Page 4 of Fake Christmas Date
Half an hour later, I've greeted people, made endless small talk, and come up with various compliments regarding men's ties and women's earrings. I'm not normally a social person, so part of me is already exhausted.
In my hometown of Holly Valley, everyone knows everyone and there are very few strangers. Here in Kingsville, I usually like staying anonymous because too many strangers asking about my business makes me prickly. Tonight, this slight irritation is kicked all the way to the curb by Emma's smile. She's clearly delighted with how the evening is progressing.
As we stroll away from yet another couple, she whispers, "That was Carl, the big boss.”
"Well, he definitely seems to like you. That's good."
Her eyes drop. "I've only been here for five months, but I'm the fastest and most accurate." Her voice lowers even more. "I hate to say it, but I think the others have just gotten a bit…set in their ways."
"You mean lazy?"
"I definitely didnotsay that." Her nose twitches. "Although I may have been thinking it.”
Her coworkers Brandy and Angie were among the first people eager to say hello, and it’s not lost on me that Lacey hasn’t come anywhere near us. It doesn't faze Emma at all. We chat, mingle, and almost forget we’re on a mission. It truly feels like a real date. Everyone seems to like Emma, and our quietly intense relationship. Natalie especially loves that we met while I was running an errand for my mother.
"So," I murmur as we steal a moment to ourselves at the end of the room. "I don't see a cake, but I'm happy to push a certain green dress headfirst into the punchbowl near the dessert table if you like."
Emma laughs, her hand landing on my bicep. Her fingers tighten just enough to feel along my muscle before she blinks and snatches her hand away. Did I imagine the shiver that seemed to run through her? At least I know Emma likes what she feels.
"Other than a few bitchy glares, Lacey has been minding her own business. Maybe she's given up trying to make me look bad."
"I hope so. But let's keep an eye on her anyway.”
I find I’m already extremely protective of Emma, for some reason. She’s so sweet, just a little shy and unsure. The thought of one coworker messing up her job bothers me enough: the ideaof anyone messing with her entire livelihood sends a wave of curses crashing through the back of my mind.
Emma spins to the right. "Oh! There's James from Accounting and I guess his wife. He was so worried the other day because their cat was sick. Why don't I check on them, and you grab us some more champagne?"
I smile, leaning close to murmur, "You can tell I've kind of had enough of being the center of attention?"
She grins. "Yeah. I have, too. But I think it’s positive attention, at least."
"I’m determined to do whatever it takes to make sure everyone leaves here tonight with nothing but happy stories of how wonderful you are."
I lean in and brush my lips across her temple, glad that she doesn't shy away. She actually leans toward me, welcoming my touch. I’m dying to ask her out on a real date as soon as this is over.
Wait.
“This is just an idea, Emma. No pressure. But if you don’t have plans for Christmas, maybe you’d consider coming to my hometown, and being my date for the festivities? My mom has been freaking out that I never bring anyone for the holidays.”
“Oh! I’d love to.” Her eyes glow. “My mom lives in South Dakota and we…well… We haven’t spoken in ages. My only plans this year involved staying home alone.”
“I promise we’ll have a good time. Don’t worry, I’ll ask you properly tomorrow.”
Emma grins and dashes off, and I head for the bar. The area immediately in front of the bartender is busy, so I step to the side, nearer the hallway to the restrooms. The corridor is very narrow and causes voices to echo, so I can't help but hear every word.
"Who the hell does Emma think she is?" It's a flat, nasal voice that I don’t think I’ve heard tonight. I crane my head around slightly, and catch a flash of bright green out of the corner of my eye.
“That huge lumberjack type is probably her cousin." There's a snort. "I wouldn't even put it past her to hire an actor or some shit. She's always showing off, trying to make the rest of us look bad."
There's a softer voice. "He really is acting like a very attentive boyfriend, Lace. I’m positive they've been together a while. I don't know what your prob?—"
"Myproblemis that this is supposed to be a wholesome company party where we meet people's significant others. That’s how it's been for years. And here Emma just shows up with some guy she scammed on a dating app, acting like she's queen of the company again. Like she's better than us and wants to rub our noses in it."
An exasperated sigh from a different voice. "Lacey, just because she's faster at the reports doesn't mean…"
They emerge from the hall into the ballroom. Turning away from them, I order champagne, pretending I didn't hear them. Unfortunately, I see that Lacey was bitching to Natalie and Brandy. They're both frowning and shaking their heads.
I don't know who hurt that poisonous Lacey chick, but I'm not going to let her mess up Emma's job. My mind begins spinning, trying to think of an idea. Natalie seems like a sentimental type, and she's the one with the real power in this situation.
