“Read it,” Mila said.
Edison glanced at her in annoyance, then cleared his throat. “Wishing you a Happy Boss’s Day, with great appreciation for everything you do. Once a year isn’t enough to express how much our team appreciates you every day.” He glanced up to see a bunch of stiff smiles and thanked everyone again. He held up the gift certificate to Whole Foods Fresh Market, that’d been tucked inside the card and again thanked everyone. “This is awesome you guys, I—”
“Deserve so much more than a grocery store gift card.” Skylar’s smooth voice broke into Edison’s thank you.
He turned and locked eyes with Skylar’s dark green ones, wondering what he was up to now. Skylar had a demeanor and charisma that demanded attention any time he opened his mouth. He moved like a panther on the prowl as he walked across the room with one hand tucked into his pants pocket, kicking back his designer jacket, while the other held a beautifully wrapped box. “Your leadership and mentoring mean a lot. To all of us… but especially me. If someone had to be the boss of me… I’m glad it’s you, Edison.” Skylar winked.
There were several ooh’s and chuckles from around the room, but Edison wasn’t amused. Actually, he was getting pissed. Why was Skylar lying to everyone? He’d hated Edison as a boss from the moment Presley had hired him. Skylar must’ve noticed Edison’s skepticism because he kept advancing until he was only a few feet away. He extended the gold and black box, almost tapping Edison in his chest with the corner if he hadn’t reached up to take it.
“And I hope this token of my appreciation shows that.” Skylar finished, gazing down at Edison as if no one else was in the room.
Edison cleared his throat and murmured, “Thank you, Skylar, you shouldn’t have.”
“Its Sky, remember. And, just open it,” Skylar said softly.
Edison glanced up, noticing more of the women—Skylar’s fan club—had moved closer. He began tearing the box open while everyone stood around gaping, waiting to see what Skylar had given him. He peeled back the gold-speckled tissue paper, his eyes widening in surprise at one of the most gorgeous ties he’d ever seen. He stroked the silver-colored silk, then lifted it out of the box when someone asked from behind him what it was. Mila assisted him with the box and Edison held the tie up for a closer inspection.
His staff began to applaud, and Edison glanced around in confusion. Were they actually clapping for Skylar? He believed they were, because several of them told him good job and how amazing an employee he was for picking such a thoughtful gift.
Skylar shrugged, laying on the charm extra thick. “Well, I wouldn’t dare try to cook a dish for a palette as refined as Edison’s, but I do know something else he likes just as much, if not more, than cooking.”
“Ties,” several of the girls said in unison, laughing, including Mila.
“Yes.” Skylar smirked. He turned his hot glare back on him, almost challenging Edison when he told him, “Put it on, let’s see it.”
Edison shook his head, but the group was already urging him to do it, saying how well it matched the suit he had on. Better than the tie he was wearing. Edison admitted that the cobalt-blue pinstripes did go flawlessly with his blue suit and black Gucci belt with the sleek silver buckle. He ran his thumb over the hand stitching, noting the fine quality. He turned it over and read the name.
Holy crap. It was Armani. Edison jerked his head up to find Skylar watching him thoughtfully. He only had one other Armani tie that his pop had given him as a gift after he’d graduated college; and the last time he’d worn it was to his father’s funeral. He felt Mila tugging at the collar of his jacket. “Oh, come on you guys, really. I don’t think you all care about seeing me in this—”
“Yes, we do.” Mrs. Parker clapped. She was Mr. Duff’s paralegal and she was probably the oldest of them. “Don’t be rude, honey. Skylar wants to see if it fits properly, I’m sure.”
There was more pressuring and agreeing as he conceded and let Mila remove his jacket. Skylar was still standing close, so he took a couple of steps back and hurried to remove his own solid blue tie. His face was heating, since it felt as if he was undressing in front of everyone as he flipped his starch-white collar up to settle the new one into place.
He whipped the thin and wide ends around with skilled ease as he quickly tied a full Windsor knot without needing to glance at a mirror. He folded his collar back in place and ran his hand down the tie, the tip just grazing the tip of his belt buckle. Perfect.