Page 77 of Mountain Protector

This is the kind of thing I wouldn’t have made time for before. Before I moved to my cabin and started spending more time at home—and later, with Knox—I would have shared a pleasant greeting with Evelyn, but not more than that. Which, now that I think about it, makes me a little sad. “If you have time,” I tell her, “I’d love that.”

While I wait for the elevator to arrive, I find myself humming along with the music. And then my mind wanders to the caroling from a few nights ago, when I discovered Knox has a surprisingly good singing voice. He was hesitant at first when the carolers urged the audience to sing along with them, but once everyone got going, he joined along.

And wow. Just when I think Knox can’t possibly get any sexier? My tough protector boyfriend crooning “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” while he looks into my eyes?

Oh. My belly still gets all fluttery just thinking about it.

As the elevator doors open and I step inside, a voice calls out from behind me, “Can you hold the doors?”

My hand shoots out to block the doors from closing, and only after do I realize who the voice is attached to. And my smile immediately dips.

Everett. The annoying account manager. The guy who makes my teeth grind just listening to his smarmy, ingratiating voice, and who seems to think dating me is the ticket to a promotion.

Plastering a fake smile on my face, I give him a little nod as he joins me in the elevator. “Everett. Nice to see you.” Because as much as he bugs me, I would never be anything but polite to any of the employees here. He’s not my employee, since he reports to the sales manager, but as CFO and daughter of the owner of the company, it’s important I keep things professional and pleasant.

“Lark.” He gives me an overly bright smile and moves a foot too close for comfort. “So nice to see you.”

I take a quick step away. “Yes. You too.”

“So. I’ve been meaning to come see you.”

“Oh?” My gaze slides to the elevator buttons for a second.Why is it taking so long just to go up three floors?

“Yes. The holiday party on Friday. I assume you’re going?”

My phone chimes in my purse, playing the special rhythm I assigned to Knox. My heart lifts. While it’s been less than an hour since I saw him, I already miss him.

I want to check Knox’s text, but Everett is still looking at me expectantly, waiting for my answer. “Yes. I’m going.”

The elevator bell chimes. Yes! Fourth floor. I can dart off to my office and end this?—

“Would you like to go with me?”

“What?”

“The holiday party,” he explains patiently. “We could go together.”

“I’m sorry.” I make an apologetic face. “But I’m with someone. So I’ll be bringing him to the party. But thanks for asking.”

The doors slide open and I make a quick exit, tossing over my shoulder, “Have a good day, Everett.” And then I snatch my phone from my purse and tap Knox’s incoming message, smiling to myself as I read it.

Songbird. I miss you already. Everything ok at work?

While I walk, I type out a quick reply.

So far, so good. Just heading to my office now. And I miss you, too!

Just as I’m about to enter my office, I hear a familiar and welcome voice calling my name.

Not annoying Everett this time, but someone I actually want to talk to. My dad.

Turning, I grin as he walks toward me, his long-time employee, Ed, matching his pace alongside him. As soon as he reaches me, my dad hugs me and says, “Lark. I’m glad I caught you before my conference call. How are you?”

“Good.” Stepping out of the hug, my gaze shifts to Ed. He’s one of the senior financial advisors and has been working here since I was in college, and while on the surface he seems nice, I always get the feeling he thinks I don’t deserve the job I have. Not that he’s ever said anything about it, but it’s just a vibe I get from him.

So he’s not my favorite, but he’s been a loyal employee and my dad likes him, so I give Ed a friendly smile as I say, “Nice to see you, Ed. Are you ready for Christmas?”

A shadow moves across his face, but it’s quickly replaced by a smile. “I’m good, Lark. All ready for the holidays, I think. Just a few last-minute things. You?”

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