Page 53 of A Holly Brown Christmas
“What are you humming about? That sounded like a yummy noise.”
“Oh, it was definitely a yummy noise. Lennon is totally hot and he has a really nice butt.”
Emma giggled but didn’t say anything.
“Seriously? Since when have you been checking out Lennon’s butt?” she asked, completely amused.
“Um…since I started working here,” Crystal said, like it was obvious. “A woman would have to be blind not to notice it. We go to the same gym too, and it’s always a treat when we’re there at the same time.” She grinned. “And before you ask, no, I don’t stalk him so I can be there when he is. I’m not that person.”
“Good to know.” Holly glanced around to make sure he wasn’t on his way back. “So why don’t you ask him out?”
Crystal’s eyes went wide. “Because he’s not interested in me, duh.”
“Okay, want to answer me like an adult and not a twelve-year-old girl? And why would you think he’s not interested?”
“Because he’s never shown any interest in me. We’re polite and crap whenever we see each other, but he doesn’t go out of his way to talk to me. Trust me. I’d know if he was interested.”
“I didn’t know that Lucas was interested until we started spending time together. Maybe you and Lennon just need a little nudge in that direction.”
“Please don’t start playing matchmaker. As it is, you have all of us decorating and helping you with this party. I really can’t wait for you to just go back to being Holly in payroll. That girl I can handle.”
Frowning, she was about to remind her that she was still the same person, but Lennon was coming down the hall with three interns. Sighing, she put a pin in her conversation with Crystal and would deal with it later.
“Where should we start?” Lennon asked, clapping his hands together.
Holly considered all her options. “Why don’t you take one of the trees and set it up in the conference room? It goes in the back corner on the right. Crystal knows exactly where. You two can start there.”
“And…Mike, is it?”
The young guy nodded.
“Okay, so you and Emma can take one of the trees and set it up outside Mr. Brooks’ office.” They both nodded. Then she looked at the last two interns. “And you’re…Aaron and Nathan?”
They both nodded.
“You guys are going to stay here with me and we’ll get the tree set up here in the lobby. Whoever finishes first, come back and we’ll start on the next batch, okay? Thank you!” She was about to turn and walk away, but Crystal grabbed her arm and tugged her aside.
Uh-oh…
“Thank you!” she whispered. “You’re the best!” And then she sashayed over to Lennon with a big smile. “Do you need a hand carrying this box or should I just follow you?”
Oh, good grief, Holly thought. But she was happy she could help her friend out.
Everyone got to work and it took almost two hours before all the trees were set up and the mess from all the packaging cleaned up. She’d figure out what to do with them after the holidays, but for now, the office looked pretty close to the way Mrs. Brooks always had them.
Sighing, she made her way back to her office and wondered how Lucas and his sisters were doing. Were they coming up with a brilliant plan? Were they going to figure out a way to get their parents home in time for the party? Would it save their Christmas? And if it did, where would that leave her?
As great as everything had been going for her and Lucas, something Crystal had said to her last week stuck with her.
Mr. and Mrs. Brooks might not like knowing that one of their employees knows all about their private business. I know I wouldn’t like it.
Now, not only did she know all about their private business, she’d been in their home, had sex in their home and guesthouse, and was essentially taking on the role of Mrs. Brooks with the parties and decorating.
Crap.
Even if Lucas didn’t think it was a big deal, his parents might, and that could jeopardize their relationship and her job.
“Fine time to be thinking about all that now, dummy,” she mumbled, cursing herself for jumping in with both feet without even considering the repercussions.
