Page 2 of Office Mistakes

Audra was pretty sure the punch had never been spiked before, but that wasn’t the point. The point was, everyone was having a blast.

She watched Charlie sip on yet another glass of the bright red punch. He looked adorable in the reindeer antlers, a sloppy smile on his face.

He looked adorable most days, she admitted to herself. With his dark hair and blue eyes, Charlie Bennett was her idea of handsome.

Audra knew he found her attractive too. They had been tap dancing around their chemistry since meeting in the elevator almost two years ago.

Best not to indulge, Audra reminded herself. She knew from experience how quickly an office romance could sour.

But God, he was just so cute!

She laughed as Beryl caught him under the mistletoe and demanded a kiss. Charlie’s ears turned red, but he complied, giving her a quick peck on the lips while giving her husband the side eye.

Perry grinned and tugged Audra forward. “Get your own woman,” he told Charlie and pushed Audra at him.

Audra blinked and felt Charlie tug at the ends of her tinsel scarf, pulling her closer.

A denial was on the tip of her tongue but, before she could voice it, Charlie’s mouth settled on hers.

His lips were firm, warm, and talented. Audra couldn’t help herself. She leaned into the kiss with a soft mmmm.

Encouraged by the noise, Charlie wrapped an arm around her waist and, dipping her slightly back, kissed her again.

Everything else faded into the background. All Audra could feel was Charlie: his kiss, his arm, his broad shoulders as her fingers curled around them.

An exaggerated cough snapped her back, and Audra pulled away. She aimed an unsteady smile at Charlie and let Beryl lead her away.

“What was that?” she asked.

“Looks like you got the brains kissed out of you,” Beryl replied dryly, her brown eyes dancing with amusement.

“Yeah,” Audra muttered, looking back at Charlie. “Yeah.”

The party wound down.People pitched in, doing a quick toss of used cups and plates and gathering up various Christmas paraphernalia. The rest would be left for the overnight cleaning crew.

Goodbyes and holiday sentiments were exchanged as the office began to empty.

Audra collected her purse and briefcase, started out the door, and noticed Charlie staring at his keys.

“Nope.” Audra plucked the keys out of his hands. “No driving for you, Blitzen. Take a cab.”

Charlie cleared his throat. “I can’t. I forgot my wallet at home this morning.”

“You can . . . Never mind. Come on; I’ll take you home.”

“You don’t have to do that,” he objected, falling into step beside her.

“Yeah, I do. Coworkers don’t let coworkers drive drunk. Besides, it’s no problem. It’s my fault anyway.”

Charlie just smiled as he snapped his seatbelt and made sure his reindeer antlers were still in place.

Audra settled herself behind the wheel, adjusted her tinsel scarf, and pulled out of the parking garage.

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