CHAPTER 1
Halo
Never in all of my twenty-four years did I think I’d be a virgin still to this day. Sure, I’ve had advances in the past. That didn’t mean I took them. Partly because before I moved to Breckenridge, it was slim pickings back home in Utah. The last man who attempted to date me just to break the ice queen was kneed in the nuts. That’s also when I said ‘to hell with it’ and applied at Get Hooked, a fishing tackle and apparel company. It’s similar to what I was doing back in Utah in the way of advertising. This job, though, is ten times better. The benefits alone were worth leaving what I had known for years as home to spread my wings. I mean health and dental insurance included, two weeks’ vacation, the ability to work from home when the snow is too bad, plus it’s a wear-what-you-want-when-you’re-not-seeing-clients kind of job. My cup of tea is definitely a pair of jeans, graphic tee, and canvas shoes. Unlike tonight, since it’s the company’s annual Christmas party, my usual attire clearly isn’t appropriate. In fact, when I asked Rita what she was wearing, I nearly fainted. She talked about this elaborate hunter-green dress that had a high neckline and flowing bottom that went to her feet, but the daring part was that the piece came backless. Never in my life would I be caught in something like that, not even on my wedding day. It’s entirely too over the top for my style. I was glad to find a rent-the-dress type website.
“Breathe, Halo, breathe.” I straighten my dress for what seems like the millionth time since I checked my coat at the front desk. thankfully, I had a nice enough coat from living back home that sufficed for tonight.
“Do you always make a habit of saying affirmations to yourself?” A deep voice startles me, causing me to stutter in my step, rocking on my heels, my hands flying out to grab something, only finding air.
“Jesus, Mary, and Joseph,” tumbles from my lips, knowing there’s nothing to catch my fall and I’m royally screwed.
“Whoa, there, sweetness.” Two firm hands hold my hips, a solid chest at my back, and the floor I thought was going to grace my presence is taken over by the man who caused me to almost fall. It takes me a few moments to regain my composure. That could be because the man behind me smells of pure sin and feels even better.
“Thanks, I think I’m okay now.” Even when I’m fully standing, he doesn’t let go of my hips, and the feelings that is stirring inside me are unlike anything I’ve ever felt before.
“I’m thinking I should be thanking you. It’s not every day a pretty girl falls for me.” I turn around and get the full effect of this man. Lord, have mercy, I was not prepared.
CHAPTER 2
Warren
The thought of attending the annual Christmas party at my co-owned business about gave me hives. Until a sweet little morsel appeared. She has a body made for sinning with, and I intend to have her for more than tonight. Dark hair, red lips, high cheekbones, a realness surrounding her like she’s not putting on a show. Too bad I have zero clue who she is. See, I don’t run the day-to-day operations inside Get Hooked. I’m more behind the scenes, working on the fishing gear and what is developed in the warehouses. The developmental side, which suits me well because I’m not that big on people pleasing and ass kissing. It’s what you have to do entirely too much when you’re running the show. That doesn’t mean I’m not able to weasel myself out of this shindig. That’s not the case when it comes to my business partner, Ash, short for Ashton, which is entirely too snobby for him to use on a daily basis. His words, not mine.
“Just the same, thank you.” A pretty blush creeps from her chest towards her neck.
“You’re welcome. I guess we should go in and make an appearance.” I hold out my hand for hers, seeing if she’ll take it.
“I suppose so.” Her hand slides into mine. I open the door to where the event is being held, where we all usually wear whatever we’re allowed to. Tonight is a special occasion, meaning we all had to dress up, including myself. A fucking monkey suit. I should kick Ash’s ass for this. Last year, it was held at headquarters, you were expected to dress nice, but not in the sense that I had to put on this getup.
“I’m Warren, by the way.” I look to her at my side. Her eyes are looking up at me.
“Halo. It’s nice to meet you.” My hand slides out of hers, moving to Halo’s lower back as I open the door.