Releasing Kate by Cyna Kade Read Free Book Online Page B

pockets, she wasn’t going to show up in a dirty coat.
    Eileen’s empty desk reminded Kate that Eileen always took long holiday weekends. Kate had been so busy she’d forgotten that Eileen wouldn’t be here. A vague sense of unease washed through Kate when she realized the entire floor was quiet and deserted. Eileen wasn’t the only one who’d started the holiday early. It seemed as though everyone except Michael was gone.
    Kate knocked on his door. He opened it and gestured her inside. Tension curled in her stomach. She heard Michael shut the door. Then he locked it with a distinctive click.
    Kate turned to look at him, her eyebrows raised.
    “Relax. This is a private conversation and I don’t want to be disturbed.”
    Who would disturb them? Everyone was gone. Kate fought a sinking, vulnerable feeling. Was she going to be fired? Or encouraged to resign?
    “Thanks for coming.”
    “No problem,” Kate said. She ignored his roaming eyes despite the fact his gaze felt like a warm caress. “I’m always available.”
    “Not yet, but you will be,” he said so softly that Kate nearly missed the comment and before she asked about it, Michael continued. “Pete is worried about you.”
    Stunned by the blunt statement, Kate remained silent.
    He raised his eyebrows, waiting for a response.
    Kate pulled herself together to say, “Do you have a problem with my work?”
    “Your work is excellent.”
    “Then I don’t see the problem.”
    “The problem is that Pete is underutilized. He could easily run the department. He wants to run the department.”
    “I’m aware of that. Do you want him running the department?” Kate struggled to keep her anger under control.
    “If I do? What are you going to do about it?” he asked in a soft, unreadable voice.
    “You’re the boss, but if you want Pete in charge, where does that leave me?”
    He waited.
    “I agree that Pete is good and that he is underutilized, but I like my job and have no intentions of just handing it to him.”
    “Then he’ll leave and I really don’t want him to do that.”
    Kate knew she should denigrate Pete. She should undermine his position as he’d done to her. She didn’t want to sink to that level though. She wouldn’t make herself look better by stepping on someone else, even Pete. Kate sighed. “Pete is very capable and you’re right, we don’t want to lose him. Do you want me to leave?” Kate asked. The unexpected direction of the conversation left her too startled to be diplomatic.
    “No. I most certainly don’t want you to leave. You’re both too capable to lose.”
    “Then what do you suggest?” Kate fought to stay calm. She was furious that Pete had obviously been talking to Michael.
    “I’m not suggesting, I’m telling. Pete is going to take over the department. He’s a very happy man right now.”
    Shock coursed through Kate. She’d joked about losing her job but she’d never expected it to happen. “Am I being fired?” she asked, unable to keep the tremor out of her voice. She wanted him to make it explicit.
    Michael smiled. “No, you misunderstand. I want to promote you. I want you to take a position as my assistant. Your reports are tight and concise. Your analyses are logical and sound. I want your help keeping this place together.”
    Michael perched on the edge of the desk. He loomed over her, reminding her of his size and power.
    “It’s the perfect solution, given that both you and Pete are underutilized. Besides,” he continued, “you’re one of the few people here who doesn’t seem to be afraid of me.” He paused while he tilted his head as if examining an interesting specimen. “Why is that?” he asked softly. “Why aren’t you afraid of me?”
    “Should I be afraid?” Kate countered.
    “Only if you are afraid of facing a challenge.”
    Kate remembered Eileen’s warning and wondered what kind of challenge he had in mind. Thrilled, but wary, she didn’t reply.
    Michael suddenly stood.
    Kate