Page 36 of Yes to The Holidays
“Hmm. Eddie gossips now? Because he’s the one who told me about the incident and all that followed.”
Donald’s lips were thin, and the muscle in his jaw pulsated. “With all due respect, is there a point?”
Leaning back, I answered, “Yes. You say your past relationship with Janie will not affect work, but you went out of your way to discuss personal business with her during work hours. So, I’m confused.”
“Have you ever been married, sir?”
I shook my head. “Not yet. But the prospect is in sight.”
He folded his hands and grinned. “When you spend a life together, it's not as simple as cutting ties and walking away. I hope you never have to experience divorce because it’s quite messy.”
“I would never marry only to later cheat, so I don’t intend to have that conundrum.”
His face went red again. “Sir, I think this conversation has become more personal than I am comfortable with. I’d prefer not to discuss my relationships with you.”
“Agreed. How about we make a deal.” I straightened up. “I will not meddle in your personal life; you do not meddle in mine. Also, I believe it would be best if you no longer discussed such things with Janie as well. I want my team to be comfortable in the workplace, and I’m sure that was awkward for her. Don’t you agree, Donald?”
“Yes, sir.”
“Wonderful.” I looked at my watch. “Now, if you’ll excuse me. I have a meeting with Eddie soon, and I don’t want to keep him waiting. Looking forward to the holiday party.”
“Yes, sir. I will see you there if not sooner.”
I stood, buttoned my blazer, and smiled before striding casually from his office. The holiday party next weekend would indeed be fun. For me anyway.
Chapter 19
Janie
Odin and I made it through the weekend, careful to not be seen. Instead of galivanting around town, we pretty much stayed in the hotel and ordered food to be delivered or room service. It was easy to detach from the harsh realities of work and the changes happening when we were tangled up in the cozy room sharing Chinese food from the containers as we lay naked watching holiday movies.
Some of the loving was hurried and loud, but some was slow and sensual. All of it was amazing, but the slow and sensual had me feeling…different. It was more intimate, soft, and passionate. I knew it was a bad idea to continue to see him, but I didn’t know that over time I would start to have deeper feelings. And the gentleness of some of our lovemaking wasn’t slowing that process.
As he had slowly pumped himself in and out of me while staring into my eyes and gently brushing his thumb over my cheek, something shifted within me. The walls I had erected after Donald’s betrayal had been gradually chipped at for weeks since I met Odin. But at that moment, a huge portion of the walls crumbled away. It had worried me and warmed me at the same time, but there was no stopping it and no rebuilding it.
Each time we parted ways became harder. I didn’t want to go home Sunday night and sleep alone. I nearly invited him back to my place, but I mustered the last bit of sanity I had and stopped myself. Even the short ride home was miserable, and another sleepless night followed.
Monday morning, I found the largest tumbler I owned and poured coffee in before leaving the apartment for work. There were meetings between departments all week and one scheduled with Eddie and Odin Wednesday. Then, at the end of the week, the holiday party was happening at an upscale restaurant not far from the office.
The safety of the weekend melted away once again as I headed to my office and settled in to check messages and have my morning catch-up with Candy. The feelings stirring made it even more unsettling than before. He had only asked for the holidays. He was about to own the company I worked for. And I had to go and catch feelings.
“–and don’t forget the slides for the presentation. I prepped them, but you need to take a look and approve before I lock them down. Hello?”
“Huh?”
Candy sighed. “Did I just seriously waste all that breath?”
Shrugging, I answered, “I’m sorry. My mind is elsewhere.”
She grinned. “I don’t blame you. He’s dreamy. So,” she said as she leaned closer, “did you spend the weekend together?”
I rolled my eyes, but then smiled. “Yes. And it was such a mistake.”
“That face doesn’t look like a mistake to me. But what do I know? I’ve got a standing date with my bunny.”
“Hey, I had that same date for months. Hell, even before the split, I used it more than I’d like to admit.”
Candy adjusted the bright red plant on the edge of my desk. “I can see that. Donnie–Donald–sorry, doesn’t seem like he’d be overly fun in that department.”
