6 Mountain Brothers for Christmas

“Do you? Do you really?” I asked, raising an eyebrow. “Or is this just another story designed to get me to talk to you because you think we can work this all out and get back together?”

“Oh seriously, Sebastian,” she rolled her eyes dramatically. “Get over yourself.”

Well, I'd be more than happy to get over myself if she stopped harassing me. I was ready to move on, and it was clear as day that there was no fucking iPod anywhere in my house.

“We should get together for lunch before you leave for Bali,” she said, changing her tone entirely. “You know, just to talk some things out before you head overseas with God knows who.”

“I'm not going with anyone,” I muttered.

Which wasn't entirely true. I had Violet coming with me now, a

s an assistant. But Jessica wouldn't believe it and would likely just make trouble for me if I told her. So, I let it go. Not like she deserved to know. We were broken up after all. I owed her nothing.

“Sure, whatever you say,” she said, rolling her eyes again.

Jessica was a beautiful woman, there was no doubt about that. Long, blonde hair, blue eyes, and a killer body – the stereotypical Southern California beauty. It's why I initially fell for her, of course. But her personality made her less and less attractive over time. The more we got to know one another, the less I cared for her. I was starting to think I might end up alone, a bachelor for life, at the rate I was going. A bit fatalistic, perhaps, but it seemed like all I had was just one failed relationship after another, and it was growing old.

Jessica stopped digging through a desk drawer for her non-existent iPod, closed it and turned toward me with a mischievous look in her eye. Licking her lips suggestively, she sidled up to me, draping her arms around my shoulders and stared straight into my eyes. The old me would have been hard in an instant, ready to take her to bed. But now? I didn't even want to be this close to her.

“So then,” she purred, “if you're not seeing anyone – ”

“No,” I said, removing her arms from around my neck. “We're not playing these games, Jessica.”

With a huff and a well-practiced pout, she turned and walked away, which I hoped meant she was leaving. I listened for the front door, hoping she'd slam it as she left, but instead, I heard her footsteps as she walked upstairs.

“Jess!” I called out to her, hurrying after her as she ascended the stairs.

She stopped and smiled at me, crooking her finger and motioning for me to follow her.

“What in the hell are you doing?” I roared.

“Figured I'd slip into something more comfortable, Sebastian. Maybe take a dip in the pool, like old times? Come on, Sebastian. One more time just for old time's sake. What can it hurt?”

Without waiting for me to answer, she walked down the hallway toward my bedroom.

“No, Jessica. We're not doing this,” I said, following her up the stairs and down the hallway. “You need to leave. You have everything you left, it's time to go. I want you out of my house. Now.”

She peered out from my bedroom with a devious look on her face. “Come on, Sebastian. Don't you want one last roll in the hay before we say goodbye? No strings attached. Scout's honor.”

Honestly? I really didn't. I really, really didn't simply because of the drama and baggage it would entail. The fact that I didn't want to sleep with her one last time said a lot about my feelings for her – and I think she realized it. As I stared at her, not taking another step closer to her, her face fell and I saw tears welling in her eyes. She could see how much I didn't want her in my face, apparently. And it crushed her. I honestly believe she thought she could lure me back with the promise of sex.

But I was done, and she knew it.

There was no turning back now.

CHAPTER THREE - VIOLET

I rifled through my closet, not satisfied with anything I was seeing. It was the first day of work and I needed to look professional. Of course, I also wanted to look pretty because hello, it was Sebastian! Not that I was trying to come on to him or anything. I wanted to be professional and do my job well. I never wanted him to regret hiring me.

But well, if I caught him checking me out or if he maybe complimented me, it might give me a self-esteem boost since he was one of the sexiest men I'd ever had the pleasure of meeting.

Considering the fact that he was constantly surrounded by beautiful women – models who threw themselves at him, ex-girlfriends who'd give anything to have him back – I didn't really expect him to notice me too much. I was, after all, Chuck Maddox's daughter. And to him, I'd probably always be that same little girl who'd crushed on him long before I even hit puberty.

Still, it couldn't hurt to put a little more effort into my appearance. Besides, if I was going to be at his side as often as it sounded like I would be, I needed to look my best. He always looked impeccable, no matter what he wore. I needed to match that.

For my first day, I tried to keep the skirt reasonable and tasteful – no more embarrassing moments with a skirt that rode up – but definitely not matronly either. I chose a dark grey pencil skirt that fell just above my knees, and a soft pink blouse. With some heels and my hair pulled back in a chignon, I looked very much the part of the business professional. Feminine, classy, and with just the right amount of sex appeal that made me think maybe, just maybe, Sebastian would notice that I was a grown woman now.

I showed up at his office ten minutes early, coffee in hand, ready to start the day. I carried a cup for me and one for him. I knew what he how he took it from sitting in on coffee dates with my dad. I was always listening, always paying attention. That was me, alright. I waltzed into the building and down to his office, feeling like I was on cloud nine.