Page 4 of Say Merry Christmas, Boss

He was even more handsome in real life than in his pictures. Cheese and crackers, he was stunning, super model worthy. What was he doing being a chief financial officer?

No way that man went to college and became a boring office man. Especially not the one who I’d been working with for the past couple of months.

I couldn’t wrap my brain around it. Even as I snapped pictures of the little ones on Santa’s lap for my grandmother's party, I couldn’t stop thinking about Eli.

I kept sneaking glances over to where he and my grandmother were still talking. He looked upset, and she looked like the cat that got the canary.

Stopping myself from wondering what he really thought of me, I threw myself into the elf persona, and the kids loved it. Even though I didn’t want any of my own anytime soon, I enjoyed their little awed faces and giggles.

When Santa finally called it quits I circled the room, speaking to the people I recognized and introducing myself to the ones I didn’t. I was a people person, through and through.

It didn’t matter to me that I was dressed like an elf, with a pound of glitter on my face. I was having so much fun, and I couldn’t contain my holiday excitement.

Even if it was still two weeks away.

Christmas has always been a holiday I enjoyed, not because of the presents, or the fun holiday outings, but the food and family gatherings that always took place.

I had the biggest family, and my grandmother Becks was the glue that held us all together. She made sure all of us cousins got along and appreciated each other. I also had three brothers and two sisters, we were all thick as thieves.

Trying not to look for Eli across the room was difficult. My eyes kept gravitating toward him, as if my instincts were tuned into his orbit.

He quickly looked away every time our eyes would connect, which should have been my sign to leave him be. I just….couldn’t.

Becks found me then, “having a fancy, huh?”

I looked back at her where she had stopped behind me and rolled my eyes. Of course I was looking my fill, he was stunning.

“Let’s walk, shall we?”

It wasn’t really a question. Becks led me around like a prized bird, telling everyone who would listen–which was everyone–about how I was making my way through the company. It was touching how proud she was, but there was really only one person I wanted to talk to.

Eli’s tall frame came into view, and I took a deep breath.

“Star of the show tonight, Peacock?” Becks said, prompting him to spin around. God, he smelled so good, like mint and bourbon.

“All thanks to you, Becks.”

He didn’t sound very amused, which seemed to make my grandmother all the more happy. The creases at her eyes became deeper with her smile, and she patted my elbow giving me a clear signal that I was supposed to take over the conversation.

Well, here goes…

“It’s so nice to finally talk to you in person, Eli.” I started, easy, no jumbled words, no word vomit, just formal.

His brows lifted, a small movement I wouldn’t have noticed if I weren’t looking.

“You as well, Ash.” He was stiff, much stiffer than when he’d asked if Santa needed a drink. Did I smell? Shit, did I forget to put deodorant on?

“I’ll leave you kids to it, then.” Grandmother said before flitting off in the opposite direction.

We were both silent, what else could I say? I didn’t want to embarrass myself, not anymore than my outfit was right now.

“This isn’t my usual outfit.” I offered, pulling up one side of my dress to make the little bells jingle.

“I’d hope not.”

His eyes widened as if he didn’t expect to say that out loud. I laughed, I couldn’t help it. He was either disgusted with my outfit, or thoroughly embarrassed by his blunder. Either way it made me laugh.

Her fucking laugh.

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