Page 43 of Wrapped Up with the Three Scrooges

I glanced down at my work. The corners were fine, but apparently not up to his robot-precise standards. “They look perfectly fine to me.”

He pursed his lips, looking pained as the Chipmunk’s version of “Silent Night” began playing. “This music is disrupting everyone’s workflow.”

“Actually, studies show that music increases productivity.” I carefully tied a bow. “Plus, it’s Christmas music. How can you wrap presents without Christmas music?”

“We managed just fine for the past several years.” He eyed the garland I’d somehow convinced the guys to let me hang on the railing of the stairs and balcony overlook. The lights twinkled merrily, completely at odds with Blake’s grim expression.

I followed his gaze up to the second floor, where Ronan stood at his window. He caught my eye and gave me a small smile that sent heat rushing to my cheeks as memories of his mouth between my thighs flashed through my mind.

“Focus.” Blake snapped his fingers, making me jump. “This is exactly what I mean about distractions.”

“You know what you need?” I reached for the coffee cup that was holding an array of treats. “A candy cane.”

He stared at the red and white striped candy like it might bite him. “Sugar is not permitted at the wrapping stations.”

“Come on, live a little.” I waggled it enticingly. “It’s peppermint. Very festive. Very proper.”

“Proper would be maintaining our standards of excellence without all these...” He waved his hand wildly. “Unnecessary additions.”

From upstairs, I heard Levi’s distinctive laugh, followed by Ronan’s deeper voice. There was a light tingle between my legs as I remembered how that voice had sounded last night, rough with desire as he’d-

“Your bow is crooked.”

I blinked, forcing myself back to the present. “Right. Sorry.” I adjusted the bow, then held out the candy cane again. “Just try it. If you hate it, I’ll never offer you seasonal treats again.”

He hesitated, then snatched it from my hand like he was afraid someone might see. “This doesn’t mean I approve of the changes around here.”

“Noted.” I smiled, watching as he unwrapped it. “But you have to admit, the place looks prettier.”

“Pretty doesn’t ship packages.” He popped the candy cane in his mouth, then immediately tried to hide his pleased expression.

“No, but it makes shipping packages more enjoyable.” I finished the present with a flourish. “See? Perfect corners, straight ribbon, and I did it all while listening to music.”

Blake made a noncommittal noise, but I noticed he didn’t remove the candy cane as he moved on to inspect someone else’s work.

I risked another glance upstairs, this time catching all three of my bosses watching me like they wanted to unwrap me.

I turned back to my work. This was totally casual. Just three incredibly hot guys who I worked for and lived with and may have had mind-blowing sex with. No big deal.

What was a big deal was when they came down to the wrapping floor to help. They’d been doing it off and on all week. After a few hours in their offices, they went into full-on wrapping mode.

I tried to focus on the gift in front of me, but Max’s sudden presence at my wrapping station was incredibly distracting. He’d dressed down today in jeans and a t-shirt which showed off his muscular forearms as he measured paper.

“You’re staring,” he said without looking up, a small smile playing at his lips.

“I’m observing proper wrapping technique. Very professional. Very mindful.”

He glanced at me, his eyes dancing with amusement. “Is that what we’re calling it now?”

I busied myself with preparing a new roll of paper, very aware of how close he was standing. “I don’t know whatyou mean. I’m just a dedicated employee, learning from my superiors.”

“Superiors?” He moved closer, reaching past me for the scissors. His chest brushed against my back, sending shivers down my spine. “I seem to remember you being quite... superior... last night.”

“Max!” I hissed, glancing around nervously. Most of the other workers were focused on their own tasks, and Blake was occupied with his own wrapping again.

“What?” His breath tickled my ear. “I’m just commenting on your leadership qualities. The way you took charge of the situation. Very admirable.”

I elbowed him gently, trying to ignore how my body was reacting to his proximity. “You’re terrible.”

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