Page 59 of His Off-Limits Christmas Gift

“I’m looking forward to it.” It would be an ideal time to ask him about how serious he was about keeping me on as a Malley, Inc. employee. The thought of leaving the city didn’t appeal. The idea that I wouldn’t come in and share a bounty of inside jokes with Julie saddened me.

It had taken mere weeks to show me that I belonged here, with Nate and in New York, not at home and surrounded by the past that didn’t get me anywhere at all.

Not in love, like I suspected I was with Nate.

“Go.” He playfully swatted my ass to prod me to move it. “Go on, and don’t be late.” Before I got far, he doubled back and pulled me in for one more quick kiss while no one was watching.

I did as the boss said. I went to work, and at noon, Julie left with me to go about our spa day and readying for the party. Nate was doting on us both, paying for it all. He called us the two women he couldn’t live without, and it felt like Julie and I really were co-conspirators in that regard. We talked about the office the whole time, not quite gossiping, but close enough.

Even though she was much older than me and had a more eccentric taste, she provided valuable insight on my gowns, talking me out of the red one—since everyone would be wearing some red or green and I wasn’t “vampy” enough to pull off red—and advising me to go with a natural style for my hair rather than an updo.

“Have you given any more thought whether you might stay after January?” she asked me as we sat for our hair appointments. Mine was done, actually, curled and styled with a glossy effect I wished I could repeat at home. I sat in the chair waiting for Julie’s stylist to finish, though. She’d gone with a higher package of a cut and style.

We’d chatted about my career a fair bit over the weeks I’d been there. She was aware of my contract setup, but I had mentioned it not being that lucrative of a position to jump at.

“Every day,” I admitted freely. It was easier to open up to her outside of the office. “But it seems like such a big decision that counts on several factors.”

“Like what?” Julie turned her head to the side, checking her hair so far as the stylist worked. “If you’re holding out on a pay detail, I can assist there.” She winked at my reflection in the mirror.

I smiled. “No, I think the pay would do me well.”

“Then what?”

“Pushy, much?” I teased.

“I want you to stay.”

I smiled wider. I’d never get tired of hearing that. From her. From Nate. From Brandon. I liked fitting in somewhere of my choosing. In Rockton, I fit in because my family was there and from there. I “belonged” there because I’d always been there. New York had treated me well so far, and I wanted to embrace it longer than this short time I had been here.

“I need to have a place to live, though. The apartment Brandon found me isn’t a long-term rental.”

“Then you just move in with someone.”

I looked at her seriously, knowing full well that she had to feel the weight of my stare. She said it so breezily, like that was a common-sense solution. As if she knewwhoI should move in with. Yet, she looked down, not facing me or saying what she thought out loud.

I sighed, wishing it could be that simple.Then just move in with someone.It likely was a way of the city life, just getting someone to live with and that was the end of it.

The only roommate I’d want was Nate. But that was a huge step to make or expect from a man who had sworn off women.

That uneasiness about my future lingered all the way to the holiday party. A driver brought me to the venue, and I was glad that I didn’t try to drive or walk. I was too dressed-up to walk,and the parking would’ve been an absolute nightmare around here.

This is it.The big night. The finale of what Nate originally said he wanted from me. I was determined to make sure no one would have a reason to gossip about his looking sad or being too drunk. I would be here to erase some of the hard memories that clung to this night.

Head held high, I entered through the front, slightly disappointed that it wouldn’t be Juan greeting me. The venue’s staff had plenty of doormen, there to check the guestlist, which Juan and his family would be on themselves.

I gave my name, pleased that there was no issue about getting in. Of course, Nate would make sure my name was with his, as his plus-one, but a little worry lingered. This wasn’t like Rockton High School’s prom. This was more glamorous than any wedding I’d ever been a guest to.

Decked out with gold chandeliers, the hall had an old-timey, antique appeal. Green garland was twined everywhere, giving the scent of pine to compete with the sweet scents of something fruity. Spice hit my nose as well, and I inhaled a deep breath to savor the fragrances.

Everything shone. Music played. And further inside, the drone of chatter competed with the professional band kicking off with classic Christmas tunes.

I regretted that Nate had to take care of some things, suggesting we’d meet here rather than show up together. Couples and groups entered, passing me here at the front, but I didn’t want to wade too far into the massive ballroom space and not find him.

Where are you?

I didn’t have long to look for him. Others approached, and I straightened my back to handle this hurdle.

Here we go.“Mom, Dad.” I smiled the best I could, already on the defense.

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