Destination Connelly Read Online Free Page B

says, as he stands.
    I stare at him, feeling defeated. This is the only job I’ve had since I graduated college. I’ve risen quickly in the company without feeling like it’s been handed to me because of my skills and savvy working with the upper crust. I’m proud of what I’ve been able to accomplish. Now I feel it all slipping from my grasp and I’m in the dark as to why.
    With a resigned sigh, I grab a notepad and make way around my desk, stopping in front of him. “I wish you wouldn’t do this. I’d step up. Do anything you need me to.”
    Uncle Carl grabs hold of my shoulder, pulling me to him for a hug. “I know, Ladybug.”
    “You haven’t called me that in years. I think I outgrew that nickname when I was ten,” I say, trying to smile. Uncle Carl isn’t really my uncle. He’s my godfather and my father’s best friend, but as far as I’m concerned he’s family. He’s been part of my life for as long as I can remember, attending just about every holiday, every birthday, my graduations. He’s never been married and doesn’t have any children, so I’m as much family to him as he is to me.
    “Never. You’ll never be too old for that.” He kisses my forehead before releasing me. “You sure you won’t reconsider?”
    “I’m sure.” My decision is steadfast and final.
    His lips thin and he nods. “Then I will let you explain that to their CEO, who has personally flown in to meet with the SER team this afternoon.”
    Oh.
    Shit .
    “What?” I whisper, taking a step backward. Tall, dark, and handsome is here? In my building?
    My legs suddenly feel like rubber and I lean against my desk so I don’t crumble into a heap on the floor. I had intended to politely decline the employment offer during our little “meet and greet” with Camille Hayes from GRASCO Holdings this afternoon then return to my office to polish up my resume.
    I have no doubt it won’t take me long to find another job. I intend to stay on here as long as they’ll allow it without a contract, but I’d already assumed that wouldn’t be long since I’ll now be considered competition. They certainly don’t want “trade” secrets walking out the door with me, a possibly disgruntled ex-employee.
    “I thought—” I stop to swallow the lump of anxiety now sitting thick in my throat and try to send calming thoughts to my now racing heart. “I thought Camille Hayes was supposed to be running this meeting?”
    He just shrugs.
    “You’re really going through with this, aren’t you?” I croak.
    I’ve thought a lot of things the last few weeks since I found out about the potential sale of SER, the main one being that this whole thing was going to just blow over and Carl would come to his senses before the path he’s headed down is irreversible. But with Connelly here, the situation is grave. Any chance I’ve had that this is going away has just fizzled with a loud and resounding pop.
    If Carl is truly moving ahead with this sale, and I’m losing hope by the second he’s going to change his mind, all it will take is Carl’s signature and approval by the GRASCO board to make everything official. Then SER will become wholly owned by Connelly Colloway.
    Fucking hell. This is really happening.
    Carl nods, taking my hands in his. “Yes, Nora. I am. I’ve been trying to tell you that. I know you have a lot to consider, but please listen to what they have to say before you just say no. Okay?”
    I swallow hard. It hurts on account of the lump that still sits firmly in the middle of my neck, growing bigger by the second, but now it’s turned into full-blown panic.
    I nod, unable to speak.
    With that, Uncle Carl leads me out of my office, down the hallway, and directly into the mouth of the lion’s den where I have no doubt the king of the jungle himself is lying in wait, ready to pounce the second his prey enters. It’s also 100 percent clear to me who that prey is.
    And it’s not Uncle Carl or SER.
    On the long walk down