Page 14 of Inherited Holiday

“It should come as no surprise to you how influential you are right now to Mistletoe Town.”

“So, I’m influential to everyone except to you?”

She glared at me. “Can you please stop airing our private business to everyone in the room?”

“You’re the one who came in here like Elf on a Shelf, guns blazing. I have no interest in performing for the public or be whatever spokesperson you all expect me to be.”

“Nicholas…” my father warned in a voice I didn’t appreciate. “It’s a necessary evil, and it’s what’s best for the town.”

I didn’t allow another second of this ambush. Instead, I simply ordered in a sharp tone, “We need to clear the room. I’d like to talk to Miss Woods alone.”

“I don’t think that’s the bes?—”

“Whose name is on those documents?” I interrupted my brother, and he cleared his throat before nodding for everyone to leave.

After they were gone and the door was shut behind him, Icrossed my arms over my chest and focused solely on the woman who thought she could change me.

Again.

“Now that they’re gone, let’s cut the bullshit, Elle.”

“Mr. Saint Clair, I won’t remind you again to address me as Miss Woods.”

“How long do you plan on playing this cat and mouse?”

She stood abruptly, sliding the documents across the table as she spun, strutting her way to the door. “Take a look at the holiday itinerary for the next few days leading up to Christmas because I control you beginning tomorrow morning.”

I resisted the urge to argue, realizing all too quickly that it seemed like I’d be dealing with her the most.

“If that means I only have to deal with you, I’ll gladly take the bait.”

HR would have a field day if they knew I was admiring her luscious ass that swayed with each step she took. It felt like forever had passed, waiting for her to walk by me. Too many emotions and questions tore through my mind in those brief seconds, one right after the other.

The clicking sound of her heeled knee-high boots vibrated deep within my core the closer she got toward me. One by one, it added to all the chaos erupting in my mind.

My throbbing head meant a migraine was looming, and I was surprised I could still see straight with the uncertainty racing through my body. All I wanted to do was pull her into my arms and have her stop with the games she was trying to play. The wall she built against me; I worried I might lose this battle between us.

When she walked past me, I growled at my impulsive thoughts and grabbed her hand, tugging her back toward me. She instantly misplaced her footing and fell into my lap, catching herself on my chest while her knee flew right to my balls.

I loudly groaned as spots instantly danced around my eyes.

“Oh shit!” she exclaimed, jumping off me. “I’m going to get you some ice!”

I wanted to reply, but I couldn’t. Words couldn’t form out of my mouth when I felt like my balls were in my throat. From the moment she dropped to her knees in front of me, setting the freezing ice on my balls, I envisioned this scenario happening in a much different way.

“Hell of a defense tactic.”

She leaned back, sitting on the heels of her boots. “Are you alright?”

“I’m not sure yet.”

“Do you want me to take a look?”

“You want to look at my balls?”

“No, but I would if you were hurt.”

“Would you kiss them to make them feel better too?”

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