Her Festive Baby Bombshell

Holly glanced down at herself as though realizing her lack of clothing. She moved to the bed and slid under the sheets. “I’m fine.”

“You don’t look fine.”

“Well, thanks. You sure know how to make a girl feel better.” She frowned at him.

“That’s not what I meant. I...uh, just meant you don’t look like yourself. What can I get for you?”

“Nothing.”

“Are you sure? Maybe some eggs?” Was it possible that her pale face just turned a ghastly shade of green? She vehemently shook her head. Okay. Definitely no eggs. “How about toast?”

Again she shook her head. “No food. Not now.”

“Are you sick?”

“No.” Her answer came too quickly.

“Something is wrong or you wouldn’t be curled up in bed.”

“It’s just the sway of the yacht. I’m not used to it.”

He planted his hands on his waist. He supposed that was a reasonable explanation. “You aren’t the only one with a bout of motion sickness. McMurray still isn’t well. I guess my sailing expedition wasn’t such a good idea.”

“It was a great idea. And I’ll be up on deck shortly.”

“Take the morning off and rest—”

“No. I’m already feeling better. Just give me a bit to get ready.”

“Why must you always be so stubborn?”

She sent him a scowl. “I’m not stubborn. It isn’t like you know me that well.”

“Since we started working together, I’ve learned a lot about you.”

“Like what?”

He sighed but then decided to be truthful with her. “I know that you’re honest. You’re a hard worker. And you go above and beyond what is asked of you in order to do a good job.”

A smile bloomed on her still-pale face. “Anything else?”

“I know you can be passionate—about causes you believe in. And sometimes you push too hard if you think it will help someone else.”

She eyed him up. “You really believe all of that nice stuff about me? You’re not saying it because you feel sorry for me, are you?”

Was she hunting for more compliments? He searched her eyes and found a gleam of uncertainty. He had to wonder, if only to himself, how someone so talented and sure of herself when it came to business could be so insecure behind closed doors.

“Yes, I meant everything I said. You’re very talented.”

Holly worried her bottom lip. When his gaze met hers, she glanced away. What did she have on her mind? Something told him whatever it was he wasn’t going to like it. But they might as well get it over with.

“What else do you have on your mind?”

She blinked as though considering her options. Then she sat up straight, letting the sheet pool around her waist. He inwardly groaned as her nightie was not exactly conservative, and that was not something he needed to be contemplating at this moment.

Stay focused on the conversation! Don’t let your eyes dip. Focus on her face.

Holly lifted her chin. “I would like to know if you’d write me a personal recommendation.”

“Recommendation? For what?”

She visibly swallowed. The muscles in her slender neck worked in unison. “I have an inside source who says a prime opportunity is about to open up and I’d like to apply for the position.”

“No problem. Just tell me what department it is and I’ll make it happen. But I thought you liked working in the legal department.”

“I did—I mean I do. But you don’t understand. This job isn’t within Lockwood.”

He had to admit that he hadn’t seen that one coming. And for a man that prided himself on being able to plan ahead, this was a bit much to swallow. “But I don’t understand. You like your job, so this has to be about us.”

Her slender shoulders rose and fell. “It’s too complicated for me to stay on at Lockwood.”

“You mean the kiss the other evening, don’t you?”

Her gaze didn’t quite meet his. “It would just be easier if I were to work elsewhere.”

“When would you be taking this new position?”

“At the beginning of the year. So you don’t have to worry about Project Santa. It will be completed before I leave and I’ll be out of Lockwood before you return to New York.”