Page 24 of Her Holiday Heartthrobs

I nod, having noticed the same thing. “She’ll work well with Casey. He’s got a history of working under too much instruction.”

Henry and Eli laugh in agreement. Jake just stares at me, no smile. I think he’s amused anyway.

“Vanya has mini-me vibes. I suspect she will be your brownnoser.”

Shaking my head, I can see it, but she has reason to study what I’m doing. She’s part market research and part the face for the brand launch. “I just need to help her go from faking confidence to actually feeling confident. That’s all.”

“You can do that?” Jake asks, like he’s skeptical.

“Of course.” I don’t elaborate because I don’t need to. That’s one of the tricks I’ll teach her. It’s one of my favorites.

Finally, that corner of his mouth moves. Most might mistake it for a glower, but I know that’s his version of a smile.

I take another sip of the whiskey and swallow a moan along with it.

Did everyone take a step closer? We seem so close all of a sudden.

Jake taps the underside of my glass. “Finish it, so we can pour you another.”

“I don’t know if that’s a good idea,” Henry says, and it’s just the thing that makes me tip back the last of my drink and hold my glass out to Jake.

He takes it, fingers brushing mine and zapping me low in my belly.

“Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.” He steps around Henry, and I hold back my glare. Well, maybe not completely because Henry frowns in return.

It’s not like my father hasn’t told them of my contrary behavior. My aversion to being told what to do with my personal choices. Work? Fine. I take direction well. But I will eat or drink and do what I want with myself otherwise.

Refilled glass in hand, I take another sip. Although, Henry might have been right. Some of the alcohol is hitting me, and it’s just going to get worse. Riding the train tonight is going to be fun.

“Don’t let Henry spoil your celebration. He’s always been the most pious of us all.”

Now, that frown deepens before he shakes his head and peers out the window.

“That’s not saying much for the two of you.”

Eli’s laugh is boisterous, much like his general demeanor. My hint at mirth from Jake, and even Henry huffs but smiles.

Pulling his phone from his pocket, Jake steps back and frowns before turning away. Phone to his ear in a second, he’s on the other side of the room. “What do you mean, she’s canceling?”

I lean forward to catch the conversation after that small temptation, but Henry’s touch at the small of my back distracts me. Blood pumping loud in my ears as I turn my face toward him.

Black swallows his irises, attraction apparent in the way he’s looking at me, and I wish he wouldn’t. Not if he won’t do anything about it. It’s simply not fair. Especially to me.

I swallow hard, and his fingers press harder before they retreat.

“What do you mean, you don’t have anyone else? What do I pay you for?”

My eyes widen at the following silence, and I brace myself with another sip. Nearly halfway through my second glass and feeling a bit bold. Or maybe just a little more drunk.

Jake nearly stomps back, downing the rest of his own drink on the way and pouring himself another.

I point between the three of them. “What was that all about?”

Jake turns and shoots back his second glass, leaving his head hanging back and his eyes closed for the count of four. “My date for tonight’s investor dinner canceled. I can’t be mad for the last minute because she had to take her daughter to the hospital. It’s a valid excuse.”

The glass bangs against the bar again. More whiskey sloshes into it.

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