Page 29 of Merry Little Hate Notes

“Huh. You surprise me, Brandon. And I’m not easily surprised. I like it.” She gave me a once-over like it was the first time she’d noticed me sitting at the table. “Perhaps Elevate is the right company for our HR software needs.”

“We are,” Holly stated matter-of-factly.

For never having worked with clients at this level, Holly was a pro. It made me wonder why she refused every promotion Dad had offered her. What had happened to Holly? I desperately wanted to find out, but I feared my shot with her was long gone.

Blake drummed her long nails on the table and thought for a moment before announcing, “Send me the contract. I’ll have my legal team look it over and get back to you.”

Holly’s beautiful eyes lit up, but she maintained her professionalism and did the exact right thing by saying, “I’ll have Brandon send it over as soon as we get back to the office.” It showed she wasn’t overeager and that neither I nor Elevate considered her a subordinate. That would be a no go for Blake.

“I think we have completed our work here,” Blake said as she pushed back in her chair. “It’s time for me to get back to my vacation. Holly, let’s keep in touch. I’m always looking for new talent.” Sheflashed me a glance as an afterthought. “Brandon, I’ll look for your email.”

As soon as Blake stood, Holly and I followed her lead.

Holly reached across the table to shake Blake’s hand. “It was so nice to meet you. I’ll be sure to send you a copy of my dad’s book about his anthropological perspective on art throughout time.”

“Thank you. I look forward to it.” Blake reciprocated the handshake before dashing off without even a goodbye to either of us.

That left Holly and me standing there staring at each other. Holly beamed like she wanted to burst from excitement, but I could still see the hurt in her eyes when she looked at me.

“Holly, you were amazing. This deal is going to close because of you.”

She took a break from hating me and bit her lip. “You think so?”

“As long as our legal teams agree, absolutely. Should I start calling you Monica now or later?” I teased her, hoping she would forget to hate me.

No such luck. Her face fell. “I should have never told you that.” She shut her laptop and grabbed its case.

Where was my wingman when I needed her? I’d even take her popping in with an ugly Christmas sweater or some sticky notes.

I opened my mouth to say something that would undoubtedly make my situation with Holly worse when our server appeared with the bill. He handed it to me, probably saving me from myself. “Thanks for coming in. Be careful out there. I hope you don’t have to go far. I just heard they closed I-70 from Glenwood Springs to Vail because of several accidents.”

Holly’s head snapped up. “It’s closed? For how long?”

Our server shrugged. “Your guess is as good as mine.”

Holly sank into her chair, blowing out enough air to make her bangs ruffle.

I took the seat next to her and took her hand without thinking. Instinctively, I intertwined my fingers with hers as if they belonged together. My thumb slid across her silky skin while I gazed in awe at her for not instinctively pulling away. Her wide eyes said I’d stunned her. My gentle grip tightened, silently begging her to not let go. To giveme a chance to explain why I’d made her believe all these years I wanted nothing to do with her.

“It’s going to be okay,” I assured her. “I have a buddy in town who owns an Airbnb. I’ll call him and see if his condo is an option. If not, we’ll see if any of the nearby hotels have rooms available.”

“I didn’t bring a change of clothes. Or even a toothbrush.” Her free hand flew to her mouth, and it was then she realized I was holding her other one. She gaped at our clasped hands, horror written in her features. “I’m not falling for this again.” She wrenched her hand out of mine.

“Falling for what?”

“Oh, you know.”

“I think you’d better fill me in.” I had an idea, but I’d made so many mistakes with her, I thought it was best to clarify before I proceeded.

She turned and put her hands up in front of her, warning me to keep my distance. “We’re not getting into this. And I’m certainly not spending the night with you.”

“Why? What are you afraid might happen?” I smirked, thinking of all the possibilities.

“Uh ...” She blushed. “Nothing. Absolutely nothing,” she stammered.

“Then what are you worried about? Would you rather take your chances driving back in the snowstorm or spending the night with me?”

“I’ll take door number three.”

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