Page 13 of Wrapped Up with the Three Scrooges

That motel was basically one step up from a crack den. “How long have you been there?”

“Since Thanksgiving.” She wouldn’t meet my eyes. “It’s temporary. I’m looking for an apartment, but everything’s so expensive right now, and with the holidays...”

I watched her pick at the wrapper of her sandwich, noting how her fingers trembled slightly. “And this asshole ex of yours donated all your stuff?”

“Most of it. I grabbed what I could when I left, but...” She shrugged, trying to act casual. “It’s just stuff, right?”

“It’syourstuff. What’s his name? I know some people who could make his life very uncomfortable.”

That got a genuine laugh out of her. “As tempting as that is, I’d rather just move forward.” She reached for her hot chocolate, and her eyes lit up when she saw the cinnamon rolls. “You really didn’t have to get these.”

“I wanted to.” I grabbed one and popped it in my mouth. “Besides, breakfast dessert is crucial for proper gift-wrapping form.”

“Is that in the handbook too?”

“Right next to the section about how the boss is always right, especially the handsome one.”

She snorted. “Max?”

“Wow. I’m wounded.” I clutched my chest dramatically. “Here I am, feeding you, keeping you warm, offering to hire hitmen...”

“My hero,” she deadpanned, but her smile was soft.

We ate in comfortable silence for a few minutes, watching a couple walk their dogs across the frost-covered grass. When I looked back at Emery, she had a small smear of icing at the corner of her mouth.

“Hold still.” I reached over to brush it away with my thumb. I lingered there, tracing the curve of her bottom lip. Her lips parted slightly, and the urge to close the distance between us was almost overwhelming.

I could practically taste her already. Hot chocolate and cinnamon and something uniquely Emery that I’d been dying tosample since she first walked into our office. All I had to do was lean in...

My phone blared to life, making us both jump. Ronan’s name flashed on the screen.

“Shit.” I dropped my hand. “We should probably head in before they send out a search party.”

“Yeah,” she agreed breathlessly. “Thanks for... everything.”

I started the car, trying to ignore how my hand tingled where I’d touched her. “Anytime, Christmas Spirit.”

And I meant it. I had a feeling I’d do just about anything to keep that smile on her face—handbook be damned.

Chapter Seven

Emery

Imindlessly wrapped another ridiculously expensive handbag, trying not to calculate how many months’ rent at the Extended Stay it could cover. The price tag alone made my debit card weep.

“Another Hermès?” Katie from the next station over whistled, her eyes wide as she paused mid-fold with her significantly less expensive gift. “That’s the fifth one today.” Her tone held a mix of awe and the same disbelief I felt every time I handled one of these ridiculously overpriced status symbols.

At least her station was dealing with normal presents today; the kind that didn’t make me question all my life choices while I meticulously wrapped them.

“Rich people gonna rich.” I carefully tied the bow. At least my “drunk octopus” technique had improved since starting here. Though thinking about Levi’s teasing comment made my cheeks flush and my mind wander back to this morning in his car.

The way his thumb had felt against my lip, rough and gentle all at once. The intensity in his green eyes right before his phone rang. If Ronan hadn’t called...

“Earth to Emery!” Katie threw a wadded-up scrap of paper at me. “You tied that bow three times.”

“Shit.” I quickly undid the mess I’d made, hoping my face wasn’t as red as it felt. “Sorry, I’m... distracted.”

“Uh-huh.” She smirked knowingly. “Would this distraction involve a certain boss?”

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