Since we’d bought new decorations this year, I’d used the old ones to decorate the offices. Why let them go to waste? Everyone loved them.
I’d skipped the small meeting room because no one used it, but I’d take care of it first thing tomorrow morning.
I always felt like a kid around this time of the year. It was perhaps why I loved decorating everything. I always felt much closer to my parents. I surrounded myself with a Christmas feeling for as long as possible.
I cringed as I looked at the calendar entries for the next few weeks. At least he’d left Thanksgiving free.
I couldn’t deny that I was inexplicably drawn to him. All that masculinity and knee-weakening sex appeal. And I’d felt so protected with him by my side tonight.
Maybe working so closely with him wasn’t smart. I could easily say no. It was against company rules to do more than two hours overtime a week. But I liked the work. I’d learned so much until now, and we’d only been communicating via email and phone. A few weeks in which I worked one-on-one with him for two hours every day? That was fuel for my nerdy soul (and for my lady bits, but I wasn’t ready to admit that even to myself).
Chapter Four
Winston
I loved being back in San Francisco. I’d been gone for too long, but this city was home. Hell, this store was home. The first few years out of college, I worked in banking before joining Statham Stores. I should have accepted my father’s offer to take over the company three years ago, but I’d felt too young. I wanted more experience.
Dad handed the reins to his years-long general manager, who meant well but wasn’t equipped to lead this business. When he’d retired last year, the financial status of this unit had been in shambles. It still was.
I was determined to turn things around, to save this store. It was the pinnacle of my parents’ work.
I couldn’t even imagine the look of disappointment on Mom’s face if we lost it. She knew every employee by first name. Knew their life story too. If I didn’t save this, I wasn’t letting down just the loyal employees who’d been with us for years. I was letting my parents down too.
Saving the store had my full focus. Despite loving it, I’d been dreading to come into the office... until I met Sienna face-to-face. That permanent smile that lit her up was branded in my mind. She was fascinating.
Two hours after the incident in front of the store, I was still riled up. That asshole had some nerve, showing up here. I was so lost in thought that I didn’t realize my phone was ringing right away.
I chuckled at the screen when I saw Mom was calling.
“Hi, Mom!”
“Winston, hi. I want to cook dinner tonight for all of us. Can you make it?”
I ran a hand through my hair. “Can we do it on the weekend? It’s crazy at the office at the moment.”
“That’s nonsense. We can have a late dinner.”
“Weekdays are really busy,” I insisted.
“You moved back, and I see you just as much as I did when you were gone.”
I’d been back for two days.
“Mom, don’t guilt me into coming over for dinner.”
“Why not? It’s a mother’s prerogative to use guilt against her children. Late nights, sleepless nights; I have a whole lot of arguments.”
“I bet you do.”
“Did I mention morning sickness? I had my head in the toilet for months when I was pregnant.”
“Mom.” I chuckled but didn’t give in. I couldn’t. There was too much at stake. I hadn’t told them just how precarious the situation was. There wasn’t anything they could do about it. They’d just worry.
“It’s the countdown to Christmas, Mother. We’re under pressure to fulfill all orders.”
There, that wasn’t a lie. It just wasn’t the whole truth. That wasn’t the only reason I was under pressure.
“At least you know Christmas is coming. Wasn’t sure you did. Don’t forget to relax.”