Your Christmas Love (The Bennett Family 10)

“The boss is even grouchier in person.”

I kept the part where he proved he had a knightly side to myself, because I didn’t want anyone knowing about my ex showing up at work.

“You know you’re always welcome at Bennett Enterprises, right? We’d love to have you there. Any department you want.”

Bennett Enterprises was the most successful jewelry company in America. The oldest Bennett siblings had founded it years ago: Sebastian, Logan, and Pippa—she was the head designer. Five of the Bennett siblings worked in the company, including Christopher, Victoria’s husband. It was a family affair, and I couldn’t wait to be part of it.

“Thanks, Pippa. I promise I’ll take you up on it one day. I just want to gather some experience so I can be of use to you guys when I finally make the jump.”

“You don’t have to prove anything to anyone.”

Yes, I did... to myself. I wanted to know that I could count on myself, that I could stand on my own two feet. Losing my parents as a teenager shaped me—I’d had that security blanket ripped from around me. Victoria had done her very best, but I’d been old enough to fully understand our financial worries. I wanted to make sure I had a solid career—one I’d earned, not simply been given because my sister had married into the Bennett family.

And I meant what I told Pippa—I did want to gather more experience before joining them. Ava, Sebastian’s wife, was leading the marketing department, and she was a genius. She’d cut her teeth in a marketing consultancy, working with various companies for years.

By the time I finally joined Bennett Enterprises, I was determined to be a marketing and branding ninja.

“So how is he in person?”

“Grouchy.”

“You already said that. I’m gonna need some more details, please.”

I was conflicted, unsure of what to say.

“Wait a second.” Pippa slashed the air with her finger, bringing it closer to me in small circles. “He’s hot, isn’t he?”

And, that, ladies and gentlemen, was the secret power of Pippa Bennett-Callahan. She could honest to goodness read thoughts.

I had made the mistake of not fessing up right away exactly twice, but I knew better than to try again. It simply didn’t work.

“Yes, yes he is.”

“Well, well, well. And you have the hots for him.”

“No... I absolutely do not want to have the hots for my grouchy boss.” I sighed, closing my eyes. “I’ve dated enough assholes, Pippa. I need to change my type.”

True, after tonight, I wasn’t sure he was an asshole. Sure, he was grouchy, but an ass wouldn’t have done what he did. It didn’t matter, though. I still couldn’t go there, and he wasn’t even interested in me.

“As a matter of fact, can you use your matchmaking skills on me? Please?”

“I think you’re the only one who’s ever asked me that.”

“That’s because I’m not too proud to admit I need all the help I can get in the dating department.”

“I’ll see what I can do.”

I shimmied my hips, clapping my hands. “Awesome. I’ll have a boyfriend by Christmas.”

Pippa’s eyes widened. “I think you have a little too much faith in me.”

“Nope. I’ve just had enough proof of your success. I am not picky. I just want someone nice and funny who knows how to laugh.”

Pippa grinned, rubbing her hands. She flashed me her trademark I’m plotting smile. I could sense my luck already changing.

“Let’s review the list before we hit the stores,” I suggested.

“Let’s. I can already feel the energy from the sugar kicking in.”