Page 3 of Say Merry Christmas, Boss

People started looking around, giving each other eyebrow wiggles and smirks.

“He’s come a long way since he started,” she continued, “we’ve watched him grow from a sulking teen into a…slightly less-sulking man.”

The beer in my stomach sloshed around, she wouldn’t… “We have watched him flounder with countless women, struggle through college, and then graduate with honors. We watched him grow taller in the years he’s been employed with us, and I am honored to award our very own Peacock, the award for…”

I couldn’t process the words after she said my nickname.Iwas the poor bastard who was just roasted. Motherfuck.

Jeremiah clapped me on the back, laughter flushed his face as he pushed me toward the stage. I must have blacked out, because I didn’t remember approaching the stage, climbing the steps, and coming face to face with the stunning elf woman again.

Her curves were on full display as she smiled and handed me the placard that I didn’t bother to read. My eyes were locked on her.

Becks was still talking, letting everyone know the time and how much longer there was left. She told everyone to enjoy the free booze and food, but I couldn’t focus.

My ears were fuzzy. The beauty before me started to speak, but I couldn’t hear her over the buzzing in my head. The lights on the stage were hot, sweat slicked down my spine.

I smiled at her because I didn’t know what else to do.

Becks turned and ushered us behind Santa’s sled.

“Finally!” She said, waving her hands between us. “I’ve been waiting for what feels like years, to introduce you two.”

The elf woman dipped her head and I saw a blush creep across her cheeks.

“Eli, this is Ashtrid, my granddaughter.” When I didn’t respond, Becks offered, “your assistant.”

Double motherfuck.

“Everyone calls me Ash.” She looked up at me through her lashes.

“Hi.” I managed to get out. Then, because I hadn’t been embarrassed enough, I waved like a total dweeb.

She laughed, a nervous lilt, or maybe I was projecting my thoughts onto her. If I had known she was this beautiful, I would have definitely asked to have video chats.

Wait, is that against policy? I was so going to get fired for sexual harassment.

“I’m gonna go finish up with Santa,” she said to Becks, “nice to finally meet you in person, Boss.”

My dick twitched behind my slacks with her use of my title passing those bow-shaped lips.

“Fire me," I swiveled to Becks, “fire me, right fucking now.”

She laughed and laid a hand on my arm. “She’s something, isn’t she.”

“Becks, you tell me right now to go pack my shit.”

“Eli,” she began, “that isn’t necessary, I wouldn’t trust her with anyone else.”

“Then I quit.”

I started to walk away, but her hand on my arm squeezed. “I don’t accept.”

“Like hell, Becks.” I’d plead with her right now if I had to. “I can’t explain it…”

“I’m not asking you to,” she smirked, “there was a certain sparkle in her eye when she saw your picture not long ago, and when I found out how well you two worked together, I thought, maybe you all could be…more.”

“Becks, this isn’t the eighteen hundreds, since when do you play matchmaker? I don’t want to settle down, you know this. It’s not that others haven’t tried to get me to commit, it’s just not something I want.” I tried to warn her.

“I have a feeling, for the right one, you will.” Becks walked away and threw over her shoulder. “I expect you in the office Monday morning, bright and early, Peacock.”

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