Eric’s smile, he’s perfectly aware of what the other man is trying to do.
Kevin clears his throat, ready to go next. I go back to moping. First Pierre, and now Eric. I can’t seem to grab a break.
Eric Kane had been actively hostile in our first meeting, but to be fair, he has good reason to dislike me. As much as I want to stew in my indignation, I can’t deny that I was in the wrong that fateful afternoon. Had there been any cell phone reception in that room, I would have called the police.
And it would have been a complete train wreck. Word would have gotten around about how the Congresswoman had been seen in a BDSM club. That she’d been in a scene with two men. Her career would have been ruined.
Because I jumped to conclusions.
All things considered, Eric’s reaction was perfectly justified.
I really wanted the job though. I’ve spent the past three weeks researching it. I’ve talked to former colleagues. Refreshed the finance skills I haven’t used in forever. I’ve stayed at work even later than normal, pouring over Xavier’s various businesses, making sure I understand each and every company that’s part of Leforte Enterprises.
Now, it’s all for nothing. After witnessing my catastrophic error in judgment, Eric will not recommend me for the COO position. Sigh.
Lost in my thoughts, I don’t realize that Hira has introduced herself, and it’s my turn, not until she nudges me. The entire room is staring at me. “Dixie?” Xavier prompts.
Wonderful. I’m making a stellar second impression. Every time I think this day can’t get any worse, the universe laughs at me and cranks up the dial.
“Hi,” I say, pasting a fake smile on my face. “I’m Dixie Ketcham. I’m the General Counsel. I’ve been with Leforte Enterprises since February.” I gulp down some of my now lukewarm coffee. “I provide legal advice to the corporation, both for routine contracts as well as during mergers and acquisitions.”
Eric looks like he’s trying not to laugh at me. “Good to see you again, Dixie.”
John’s head snaps up at that, and his eyes narrow. He’s trying to assess what me knowing Eric means for his chances at the COO role.
I’m pretty sure I’m out of the running, John. You have nothing to worry about.
John’s not the only one looking curious. Kevin Hughes is giving me an assessing glance. Even Hira glances over at me.
But that’s not the worst thing. The worst thing happens when I catch sight of Xavier’s face.
He’s smiling.
Oh, God. He knows everything.
Hot embarrassment sweeps through me, anger swiftly on its heels. Yes, I interrupted Eric and Hunter’s scene. Yes, I screwed up. But I hadn’t succeeded in calling the cops, Congresswoman Cordero’s privacy wasn’t violated, and most importantly, none of it had been deliberate. I’d made a mistake. I’d apologized for it. Camila Cordero had accepted my apology.
Eric Kane couldn’t have let it go? He had to tell Xavier? No doubt, the two of them had a nice laugh at me. Poor Dixie. So sheltered and uptight that she mistook the BDSM scene for assault. Hardy har har.
I’m seething as the meeting winds down. Eric announces that he’ll be meeting with all of us individually this week. Then it’s over. Everyone files out of the room. Hira looks at my blouse with a rueful shake of her head. “I think the stain has set,” she says. “But why don’t you come to my office? Let’s try to rescue it if we can.”
I make a sudden decision. “I’ll be there in ten minutes.”
Xavier is in a low-voiced conversation with Eric. I wait for them to finish, and thankfully for me, Elisa pats her boss on the arm, reminding him he needs to be elsewhere.
Eric turns to leave as well, his attention on his phone. “Mr. Kane,” I speak up, my voice vibrating with rage. “Can I have a word with you?”
He glances up. Surprise flashes on his face when he catches sight of me. “I didn’t realize you were still here,” he says. “Of course, Ms. Ketcham. What can I do for you?”
I close the distance between us. “You know what,” I hiss between clenched teeth. “I shouldn’t have interrupted your scene, but even though I did the wrong thing, it was for the right reasons. I really thought I heard someone scream for help.” I grip the edge of my notepad. “You had a choice. You could have let it go. You didn’t have to tell Xavier about it.”
I imagine the