Page 42 of Wrapped Up with the Three Scrooges

Ronan was quiet for a moment, staring at the Christmas tree. “She makes everything brighter somehow. Even this ridiculous holiday stuff doesn’t seem so bad with her around.”

“That’s because sheisChristmas. All that hope and joy and magic wrapped up in one perfectly chaotic package.” There was a reason I called her Christmas Spirit.

“We’re doing this?” Max looked at me then at Ronan. “All of us?”

I held up my pizza slice like a toast. “All for one...”

“And one for all?” Emery’s voice came from the hallway, making us all turn. She stood there in yoga pants andan oversized sweater, looking uncertain. She looked smaller somehow, like she was trying to disappear into the fabric.

“How are you feeling about all of this?” Ronan gestured vaguely between us.

She wrapped her arms around herself, a gesture I was starting to recognize as her defensive position. “Honestly? I don’t know. Everything’s such a mess right now and I’ve complicated everything by sleeping with my bosses.” She let out a shaky laugh. “I’m basically a walking HR violation.”

“Hey now.” I stood up and crossed to her, unable to resist rubbing her arm. “You’re not a violation of anything. Well, maybe some outdated social norms, but those needed violating anyway.”

That got a small smile out of her, but it didn’t reach her eyes. “I don’t want you guys to feel obligated to help me because we’ve been intimate. And I definitely don’t want to pressure anyone into something more serious just because I’m temporarily staying here.”

I wanted to tell her she could stay forever, that we’d figure out a permanent position for her at the company, that everything would work out perfectly. But I knew I couldn’t make those promises without discussing it with Ronan and Max first. We might agree about wanting her, but the business and living situation decisions would need careful consideration.

“No one feels obligated.” Max’s voice was gentle as he moved to join us. “And no one’s expecting you to make any big decisions right now.”

I was relieved that Max had found the right words. “Exactly. We can take this one day at a time and figure out what works for all of us.”

Ronan cleared his throat. “The job and living situation are separate issues from whatever this is becoming between us. We don’t want you feeling trapped or pressured.”

“What Mr. Warmth over there is trying to say is that you’re in the driver’s seat here. We’re just along for the ride,” I added.

“The driver’s seat?” She glanced at us skeptically. “You guys run a multi-million-dollar company, live in this amazing house, and basically have your lives completely together. And I’m sleeping in your guest room because I can’t afford an apartment. That doesn’t feel very much like being in control.”

“Hey, I once tried to start a business selling personalized rubber ducks,” I shared with a self-deprecating grin as I remembered that entrepreneurial disaster. “Complete with tiny bow ties and custom paint jobs. Lost my entire savings and ended up with three hundred squeaky rejects in my bedroom. Trust me, none of us has it completely together. We just hide our chaos better these days.”

Max chuckled. “Remember when we all had too much to drink after finals and decided a voice-activated toaster was our ticket?”

“We agreed never to speak of that again,” Ronan warned, but I could see the tension leaving his shoulders.

“We can keep things casual, get to know each other better, and deal with the practical stuff separately. No pressure, no expectations.”

“Just four consenting adults enjoying each other’s company.” Max smiled and looked at the tree. “And apparently, a lot of Christmas decorations.”

That finally got a genuine laugh out of Emery. “Admit it. The tree looks pretty good, even without the pinecones.”

“It’s certainly... present,” Ronan deadpanned, making her laugh harder.

“So, what do you say?” I reached for her hand. “Want to see where this sleigh ride takes us?”

She looked at our joined hands, then at each of us. “Casual? And you’re all okay with sharing?”

“More than okay,” I assured her, while Max and Ronan nodded their agreement.

“Then yes.” She squeezed my hand. “Let’s see where this goes.”

Chapter Twenty

Emery

Istared at the wrapped package in front of me, trying to focus on measuring the perfect amount of ribbon rather than replaying last night’s events in my head for the hundredth time. The instrumental version of “All I Want for Christmas Is You” floating through the workspace wasn’t helping my concentration. Especially since what—or rather who—I wanted for Christmas had multiplied by three.

“Your corners are uneven.” Blake’s voice cut through my thoughts like a sharp razor through wrapping paper.

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