Page 23 of Her Holiday Heartthrobs

Ireally did put together a spectacular team. They were already chatting and getting to know each other when they entered the meeting room. I filed in behind them and introduced myself before we did a few first-day things.

When the guys came in, we started the ice-breaker activities and I learned fun things about everyone. Including those three sexy bosses.

Like if they can get Jake drunk enough, he’ll kill it at karaoke. And his favorite Christmas song to belt is “Little Drummer Boy.”

Like how Henry played Santa for his siblings growing up since he was the oldest. His mom raised them alone for most of his childhood.

Like the way Eli loves to buy presents for other people but hates to get them himself because—as he says—he has more than enough. But I suspect there’s something deeper there.

I confessed to having my own holiday planner, and that I’ve been using it since I was thirteen.

My new team had a hoot, and we rocked the group activities to build the project into something we could all love. Martha, my social media guru, has a new plan for some of our uniquedesigns, making a multi-tiered contest for the designers that will also supply us with exposure through their audiences. We just need to target the right ones, but she’s on it, and I love it.

We have plenty more to do.

I dismiss the team fifteen minutes early and I sincerely look forward to seeing them in the morning. After everyone’s gone, Eli puts a hand on my back. “Come have a celebratory drink, Monroe.”

He escorts me through the building and back to his office. Jake and Henry follow, and we attract more attention than I want. I imagine every new manager gets this treatment. But the look Sabrina shoots me reminds me of something I’ve noticed over the last week, even today with the new hires. Every woman in this place seems to have a crush on the CEO, COO, and CFO of Rockwell International.

Me included.

Eli closes us in his office, a much more secluded space than Henry’s. His hand still on my back draws me to the rear of the room where they keep the liquor. It’s a sweet cherry wood cabinet next to a tall window. The glass lets in only the slightest chill as I peer out.

His view is fantastic. The expanse of white is dotted with fall colors—the patchwork of brick and siding, evergreen trees, modern and traditional styles. Everything about Rockville was gorgeous, even under a blanket of snow.

Lights are starting to trickle on, and the bright spots add to the cozy Christmas vibe.

I’m sure in the full light, the surrounding forests add to it.

“How do you get anything done with a view like this?”

Eli’s laugh turns me from the window, and an old-fashioned glass appears in my hand. But it’s Henry’s hand that brushes mine in the exchange.

Is he thinking about the last time we shared a drink? I certainly am, and it makes me shift just slightly to stave off the gooey feelings in my core. Luckily, we’re nowhere near the couch, so I can’t talk myself into crawling in his lap.

“It can be difficult at times, especially when I’m on the phone.”

I peer back out at the wintery scene and let it cool me off. My control around these three is trying, and it’s a good thing they go back to their normal schedule tomorrow. Maybe then, I won’t be so damn tempted all the time.

Maybe, the sexy dreams will stop too.

“You did a phenomenal job today, Monroe. Like an old pro.” Eli leans nearby, like really nearby, his elbow brushing my arm as he sips his drink.

“I’m used to telling people what to do. Compromising. Instructing.” I smile a little because again, that’s mostly with my son.

Jake’s brow raises, like he’s reading between the lines. “Inside or out of the classroom?”

I tip my head to either side. “A little of both. Mostly out.”

Taking my first sip, the burn of the whiskey doesn’t outshine the delicate blend of caramel, spice, and smoke. It’s so much better than my old drink of choice, Jack Daniels. It’s an upgraded variety.

Shit, it probably is knowing these guys. How long after they earned their first million did their tastes start to evolve?

When I open my eyes from savoring the taste, I meet Henry’s dark gaze. Yes, I don’t mind taking control. We both know that well.

Mentally, I shake myself out of this looming tension. Time for a shift in focus. “So, any notes on the team?”

Eli smiles. “I like Martha, that social media expert. She’s tiny, but she’s full of thatbigenergy. She had several good ideas forspecific campaigns. Might need to rein her in though, so just keep an eye on her.”

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