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

whether or not their immediate family member is a dependent. If you’ll recall, a survey was conducted a few months ago asking employees to identify ideal program design and to determine the location and the type of care required. We used this information to design certain elements of the program and to identify top facilities.”
    I click to the next slide. “We’re partnering with these providers similar to how our Child Care Program partners with daycares in terms of honoring discounts. The only difference is that these facilities will constantly reserve a percentage of their availability just for relatives of our employees, who will get discounts of up to forty percent for their dependent for the duration of their employment with the company. If the employee leaves, they’ll have to pay full price.”
    “When will this program be available?” Stan asks.
    “If it’s approved by the board it will be effective immediately.”
    “Can we add facilities to the list of partners?” another staff member inquires.
    “Yes. There’s an application process which we’ll review on a quarterly basis.” I pause and survey the room. “Any other questions?”
    Jack thanks me and the team gives me a round of applause. I’ve worked my ass off on this program and though I’ve implemented other programs in the past, I’ve never done one on this scale. It finally feels like it’s paying off. Fingers crossed my family will be able to benefit from it too.
    I return to my seat as Ted, the head of Finance, takes control of the projector and pulls up his twenty-nine slide presentation on cash flow, filled with bar charts ad nauseam. Some are the same as Jack’s, though positioned differently. I love being involved with the business but seriously how many ways do we need to see the same information?
    Ted drones on about the P&L and I wonder how no one has fallen asleep yet. Needing stimulation of some sort, I bite my pen and begin bouncing my leg absentmindedly while mentally reviewing my growing to-do list.
    Follow-up notes for legal. Finalize communication plan for Elder Care Program. Get updated brochures for the employee assistance plan. Approve list of charities for volunteer program. Get fondled under the conference table.
    WHAT?!
    Strong fingers grip my upper thigh and I freeze. It takes all my concentration not to audibly gasp. Turns out that’s not a hard thing to do when you’ve stopped breathing.
    He’s touching me. Holy shit, he’s touching me.
    If I bite this pen any harder I’ll crack a tooth or it’ll explode in my mouth. The alternative is moaning and I’m not chancing that. For reasons only my body knows, I’m freaking out on the inside. Possibly because the skirt of my wrap dress shifted when I sat down, creating a slit the size of Texas over my thigh, and apparently an invitation to touch me. Only the thin layer of my stockings separates our skin.
    His large hand makes a slow, torturous decent down my leg until he’s cupping my kneecap. Everything south of my bellybutton clenches.
    Everything .
    Lucas leans into me. With his mouth hovering over my ear he whispers, “Stop fidgeting.”
    His harsh tone contrasts with the warmth of his breath that lingers on my neck. Apologizing crosses my mind but I can’t find my voice. What’s the point anyway? I’m so turned on I’m not sure I’m sorry about a damn thing.
    What is wrong with me?
    His hand remains in place long enough for his point to be made. Like an idiot, I nod. His thumb caresses the outside of my knee just once before it’s gone. Either that or I’m losing my mind. The meeting continues around me yet all I can think is, please put your hand back .
    Sadly, the meeting concludes without the slightest graze, ending seven minutes past our scheduled time. The minute we’re all excused Lucas bolts from the room and I’m not sure what to make of it. I bet he’s a stickler for being punctual. Somehow knowing that his next meeting is with me makes