Christmas in His Bed

“Sorry, babe.” Zach took her hand in his. “Way to sport the evil possessed elves there, coz.”

Everyone laughed then.

&nb

sp; It was good, to be included—to laugh. There was an easy camaraderie among the men that managed to include the rest of them. And while Tatum tried to keep her distance from Spencer and Dean, Lucy made sure to stick to her side.

Somehow having a wingman made her reintroduction to Greyson easier.

When the dessert auction was done and the dancing was under way, Tatum helped the other women tidying up the kitchen. How her profession became the focus of conversation, she wasn’t sure. But the three of them were spouting off all sorts of options.

“I think you should open your own office,” Lucy was saying. “You’ve got the qualifications. I know a lot of women would welcome working with someone other than George Welch.”

“Would you handle small business accounts?” Bianca asked.

“Yes,” Tatum said. “I could—”

“Then I would hire you,” Bianca cut in. “My cousin Celeste and I. That leaves more time for her to bake fancy tea cakes and for me to make the perfect floral arrangements for special occasions. We’d love to hand over our books to you. And I like the idea of women supporting women. A professional sisterhood, if you will.”

“See,” Lucy said, stacking up Tupperware dishes and covered cake plates.

“It’s an idea,” Tatum agreed.

“What other options do you have?” Cady was sitting on the counter, her shoes on the floor. “What’s your plan?”

“Cady’s all about a plan,” Bianca murmured.

“What’s wrong with planning?” Cady asked.

“I don’t have one.” Tatum shrugged. “Not yet. Only one real job possibility, in California.”

“California?” Lucy asked, pausing.

Why were the three of them looking at her like that? “Yes. San Diego.”

“San Diego is so expensive,” Cady said.

“And there are earthquakes,” Bianca joined in.

“It is a little far away.” Lucy forced a smile.

Tatum glanced at each of them, surprised by their immediate objections. “Maybe the job will pay really well. And, yes, there are earthquakes occasionally, but there are tornadoes here. It might be a trek, but that’s why there are airplanes. San Diego would be a great place to visit.”

“Yes, of course.” Lucy’s quick response was forced.

And as the others made their way back to the table the Ryans were occupying, Tatum lingered by the refreshments. While she appreciated Lucy’s determination to keep her involved, she didn’t want to intrude.

Intrude. She heard Spencer’s voice and glanced his way.

He was smiling at her, a brow cocked, as if he knew what she was thinking.

Her eyes narrowed and she crossed her arms over her chest, staying put.

He placed his beer on the table and stood, making his way to her—sending a rush of pure delight through her.

“Dance?” he asked.

She shook her head. That would be a very bad idea.