Page 49 of Stranded for Christmas with my Boss

It smells like we’re standing in the middle of the forest, but it’s a nice smell. With the mountains looming nearby and all sorts of activities at our disposal within the resort, this could’ve been a really nice day trip. If only.

“I’ll get a fire going,” I tell her, figuring this place could use a little more warmth and a little more light.

As I crouch in front of the fireplace, I swear that I can feel her eyes on me. My heartbeat quickens as I fully grasp what kind of situation we’re in. We’re stuck together for a whole night away from everywhere else.

This is the moment that I’ve been waiting for. We have no work to do. No one to hide from. It’s just us, and it’s the perfect time for me to not be a coward and actually tell her how I feel.

How are we ever going to become anything more than two people who hide and lie and sneak around if we don’t communicate? How can I figure out how I truly feel without hearing myself say the words out loud?

If I don’t take this chance, I’ll lose her.

Just as the fire starts crackling within the fireplace, I hear one of the floorboards creak behind me, making me spin around to see Alyssa approaching me with a nervous look on her face. “Are you okay?”

Alyssa nods, her fingers twining together like they do when she’s anxious. “I…I’ve been wanting to talk to you about something.”

“Me too,” I say, my heart pounding so quickly that my breathing can’t even catch up. I almost feel breathless.

Alyssa’s eyes widen before a nervous laugh drifts from her. “Do you want to go first?”

If I don’t say what I need to say now, I fear that I never will.

I step closer to her, my hand taking hers. The sound of her breath hitching makes my head spin, but I ground my feet and focus on the inviting hue of her eyes. “Things are complicated between us. We’ve crossed lines, broken rules.”

Alyssa’s anxious smile wavers as she nods.

“But, I know your job means a lot to you, and I never want to jeopardize your career.” I need her to know that because what I’m about to say is going to sound a bit contradictory. “But I don’t want to just be your boss. I want to be the person you call when you need to talk to someone or you need help. I want to be the shoulder you cry on and the arms you fall in. I want to be…yours. And I want you to be mine.”

Alyssa’s lips part in shock as she stares at me, letting every word that spilled from me sink in. She lets my hand go, making my heart drop.

“Alyssa, I know this is a lot, and I don’t want to push you into something you’re not ready for,” I say, trying to reel in the fear clawing at my chest. “But I need you to know that these feelings aren’t just temporary. I’ve been holding back because I wanted to protect you, to protect us. But the truth is, I can’t imagine my life without you in it, in every way.”

She takes a deep breath, her eyes searching mine, as if she’s looking for any sign of doubt. “Jensen…I’ve been scared too. Scared of what this could mean, of what we could lose if things didn’t work out. But I can’t keep pretending that what I feel for you is anything less than real. I want this, with you, but we have to be in this together. No more hiding, no more running.”

I step closer, cupping her face in my hands, my thumbs brushing over the soft skin of her cheeks. “I’m all in, Alyssa. Whatever it takes. We’ll figure it out together.”

She smiles, a mixture of relief and happiness flooding her expression. “Then let’s stop overthinking and just be in this moment, right here, right now. Because I want you, Jensen, and I don’t want to wait any longer.”

Alyssa throws her arms around my neck and crashes her lips against mine, knocking the air out of my lungs. My body tenses in shock at first, still recovering from the devastation I started to fall into.

But kissing her makes me feel alive in a way I hadn’t experienced before. My mind catches up, and my body follows, prompting my hands to caress the small of her back so that her chest presses against mine.

Alyssa’s lips curve into a smile. “Did I surprise you?”

I let out a breathless laugh as my hands slowly rub her back, hopeful warmth burning in my chest. A kiss is a good sign, right? “You could say that.”

Alyssa gazes up at me with a gleam of adoration in her eyes. “I want to be with you, Jensen. That’s what I wanted to talk to you about. I know about the rules and possible consequences, but we can handle anything. We’re kicking this update’s ass.”

That’s my firecracker. No challenge is too daunting for her. No task is too big. If there’s an obstacle, we’re going to overcome it.

After weeks of working together, we’ve learned a lot about each other. Strengths. Weaknesses. Future hopes and dreams.Painful past memories. Current desires. If I’m going to trust anyone to slip past all of my emotional defenses to reach my heart, it’s her.

It has always been her.

My hands glide upward until I can cup her face, my thumbs stroking over the pink flush on her cheeks. She’s so damn gorgeous, with snowflakes sparkling in her hair and a blush on her face. How was I ever supposed to resist her the moment she stepped into my life?

“Then, I’m going to make you mine.”

Alyssa’s eyes darken as her kissable lips form an eager smile. “I’ve waited long enough.”

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