Page 13 of Stranded for Christmas with my Boss

“Sorry about that,” Alyssa murmurs.

“You should be more careful,” I tell her, my voice coming out a bit sharper than I meant for it to.

Alyssa blinks at me, almost looking like she flinches at my tone. She then narrows her eyes and puts her back to me, busying herself by rummaging through the box of decorations.

I stare at her for a few seconds, fighting the urge to go up to her and comfort her. What the hell am I thinking? Doing that will just make things worse and more confusing.

We already crossed every line in the damn book on her first day. Am I really going to jeopardize my company’s success for a woman I’m attracted to? She doesn’t even like me anyway.

All of the glares that she shoots my way or the comments she mutters under her breath aren’t playful or friendly. We may like what we see, but we don’t get along. She’s here because I need her work ethic, and she needs a job.

That’s it. Why do things need to get more complicated than that?

Instead of sitting back down at my desk and working, I turn and leave my office to get some air and, more importantly, some space from her. I need to figure out a way to get past these desires, or they’re going to derail me faster than any competitor or schedule mishap can.

Scandal is written all over us and what we’ve done together, and I’m not going to play this game that I keep tricking myself into. Not when so much rides on the blood, sweat, and tears that it has taken me to get this far.

Chapter seven

Alyssa

If I had it my way, I would avoid Jensen as much as possible during the workday.

I would spare myself the confusion and torture of being around someone so perplexing and moody because my life is stressful enough trying to keep myself and my parents from drowning in financial ruin. This job is my lifeline, and Jensen is holding the other end of it.

My boss and also the guy I can’t stop fantasizing about.

Obviously, it’s hard to avoid him when I work for him, but for the past few days, I’ve filled up my daily schedule with as many tasks as I can that don’t require me to be in the same room as him. Until I can completely ignore the pull on my body that I feel when I’m around him, I have to put some distance between us.

Besides, the stress of the upcoming update has made himsotense and antsy lately, which makes him even less fun to be around.

“Brr!” Maya, the company’s brand specialist, shudders as we stand in line for a coffee truck outside of the office.

Light snow dances in the air, twirling in the breeze and coating the sidewalks and streets as New York City life still rages on. A little bit of snow won’t slow down its hectic pace in the slightest, especially with Christmas coming up.

Between people shopping for presents and enjoying all the different festivities around the city, the streets and sidewalks are packed with activity. The city truly comes alive during this time of year to the point of being able to feel it in the air.

Like a little sprinkle of holiday magic.

When I’m stressed like this, I wish I could get lost in it more, but reality is viciously demanding.

“Tell me about it,” I say as we shuffle forward in line. I wrap my arms around myself, hiding in the warmth of my black belted coat as much as I can. Despite the wind being light, it still feels like needles pricking my cold nose.

The only reason I’m enduring the elements right now is to get Jensen a coffee to kick the day off right and to get myself a cup of hot cocoa. I have to maintain my holiday spirit, even if my boss can be a real Scrooge at times.

Maya tightens her pink scarf around her neck, snowflakes dotting her black hair. “I’m so ready for January to get here.”

“Because the update will finally be out?” I’m ready for that too, so that I can see what working at this company is like without a major deadline hanging over our heads. Will it be any less hectic than now?

Maya shakes her head as an eager smile lights up her face. “Because I’m moving across the country to sunny California.”

My eyes widen as she hits me with an unexpected answer. “Really? You’re leaving the company?”

“I love working here, but my husband got an offer at this big engineering firm over there. It’s impossible to say no to,” Maya explains with a shrug. “I wouldn’t mind a change in scenery and weather either.”

I’m happy for her, but it’s kind of a shame. Lately, I’ve been working with her a lot since some of my duties have dipped into marketing territory. She’s been a big help in getting me further situated and acquainted with the company and the other employees.

“Well, you’ll definitely be missed here. I’ve heard from multiple people that you’re a big part of why Soul Flames has a great public reputation,” I tell her, feeling a tug of determination within me.

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