Playing With Power - Book 2: New Adult Office Romance by Adele Huxley Read Free Book Online Page A

pushing into new markets; children’s clothes, pets, things like that.”
    “But you don’t agree?” he said as he leaned his elbow against the back of the bench, their knees nearly touching. She could feel the heat from his proximity and was momentarily distracted.
    “Oh, it doesn’t really matter what I think. Parker has a vision for the company. It’s not like he listens to me anyway,” she heard herself say. She tightly pressed her lips together after the words tumbled out. Landon’s expression didn’t change, in fact if anything, he looked to be studying her. She tried to remain calm under his gaze but her twitching foot betrayed her discomfort.
    “Don’t worry. I told you, I know Parker. Well, I know of Parker.” He took a sip of wine and looked to the horizon. The sun had long disappeared behind the hills and a few stars had emerged. The accent garden lights around them flickered on as the darkness deepened. Ali peacefully floated on a raft, her fingers dangling in the water. “You said you were their first hire, right? How much was there when you first started?”
    His lack of response emboldened her. “Honestly? Enough to prove the concept. They hired a contractor to hack some software together they could then present to clients but it wasn’t more than a demo. I think they ended up spending more money on a designer so it at least looked pretty. After they secured their first round of funding, they hired me and I pretty much had to rewrite everything.”
    “That’s impressive.”
    “Well, the company mainly grew because of Parker’s connections. If there’s anything I’ve learned in this industry, it’s that knowing the right people can be more important than having a good idea.” She was surprised at how cynical that sounded. Maybe it was being in this house, actually seeing how the other half live. She thought of the tiny apartment she could only afford because she shared it with a stranger. That’s what hard work earns you.
    “StyleSpur has succeeded because it was innovative and industry changing, not because it was the best idea in the world. Already you have what, two or three direct competitors eating up your market share?” He took another sip of wine and said, “I can’t deny it helps to know the right people or to be born in the right family.”
    Ali flopped out of the raft with a splash and walked out of the pool, grabbing the towel. “Alright you two, I’ve had enough fun and excitement for one day. I’m going to collapse in that fluffy king size that probably cost more than my monthly rent.” She rung the water from her hair. “Don’t stay up too late now.”
    “Good night Ali,” Lauren called out, thankful for the brief respite. She couldn’t believe how much she was spilling about the company, so much more than she should be. It felt cathartic to speak to someone who understood what she was going through, to empathize, but she had to remember where her loyalty remained.
    “Sleep well. You’ll need to be rested if you have any chance of beating me in volleyball tomorrow,” said Landon referring to a previous conversation.
    “You’re on!”
    They both watched Ali disappear into the house and Lauren was suddenly very conscious she was alone with him.
    Without missing a beat he jumped right back into the conversation. “You know the inner workings of the company. What would you do differently?”
    “I don’t think I should...”
    “Humor me. Lauren Kemp is named CEO of StyleSpur tomorrow. What would you change? What would you do about your competitors? Name a direct competitor.”
    “Luxe Redux.”
    “What would do to stay ahead of them?”
    “Infiltrate, obviously,” Lauren laughed hoping to release some tension. “Hire someone and plant them on the inside so we could know everything they’re planning.”
    “Corporate espionage...I should watch myself around you,” he joked. He smiled yet his eyes remained serious, focused. “Really, what would you