Page 44 of Wrapped Up with the Three Scrooges

“That’s not what you said last night.” He stepped back with a wicked grin, returning to the present he was wrapping

I grabbed a new box, determined to maintain some semblance of professionalism. But as I started measuring the paper, I could feel his eyes on me.

“You missed a spot.” He lifted his chin at my work.

I frowned at the perfectly wrapped corner. “Where?”

He leaned over, his hand covering mine as he adjusted the fold slightly. “Right here. See how it creates a cleaner line?”

The heat of his palm against my skin was making it hard to concentrate on wrapping techniques. “I see how you’re trying to drive me crazy.”

“Is it working?” His thumb stroked the inside of my wrist, and I had to bite back a gasp.

“You know it is.” I pulled my hand away before I did something inappropriate like climb him like a Christmas tree. “We’re supposed to be keeping things casual.”

“This is casual.” His darkened eyes suggested otherwise. “Just two coworkers, wrapping presents, maintaining appropriate workplace behavior.”

We worked in charged silence for a few minutes, the Christmas music providing cover for the tension crackling between us. I tried to focus on the task at hand, but my mind kept wandering to the way Max’s hands moved so carefully over the paper, remembering how those same hands had moved over my body.

“You’re doing it again,” he said softly.

“Doing what?”

“Staring.” He met my gaze, and the heat in his eyes made my nipples harden. “Making me think very inappropriate thoughts about what I’d like to do to you on this wrapping table.”

I fumbled with the ribbon I was holding, my fingers suddenly clumsy. “That would be very against workplace safety regulations.”

“I won’t tell if you won’t.” He winked. “After we’re done here, I’m taking you out.”

“Oh?” I hadn’t been prepared for that. “Are Levi and Ronan coming too?”

“No, just you and me.” He was about to say something else when he straightened as Blake approached.

Blake’s expression soured even further, if that was possible, while he observed Max and me working together. The candy cane was still stuck in his mouth, but now he was wielding it like some kind of sugary weapon as he pulled it out and pointed the sharp end at Max.

“Mr. Parker, your expertise is needed in shipping. There seems to be a discrepancy with the Manhattan order.”

Max’s eyebrows drew together. “Sophia handles all shipping discrepancies.”

“She specifically requested your assistance.” Blake’s tone left no room for argument, though I noticed he wouldn’t quite meet Max’s eyes.

I bit my lip to keep from saying something I’d regret. The Manhattan order was the one I’d been working on all morning, and I knew for a fact there weren’t any issues. I’d triple-checked everything myself.

Max must have realized the same thing because he gave me a look that clearly said we’d talk later before heading toward shipping. I watched him go, admiring the way his dress pants hugged his assets, until Blake cleared his throat loudly.

“Ms. Williams, if you could refrain from ogling the owners, some of us are trying to maintain a professional atmosphere.”

I turned to him, startled by the venom in his voice. “I wasn’t.”

“You were.” He moved closer, lowering his voice. “And it’s inappropriate. This isn’t some holiday romance novel where the plucky heroine wins over the wealthy CEO. This is a respected company with standards.”

My skin felt like it was on fire, but not from embarrassment. “Excuse me?”

“I’ve seen your type before.” He straightened a ribbon on my station with unnecessary force. “You come in here with your Christmas spirit and your candy canes, thinking you can change everything. But this isn’t about making friends or finding love. It’s about doing your job.”

I stared at him, suddenly understanding. “How long have you worked here, Blake?”

“Five years.” He lifted his chin proudly. “I’ve maintained the highest efficiency rating of any wrapper.”

---