tell her it’s fully covered she’ll know something’s up. If the price is too high my mom will say she’d rather save her money and care for her like my grandmother cared for her as a child. The difference is that the stress is eating at my mom and if she continues to neglect herself I doubt she’ll stay in remission.
    “You don’t need to worry about that mom. With the employee discount it’s only $350.00 a month.” Times three. “Besides, it’s walking distance to home and here. It’s also one of the best facilities.” My mother looks optimistic for the first time in forever.
    “That’s too good to be true,” she says on an exhale.
    “That’s why we need to do it.”
    I hate misleading her but the thought of her health being at stake again is too much.
    “I’ll have to talk to your father and uncle about it.”
    “At least come with me tomorrow to check out the place,” I plead. “That way you’ll be able to make a more informed decision. They should come too.”
    She chews on her bottom lip and slips her hands into pockets of her skirt. “Okay,” she concedes, and then quickly holds up her hand to halt my excitement. “But it’s only a visit. No promises.”
    I kiss her forehead. “No promises. Got it.”
     
     
    Chapter 7
    Gabby
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Something has got to give.
    “How can you not see the humor in this?” Ki scoffs, throwing down a wad of one-dollar bills. “Who in their right mind would ever give their HR Business Partner a magazine featuring an article on stress relief without sex?”
    He’s got a point and I hate him for it.
    “Why are we discussing this again?”
    “Because you’re hung up on this woman and I enjoy pointing out that even if you’re a borderline genius, you’re also an idiot when it comes to the opposite sex.” He shakes his head. “Seriously, man. She could have you fired.”
    “It’s not like that was the only article. Besides, Gabriella wouldn’t do that.” I have no idea why I’m defending her or how I know she wouldn’t report me. I just do.
    Ki challenges me with an expression that makes it clear he thinks I’ve lost my mind, but I don’t need to respond. He’s got a one-track mind tonight and his attention is easily deflected.
    Good thing since I’m horrible company. I can’t get Gabriella out of head and it’s not for a lack of trying.
    By the time I got home yesterday morning I was still on edge from my encounter with her. Of all the restaurants in this city, she had to be there. At the next fucking table. Talking about how bad she needs an orgasm and that she’d gladly…what were her words? Drop her panties in exchange for me not being a dick?
    Drop away.
    Within seconds of walking through my front door of my apartment I’d made a b-line for my bedroom, grabbed fresh clothes and jumped into the shower. An ice-cold shower.
    I should have just slipped out of the booth unseen. I mean it’s not like I gained anything from confronting her.I’d like to believe that I approached her, hoping it’d make her uncomfortable enough to back off and accept that I don’t need her help. Big fucking lie that is. Giving her that magazine crossed the line and I purposely wanted to make her squirm. Not because of work. Not to get her to back off. Nope, as a man I had to see first-hand if I was affecting her.
    I was…now what?
    Being around her this last month has been agony. Add to that the conversation I overheard and you’ve got the perfect storm, taking my pent up frustration to a whole new level. I’ve been rocking half a chub since I first laid eyes on her. The blue balls I’ve been suffering from since that day are nothing to joke about. My dick’s been begging me to rub one out in Gabriella’s honor, but I