Executive Affair Read Online Free PDF

with immediate concern.
    â€˜Yes, but it’s a long story and I don’t want to ruin my good mood right now. Susan is here. I’ll put her on.’ She handed the phone to Susan who had been hovering impatiently.
    Claire was only now starting to realise how much she had missed Fiona. They’d met in college and struck up an unlikely friendship. Fiona cared more about adventure than she did rules. She dressed in bohemian clothes and liked off-beat movies and books. She was direct and outspoken, and she did what she wanted without worrying about what other people would think. Claire could now see that Michael had expanded into the gap she’d left behind, replacing her quirkiness with predictability. In hindsight, that hadn’t been a good thing.
    Claire’s obligatory four weeks’ notice flew by in a whirl of packing with the unwelcome interruption of Christmas. She tried hard but couldn’t help thinking about previous Christmases with Michael and being depressed. Was he bringing his new girlfriend home to meet the family? Or had she already met them by now? Were they doing cute things together like shopping for presents and decorating trees?
    Claire’s family lived in County Kilkenny, two hours’ drivefrom her flat. She arrived on Christmas Eve to find that they weren’t in very good spirits either. Her mother was depressed because Claire was leaving to live on the other side of the world with no planned date of return. Her brother was depressed because his usually adorable children were behaving like spoiled brats. Her dad was depressed because he liked a quiet life and couldn’t read his newspaper with all the chaos and noise. Much as she loved them, Claire couldn’t stick the tension and she escaped back to the city on Boxing Day, using work commitments as an excuse.
    Then, rather suddenly, it was her last day at the office. She came in, had a coffee and a chat, and set about clearing her desk.
    It was sometime after lunch when she turned around in her seat to find Michael standing behind her. He was wearing a shirt she hadn’t seen before. For some reason she found this quite upsetting.
    â€˜Hi,’ he said in a low voice.
    â€˜Hi yourself.’
    She didn’t intend to help him find the right words to fill the silence that followed.
    â€˜I just came around to wish you good luck.’
    â€˜Thanks.’
    â€˜Is there something organised for after work?’
    â€˜Maguire’s. You’re more than welcome to come.’ Her phone started to ring. She picked it up. ‘This is Claire speaking.’
    â€˜Claire, it’s Robert Pozos.’ He spoke slowly in a Californian accent.
    â€˜Oh, hello, would you mind holding a minute?’ She put her hand over the mouthpiece and turned to Michael. ‘I have to take this call.’
    He looked miffed. ‘I’ll see you later then.’
    Her hands shaking slightly, she turned back around. ‘Sorry about that, Robert. How can I help you?’
    â€˜I’m just calling to see if you’re all set for the move,’ he said.
    She relaxed; he sounded nice. ‘Yes, today’s my last day. I’m a little nervous but really looking forward to it.’
    â€˜That’s good. And you’ve received your letter of offer from Harry?’
    â€˜Yes,’ she confirmed. ‘That came through last week and I sent the signed copy back to him straight away.’
    â€˜You were happy with the terms?’
    â€˜More than happy. Thank you for being so accommodating.’
    â€˜It’s no trouble. I’m glad that all is in order. I may be in Sydney later this year so I guess I’ll see you then. Good luck.’
    â€˜Thanks for everything.’
    When she put the phone down she felt strangely emotional. Then she remembered Michael and knew why. She still couldn’t trust herself not to lose it around him. She was glad that Robert had called when he did.
    As she