Page 23 of Wrapped Up with the Three Scrooges

“My thoughts exactly.” Levi ran a hand through his hair, a tell that he was more worked up about this than he wanted to show. “She’s trying to handle everything on her own, but...”

“But you want to help.” I studied my friend’s face, noting the way his eyes softened when he talked about her. “More than just as her boss.”

He met my gaze steadily. “Would that be a problem?”

I walked into my office and sank into my office chair. “You know it’s more complicated than that. She’s in a vulnerable position and the last thing she needs is workplace drama if things go sideways.”

“She’s a seasonal employee.” Levi perched on the edge of my desk in that casual way he had of making himself at home anywhere. “And I’m not talking about some casual fling here.”

“That almost makes it worse.” I rubbed my temples, trying to sort through the mess of thoughts and feelings churning inside me. I didn’t know why I was so drawn to Emery, but I was.

Every time she walked into a room, my attention gravitated toward her like a compass finding true north. It was maddening how easily she’d slipped past my usual defenses, and now here I was, sitting in my office debating workplace ethics with my best friend while my heart tried to convince my head it was wrong about everything.

“You’re overthinking this.” Levi’s casual confidence sometimes made me want to strangle him.

“And you’re not thinking enough.” My words were sharp with an edge of frustration I usually kept better hidden, but I couldn’t stop it now. My protective instincts were in full swing, warring with the complicated mess of feelings I had for Emery myself. “Did you consider maybe she feels obligated to be nice to you because you’re her boss? Because you’ve been helping her?”

Levi’s expression darkened. “Give her more credit than that. She’s not some damsel in distress looking for a savior.”

“That’s not-” I cut myself off, frustrated. How could I explain my concerns without revealing too much? “Look, I just think we need to be careful. Professional.”

“We?” Levi’s eyebrows shot up, a knowing smile playing at his lips, clearly enjoying my slip-up. “Interesting choice of words there, Max. Sounds like someone else is wrestling with some complicated feelings about our Christmas Spirit.”

Heat crept up my neck, and I fought the urge to loosen my tie as the temperature in my office seemed to spike. Damn Levi. “You know what I meant.”

“Do I?” He leaned forward, studying me with a penetrating gaze that always made me feel like he could see right through my carefully constructed walls. “Because it seems to me like you’re not just worried about workplace dynamics. You’re worried about your own feelings.”

“That’s not…I don’t…” I stumbled over the denial, knowing it was useless. “Fine. Maybe I’ve noticed her.”

“Maybe you want to help her too? In ways that aren’t exactly professional?” He wiggled his eyebrows suggestively, his smirk growing wider as he watched me squirm. The worst part was, I couldn’t even deny it without feeling like a complete liar.

I shot him a glare, but there was no actual heat behind it. “You’re enjoying this way too much.”

“Little bit, yeah.” It had been a long time since I’d seen his grin so wide. “It’s not often I get to see you this flustered over someone. Actually, I don’t think I’ve ever seen you this flustered over someone.”

“Shut up.” I grabbed a pen and started fidgeting with it, needing something to do with my hands. “It doesn’t matter, anyway. Like you said, she’s seasonal, and you’ve already...” I gestured vaguely, not wanting to think too hard about what might have happened between them.

“Made a move?” Levi supplied helpfully, his expression softening. “Max, you know me better than that. I wouldn’t have pursued anything if I thought it would hurt you.”

“But you pursued something.”

“I did, and I won’t apologize for that. But...” He paused, choosing his words carefully. “Maybe there’s room for both of us to help her in whatever way she wants or needs.”

I stared at him, trying to process what he was suggesting. “What are you saying?”

“I’m saying stop overthinking everything and let yourself feel something for once.” He stood up, straightening his sweater. “And maybe consider some things are worth the risk of being unprofessional.”

Before I could respond, a throat cleared. Ah, shit. How much of that conversation had Ronan heard? Given his typical stance on workplace relationships and the thunderous expression he usually wore when discussing them, I had a feeling I wouldn’t enjoy finding out.

Ronan’s expression darkened as he stepped into my office. “What’s worth being unprofessional?”

Before I could fumble for an explanation, Levi jumped in smoothly. “Max’s window.” He gestured to the large pane of glass overlooking the wrapping workshop floor. “He’s thinking about decorating it for the holidays.”

I shot Levi a look that promised retribution later, but honestly, it wasn’t the worst save. I’d always felt uncomfortable about the windows in our offices—it reminded me of those old-school factories where they watched their workers like hawks.

“Decorate the windows?” Ronan’s voice held that edge of skepticism that usually preceded a lengthy lecture about maintaining professional standards. “We’re not running a kindergarten class here.”

“No, we’re running a business that’s about to ask our employees to work overtime during the holidays. Maybe showing some festive spirit wouldn’t kill us. In fact...” Levi’s eyes lit up. “We should all decorate our windows.”

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