Page 32 of The Naughty Elf

The weekend goes by in a blur of cozy movies and crafts, wrapping presents for Mom and Dad, and checking off those final gifts for my daughter.

By the time Monday morning comes around, I’m way too wrapped up in my own head. I have no idea what to expect whenI get to work, but once Gracie is safely inside her school, I don’t have any more ways to put off going into the office.

Even though the carnival is over, I still bring treats to work. I can’t just cut the boys off. Especially since I stress baked all evening yesterday, worried about coming in to work today.

Parking in the driveway, I reapply my red lipstick and gather up all of my confidence, putting it on like armor. The big container of treats gives me a great barrier to keep people at arm’s length. Sauntering inside gives me momentum, and when I swing through the door to see Jackson in his office, I flash a smile at him but don’t linger.

Act normal, Ginger. Act. Normal.

In the kitchen, I stuff the box in the fridge and wipe my hands down my skirt. When I spin around, I find Brenda standing there with her naughty smile and two cups of coffee.

“Girl, you look like you need this.” She hands me the mug, creamed and sugared to perfection. “Actually, you don’t look like you need it. You look like you need to plow through whatever is going on in that high-powered brain of yours.”

I laugh lightly. “Yeah. Too much going on inside right now. Need something to aim it all at. And no more big project to focus on.”

“We usually have a company Christmas potluck. I bet the boys would love to have you take that over.” Brenda takes a deep sip from her own mug and pats the counter with her palm. “I know I would.”

I give her my full grin this time. “Sounds like something I could easily sink my teeth into.”

Excusing myself with my mug, I scamper upstairs to my office, trying not to feel overwhelmed. But, to be honest, I’m feeling a bit disgruntled.

At least the mess I left my office in gives me something to focus on. Cleaning and tidying up takes part of the morning. Ialso move my desk away from the wall to create a barrier from the door.

I’m avoiding things, and I hate it.

Running a hand through my hair, I pump myself up again. It’s nearly lunchtime. I need to be more proactive.

Returning to the kitchen, I grab my box of treats and start my routine, stopping by to see the girls and Brenda, who all cheer and moan at their first bites of the crème brûlée donuts. Something about experimenting with flavors always brings me joy.

I wink at them all and leave to make my rounds.

Jackson is on his phone when I peek in, but he waves at me with a smile. I circle my finger in the air, meaning I’ll come back to him, and head out the front door. The job sites are bustling with work, but as soon as they see me, everything outside starts to peter to a stop.

The guys swarm, picking out their donuts and making more offers of marriage between moans. I laugh at them. At least this hasn’t changed.

Daniel gives me a big grin and bumps me with his shoulder. “You did a hell of a job with the carnival.”

I offer him one of my more dazzling smiles in return. “Thank you.”

He takes another bite of his donut with a low moan. “And man, this is the shit. If I weren’t already married…”

I push him a little, even though he barely moves. The guys are lingering, eating their treats when Ashley stomps over. His furrowed brow makes me want to reciprocate, but I keep my features pleasant and placid.

Opening the box for him, I say, “Crème brûlée donut?”

His frown has my hackles rising, and when he doesn’t take one, I close the box up again and narrow my eyes.

“All right everyone, back to work.” Ashley shoos everyone away, and I brace for whatever stupid shit he’s about to say.

I raise my brow as the guy chorus another round of thank yous at me.

“You’re distracting everyone.”

I blink at him a few times. “Excuse me?”

His hand circles around my arm as he tips closer. “The flirting when you bring them treats, it’s inappropriate.”

Fury builds like a frenzy in my chest, and I feel my emotions shutter until I can deal with them in private. Sucking in a slow breath, I pull my arm from his grip and walk into the house that’s in-progress.

---