Only Christmas

Don’t cry. Don’t cry, I keep repeating in my mind over and over again. I think my tears are only pissing him off more. Even though the weight of the consequences of me falling asleep in this room threatens to come crashing down on me.

“Put this on.” I watch as he places the robe on the edge of the bed.

If I weren’t the one in the wrong or about to be fired, I would say something about his bossy tone. But since I need this job and am hoping with every fiber of my being that there is some way to save it, I keep my mouth shut.

He turns and gives me his back but doesn’t leave the room. I reach over and grab the robe and quickly slip it on. My eyes keep darting to my uniform on the floor. Maybe I can make a grab for it and dash to the bathroom to put it back on.

The last thing I need is for management to show up and for me to be in one of the fancy hotel robes. The ones in the penthouse are different from the standard ones in the other rooms. They’re made out of the finest materials, and no expense is spared.

The second I slip off the bed, though, he turns, pinning me in place with his intense eyes. I of course freeze like a deer caught in headlights.

“What’s your name?”

“Aspen.”

“Aspen.” He repeats it. “I’m Hunter.” I stare at him. Am I supposed to know that name? His lips twitch into a half smile. “Hunter Hoffman.” An uncomfortable gasp leaves me. Hoffman. Holy crap. This is not happening.

I do recognize his first name not only because Charlotte, who is the highest-ranking person for this hotel and a few others around here, is his stepsister. She’s said his name more than a few times. There had been talk that he might come to town, but nothing had ever been set in stone. Not that anyone would be rushing to tell me, but still. Now I understand why this place has been done up more than normal, and the packed refrigerator.

“Please.” I start to beg again. I’m so fired. I’ve heard about how cutthroat Hunter is. Emotionless. No wonder he can’t stand my tears.

“I’m not going to fire you.”

“Really?” I squeak in surprise. I mean, I should be fired. I would probably let myself go if I were him. He pulls his phone out of his pocket and starts to tap away before he goes back over to the bedroom door. I suddenly remember there were other people with him.

“You all can leave,” he orders whoever is on the other side of the door. He doesn’t open the door far enough for me to be able to see who it might be. “Don’t make me repeat myself,” he barks before slamming the door closed.

I jump back, almost falling back onto the bed. I wonder if it’s other people that work here. If they recognized me. I’m sure Charlotte is going to find out rather quickly. Word travels fast around here amongst the staff. Once she finds out, she’s definitely going to push to have me fired.

“Should I go?” I’m starting to feel caged in.

“You’re not going anywhere.” He turns back to face me.

“You can’t keep me here.” Why am I pushing back? It’s a good thing he’s not tossing me out on my ass.

“I can do a lot of things,” he challenges. “Especially if you want to stay employed.”

“I really am sorry,” I plead again. If he’s not firing me, then what is he doing? Shouldn't he be sending me on my way? I mean, there is no reason for him to keep me here.

“Good, then you won’t cause any problems for what I have planned for you next.”

“What does that mean?” I clench my robe, closing it further. My body is having a very strange reaction to his words, thinking they are sexual.

My rational mind tells me there is no way they are. Look at the man. He’s sexy as hell and rich as God. Not to mention I’ve heard some of the other staff, mainly women, talking about him before and speculating that he’s gay. I’m not really getting that vibe from him, though. The way he’s looking at me makes me think they’re mistaken. They probably say that because no one ever hears about his dating life.

Charlotte, his stepsister, had gotten pissed when she overheard some of the girls saying that. She threatened to fire them for spreading false gossip. It only made them believe the rumor even more. Personally, I thought she had a crush on him. Why did I never bother to ask to see a picture of him before?

“Why are you sleeping here? Are you on the clock right now?”

“I swear I was going to clock out. I meant to only lie down for a moment,” I rush to say.