Page 4 of His Heart for Christmas

?That final thought makes my decision. I’m going to work for Josh Harris.

***

?In the morning, I head to Josh’s farm to avoid thinking of all the ways this plan of mine could backfire.

It’s early enough that no one but him and another worker are here. It’s a little warmer than yesterday, but still below freezing, so the snow crunches under my boots as I walk over to Josh.

?He glances up, then stands when he sees me, his eyes taking me in. I tug my gloves on and put my hands on my hips. “Put me to work.”

?“Emma,” he sighs. “I don’t need more help. If I did, I would get it.”

?“Well, you have me here. I need something to do, so look at it as charity.”

?“I donate,” he dismisses, his expression still hard.

?“Please? If not for charity, then let me work and I’ll choose a tree before Christmas and we’ll call it even,” I offer.

?Josh’s jaw tightens, but the more I pout and beg, and prove I know what to do, the more I see the reluctant ‘yes’ in his eyes. When he gives in, I hug him. I smile up at him even though his hands are still at his sides.

?“I promise, if I become a problem or get in the way, you can just tell me not to come back,” I say.

?He keeps watching me for a long moment, then motions to the wrapping station for the trees. “The manual is on the machine. Learn it and practice on a few of the three-footers.”

?As I walk away, Tony chuckles from his place at the register. “Something wrong, boss?”

?“She’s already trouble,” he answers coldly before getting to work.

?I spend half the morning getting the machine to cooperate with me. I sweet talk it until I successfully wrap a tree, then beam. Josh stands next to me, since he can apparently walk around without making a sound.

?I don’t know how a man as big, burly and ... imposing can be so silent. His arms are crossed over his chest as he inspects the tree. “Talking to the machine doesn’t do anything.”

?“Sure it does,” I say, stroking the icy metal. “Being sweet does a whole lot more than yelling, based on my experience with technology ... and people.”

?Josh watches me for a long moment. “Really? Being sweet, not firm, confident, assertive?”

?“People are more willing to do something if they’re valued and feel appreciated,” I say with a shrug. “Thank you again for giving me a chance. I know I’m not all ... muscled like you are, but I’m determined.”

?“I see that,” he says simply. “We need to haul some trees. You’ll take the top since it’s less heavy.”

?“Don’t go easy on me, Josh. I can take it,” I say.

?My voice is breathier than it should be, then I realize the implication of my words and blush. He arches an eyebrow, but leads me over to the trees we need to move. They’re easily taller than me, so when Josh gives me orders, I follow.

?The last thing he needs is for one of us to get hurt. I make sure I have a good grip on each one we move, but considering he makes it look effortless, so easy, my mind continually wanders.Could he lift me this easily? Would he grip my thighs or hair thesame way he grips these trees? Could I take all of him the way I want to?

?Trying to corral my thoughts makes the day feel twice as long, but it’s nearly impossible either way. Josh is attractive, overwhelming when he’s right next to me, and he seems utterly resistant to being anything but bare-bones kind.

?Josh walks up to me and glances towards the smaller trees. “It’s the afternoon rush, Emma. I need you making sure trees aren’t falling on the kids who run between them.”

?“Sure! I love kids,” I say brightly.

?He blinks at me. “Is there anything you’d say no to?”

?“Well, you’re a reasonable man and you request reasonable things, so I doubt it,” I answer.

?He steps closer to me and I stare up at him, the coldness in his gaze warring with some kind of indecision. He grabs my hand and I almost gasp at the contact. He’s so warm! I feel it through my glove, feel it all the way across my body and want to sink into it.

?He takes my other hand and turns them palm up. “You need better gloves. You’ve nearly worn through these already.”

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