Page 26 of Unwrapping Romance

Iwas sitting in my office when I heard Sierra at her desk.

“Sierra, grab me a cup of coffee and come in here,” I shouted.

“Here you go.” She walked in and set the mug on my desk.

“Thank you. Good morning. Have a seat.”

“Good morning.” She sat down in the chair across from my desk.

“How was your weekend?” I asked.

“It was okay. Yours?”

“I met Daniel in Bryant Park yesterday.”

“With all that holiday crap and cheer they have set up there. How could you?” A smirk crossed her lips.

“I know. I wasn’t happy about it.” I sighed as I stared at her. “I’m having a few people over tomorrow night and need you to pick up some things and take them to my townhouse this afternoon.” I handed her a list of items along with my credit card. “My housekeeper is on vacation for a couple of weeks.” Reaching into my pocket, I pulled out the extra key to my house. “Here is the key. Make sure to lock up after you leave and leave the card on the kitchen island.”

“I’m your housekeeper now?” Her brow arched.

“You’re my assistant and will wear many hats. You will be if I need you to be my housekeeper for a couple of hours.”

“Okay.” She stood up from her chair.

“Are you okay with what happened on Friday night?” I asked.

“You mean about my date with Ken?”

“No. I mean with what happened between us. I just want to make sure you aren’t getting any ideas.”

“I’m fine, Jack—no ideas swirling around in my head. Don’t worry. After the holidays, I’ll be gone, and you won’t have to keep asking.” She walked out of my office.

Sighing, I turned my chair around and stared out at the city. I had to keep asking because I wasn’t sure if I was asking her or myself. Glancing at my watch, I had a few minutes before heading to my staff meeting.

I was walking to the kitchen area for a bottle of water. As I approached, I stood against the wall, out of sight, and listened to Tristan telling Grace something about Sierra.

“So, we reactivated her Tinder account, and that’s how she met Ken. She was only using him to go with her to see Hadestown because she knew Jack would be there with another woman.”

I’d heard enough, so I cleared my throat before walking in.

“Uh, good morning, Jack.” Tristan smiled.

“Tristan. Grace.” I nodded as I opened the refrigerator and grabbed a bottle of water. “Our meeting is in five minutes.”

“We know,” Tristan said. “We’re heading there now.”

I walked down to the conference room where my staff was waiting. After taking a sip of water, I placed the cap back on the bottle and set it on the table.

“As you all know, the holiday season has begun. Most of you have been here long enough to know the rules here at Atlas Enterprises. For those of you who are new, let me fill you in. No holiday decorations are allowed in my offices. No exceptions. This is a holiday-free zone. If you don’t like it, you can seek employment elsewhere. You're fired if I even see an inkling ofholiday décor on or by your desks or in your offices. You can enjoy the season outside of these offices and in your own homes. Does anyone have any questions?”

“No, sir,” they all spoke in unison.

“Good. Everyone get back to work. Sierra, stay!”

After everyone left the conference room, I shut the door.

“You met Ken on a dating app to go with you to the play because you knew I’d be there with another woman?” I sternly asked.

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