Page 42 of His Off-Limits Christmas Gift

“You’re a hard worker,” Nate said smoothly with his typical charm. “We’d love to have you stay at Malley, Inc.”

Aha.He only meant I was a good employee. Not a woman he’d want to keep around for himself. And that shouldn’t have been a mystery. He said he was done with women.

I couldn’t break eye contact with him after his comment, though. This sexual tension just kept brewing and growing.

“Uh, Rach? I think you’re supposed to tell Nate thank you for that praise,” Brandon joked.

I shook my head, remembering that I had to hide this pull to him. “Right. Um, thanks, Nate.”

“I should be the one thanking you, Rachel,” Nate replied, “for ever coming to the building.”

Brandon huffed a laugh. “Damn, dude. You don’t have to worry about flattering her.”

His discomfort at me and Nate getting along well cleared up that. I didn’t have to wonder about how Brandon would react. His comment said it all. He’d be furious, mad if Nate and I became something more than a boss and temp employee who kissed.

And it’s not like it will go anywhere.Nate wasn’t looking for anyone. He was just supposed to be my mentor, and I was only supposed to be his plus-one to this party.

No matter how much more I wished we could be together for real.

“Anyone want another drink?” Brandon asked. He headed toward the bar without waiting for a reply. “I’ve got time for one more, myself.”

“No,” I said, looking at Nate as he approached me.

“I’m good,” he replied.

The second Brandon had moved further out of this part of the room, we were on each other. Nate held me close as I reached forhis tie. Pulling the strip of fabric, this one with Santa on a sleigh imprinted along the length, I moaned into his kiss.

Just like that, we snapped and surrendered. I’d been wishing for another kiss since the snow stopped us the other night. Yesterday felt like a tease, and I couldn’t stand the agony of waiting.

He parted first to glance over his shoulder, checking whether Brandon was coming back. “I’ve been thinking about kissing you all day.”

I kissed him again. “I thought about it all night,” I admitted.

“Fuck. I can’t stop wanting—” He growled into my mouth again as he stole one more kiss.

Then he retreated, abruptly, before Brandon returned.

He looked between us, narrowing his eyes. “Uh, what’d I miss?”

“Nothing.” I smiled. “Nothing at all.”

Once more, when Brandon took a call, Nate and I snuck to the side and stole another kiss. Then again, when Brandon was chatting with someone else, Nate took his time to slide up close against me as he passed me at the pool table. His hips pushed into mine, almost making me bend over the table in front of him. And later, when Brandon went to the bathroom, Nate and I kissed and ground against each other in the corner of the bar.

Every little touch and kiss aroused me more and more. Each time I felt his hungry stare on me, I felt myself go weaker. My resistance was chipping apart, and I knew I couldn’t handle this tension for much longer.

I was clueless about handling attraction. I wasn’t experienced with acting cool and unaffected. I was pushed too far, and with frayed nerves and feeling so frazzled, I gave up.

“I think I’m going to head home, guys.”

“What? No.” Brandon frowned. “I’ve still got time before I need to go to the bar.”

I nodded, not even looking at Nate. I couldn’t. If I did, it would be too obvious to everyone at this sports pub.

I wanted him to leavewithme, and I couldn’t risk Brandon seeing that vulnerable, needy look of longing on my face.

“It’s early,” Nate said.

I shrugged. “I know. But, uh, I’m ready to head home.”

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