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“Wasn’t talking about the gym.” He completed one more pull-up, then dropped lightly to his feet and turned to me. “Was talking about the restaurant. After you pulled my polo off, you practically fucked me with your eyes right then and there. Before theactual, you know, fucking.”
I felt my cheeks redden. “Can I help you with anything work related?”
“Just wanted to let you know you need to be having monthly progress meetings with your direct reports,” he said. “And performance reviews every six months.”
I groaned. “Congratulations. You just banished my lady-boner into the shadow realm.”
He pointed a muscular finger at me. “Ah, so youwereenjoying the show.”
I rolled my eyes. “Good meeting, boss.”
“Oh, one more thing.” He leaned forward and gave my ass a firm smack. “Keep up the good work.”
“Excuse me,” I whispered, pretending to be offended. “That isnotappropriate workplace behavior.”
Owen turned back to the pull-up bar. “Sue me.” He grabbed the bar and began another set. It took an embarrassing amount of willpower to tear my eyes away from his body as he worked out.
When I got back to my desk, I saw that I had a new message from him on chat.
March, Owen: What we discussed at lunch yesterday, after the meeting? I think we still have more topics to address. I have at least three important action items for you. Meet me at my place at seven so we can discuss them. I believe you already have the address.
Later that afternoon, as I was packing up my stuff, Jude poked his head in my office. “Hey, I wanted to say that you don’t have to let Owen intimidate you.”
A nervous shiver ran up my legs. “Intimidate me how?”
“The debriefing you two have tonight,” he replied. “He used to do the same thing to me. We would have a meeting with potential partners, and then he would sit me down and coach me on all the ways I should have acted. He’s going to do the same to you tonight at his place.”
Oh, I very much doubt this will be the same kind of debriefing you two used to have.
“I’m not worried. I don’t mind some pointers.” To throw Jude off the scent, I added, “As long as he’s not a cunt-waffle about it.”
Jude laughed, and reached for me. Then he seemed to remember himself and put his arm back down at his side. “Glad you have a good attitude about it. Don’t say or do anything that will get yourself fired, though.”
“I’ll try my best. You working early tomorrow?”
“Probably, yeah.”
“Maybe I’ll see you here,” I said with a little wink. “While the office is still empty.”
Jude’s skin began turning crimson as I left the office.
Owen was waiting for me outside his condo. “This is how youlegallygain access to my place of residence,” he said while leading me up to the penthouse unit.
“I liked my way better!” I said.
I had seen the layout of his condo from the Home-AI blueprints, but it was way more impressive in person. Tall ceilings, modern art on the walls, and a luxurious amount of space. Once again, I thought about how different he and Jude were based solely on where they lived. How they chose to spend—and flaunt—their wealth.
“Counselor - disable security,” he said to the ceiling.
“Security disabled,” came Marina Sirtis’s voice. “Welcome home, Owen.”
I made a face. “What? Jealous?” he asked.
“Yes, I’m jealous!” I replied. “I want Counselor Troi to greet me whenever I come home! Or Captain Picard!”
“When ACS eventually goes public?” he replied. “You’ll have enough money to hire whoever you want.”
“Unless I murder you and steal your place.”
