Page 8 of Stuffing His Stocking

“Who’s Mike?”

“He’s my boss and the owner of Callahan Construction.”

Recognition dawns on her. “Oh, the logo on your shirt the other day?”

“Yeah,” I confirm. “He found me at one of my lowest points after spending yet another birthday alone. I was about to get into it with some random guy at the bar, when Mike stepped in and calmed me down. He said:Son, you’re too smart to be fighting and you’re too pretty for jail.”

“Well, you are kinda pretty. Maybe just a little.” She lifts her hand and holds her thumb and forefinger about an inch apart.

“Gee, thanks.” I smirk. “He helped me pull my head outta my ass and I’ve been working for him ever since, moving my way up.”

“Does he have any idea who you really are?”

“You mean that I’m the son of a billionaire and don’t ever need to work?”

We share a laugh.

“Yeah, that,” she clarifies.

“Not exactly.”

She narrows her gaze at me.

“He knows that I come from a wealthy family and from two parents who don’t give a rat’s ass about me.” My attempt to keep the disdain out of my tone fails miserably. “But he saw something in me that night and I’ll always be grateful he did. His wife died a few years back, before they had any kids, so he treats me like I’m his own. Always mentoring me and giving me advice. Teaching me everything he knows about the business he built from the ground up. Something my own father wouldn’t dream of doing.”

“He sounds like an amazing man.”

“He is, and not just to me, but to all his guys. And whenever he’s ready to retire, I’ll buy him out.”

“What do you mean?”

“He’s worked hard all his life and deserves to reap the rewards. But he’s a prideful man, and he’ll keep working as long as his body lets him. I want him to have plenty of years to enjoy life while he can. So, when the timing’s right, I’ll give him an offer.”

“You think he’ll take it?”

“I hope so. I want to give him a little bit of what he’s given me. He saved me when I needed it most.”

“I’m glad you have someone like him looking out for you.” Her eyes glitter when she smiles. “So now you’re just Dylan, the construction guy, huh? No more country clubs and yachts and lavish parties?”

I lean back in my chair. “I hated all that shit anyway. It was never for me. My life is quiet and I have purpose now. Something to be proud of.”

“You should be proud. I’m happy for you.” She holds my gaze before glancing at the time on her phone. “Shit, I gotta go. I’m sorry.” Her brow furrows with regret.

“Another date?” I half-heartedly tease while secretly praying it’s not true.

“Not even close.” She shakes her head and laughs. “I need to run a few errands, then get home and pack. I’m heading to Mom’s in the morning for the holidays. Christmas is our favorite time of the year and I wouldn’t dream of spending it anywhere else.”

My one and only chance to be a part of their tradition, and I blew it five years ago. “Please tell Carol I saidhi.”

“Sure.” Liv rises from her chair and throws away her empty cup. “What about you? What are your plans for the holidays?”

“I’ll be working.”

She pauses in the midst of putting on her coat. “Wait, what?”

I clean up our trash and push in my chair. “We usually shut down for the last two weeks of the year, but I’ll probably do a few things around the office to help out Mike and our office manager.”

“I’m sure they can do without you for a few days.”

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