Page 2 of Wishing for Christmas
Clara took a deep breath, mentally preparing the firm but gentle rejection she’d been rehearsing all day. Sure, some feelings would always be there between them, it was only natural. But it was best they closed the door on that part of their relationship for good. As rational as it sounded in her head, she knew putting it into practice was another thing entirely.
Matthew said nothing, just motioned her over to the seating area in the center of the lobby. Clara blew a puff of air out the side of her mouth. She sat on the leather sofa, resigning herself to the painfully awkward conversation she knew was in store for her. She crossed her ankles and wished she was wearing pants instead of an unforgiving pencil skirt. She placed her hands in her lap and waited as Matthew poured himself a cup of coffee from the silver carafe on the end table.
He threw her a glance to offer her one.
She shook her head, just wanting to get it all over with.
He sat across from her, casually crossing one leg over the other. Matthew Edmunds, never Matt, was the ideal representative of the Darlington brand—impressive, beautiful—but at a high price. His dark hair was always perfectly styled, and his eyes were a piercing shade of green that still managed to tantalize Clara whenever he held her gaze.
He leaned forward in his chair. “I’ll go ahead and cut to the chase, Clara.”
Her stomach knotted.
“I’m leaving the Darlington,” he said.
Her eyes popped open in surprise. “What?”
“I’ve been given an incredible opportunity. I’ve accepted an offer to manage the new hotel on Fifth Street.”
Clara could tell he expected her to be impressed. She stared at him, her brain slightly disoriented as it tried to quickly process this unexpected information. “What?” she repeated.
“I know, you probably weren’t expecting this.”
No, she certainly was not expectingthis. “You’re leaving?”
He nodded.
She immediately exhaled with relief. An undeniable grin spread across her face before she could even stop it. She forced herself to temper her reaction and cleared her throat. “That’s great, Matthew. Congratulations,” she said.
An intense wave of relief washed over her at the realization that this wasn’t an attempt to rekindle their romance at all. Instead, this was the best news possible. With Matthew leaving, she could finally rid herself of the constant stress that came along with working so closely beside him every day. The blurry lines between their personal and professional relationship would no longer exist. Her ex-boyfriend and his fickle heart would no longer matter to her. She could finally close that door and move forward with her new relationship without that additional baggage.
That was all she wanted at this point in her life—a simple, uncomplicated relationship with Brent. She felt herself fall into a daze of solace as Brent’s dimpled smile appeared in her mind.
She shook her head quickly, her thoughts returning to the reality of the present conversation. It took a moment for her brain to catch up with what Matthew had been telling her. Sheheld up her hands to slow things down a bit. Something still felt off, and she was beginning to realize what it was. There wasn’t actually a new hotel on Fifth Street. At least, not yet.
“Didn’t they just start construction on that hotel? It must be months away from opening.”
“A year, actually—at least. But that’s what I wanted to talk to you about.”
“Okay.”
“I’ve been meeting with corporate about plans for the Darlington’s future after I leave.” He paused to take a sip of his coffee, probably guessing that the suspense was killing her.
Clara held her breath. The news she had been longing for—although she would never admit it—was just within reach.
After the world’s longest drink, he looked at her with a cocked eyebrow. “And we all agreed thatyoushould be the next general manager of the Darlington.”
“Really?” She let out a tiny gasp as if she hadn’t been imagining this moment for years. She’d always hoped he would advocate for her when the time came. Their relationship had always remained positive—when it came to work, anyway. Clara hadn’t expected it to happen so soon, though.
“Well, you earned it,” said Matthew. “Your performance reports have been impressing corporate for some time now. It’s apparent to everyone how hard you’ve been working.” He gave her one of his flirty winks. “Including me.”
A tingle of excitement surged through her, and she felt her cheeks grow warm. She forced herself to remain immune to his charm. “I would love?—”
Matthew held up his hand, suddenly cutting her off. “That is after you get some additional experience under your belt.”
She stared at him, having absolutely no idea where this conversation was about to go.
He set down his coffee mug in front of him and leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. “Look, Clara, corporate feels your experience in sales would make you a great manager for the hotel.”
