Page 11 of Storybook Christmas

“Bold to most is like…” I circle my wrist. “Getting a guy’s number in the grocery store. To you, bold is like getting that number, calling it while you’re both still in the store, then telling him to buy you lunch at the deli.”

“Exactly. My way is better. More efficient—you find out then and there if he’s worth saving into your contacts.”

I laugh. “Can’t argue there.”

5

The Assignment

“GREAT JOB MENTORINGFinn,” Joshua says, skipping hello as he enters my office.

I blink, my brain trying to catch up. “What?”

“That new manuscript you helped Finn with—I think the author’s name is Winnie Burton.” Joshua’s mouth curves. “You did great work, Lace.”

I smile brightly. Joshua thinks I did great work, and he just called me “Lace.” Plus, I’m glad Finn gave me credit for helping him out. “Thank you.” I meet Joshua’s eyes, and the glint is back.

Is this a spark flying between us?

Joshua’s gaze intensifies. “Finn said it was rough, but you helped him find the gems in it. I’m not surprised. You have talent.”

“Wow, Joshua. Thank you.” I swallow back the flutters rising from my stomach as my heart pulses in my ears. Joshua used to compliment me when we were together, but he never used the word “talent” before.

I have to be glowing.

Joshua clears his throat, hesitating. “So, would you mind helping Finn work with Winnie to get it ready for print?”

All my looming deadlines flash through my mind, but I can squeeze in a little time next week. “Sure,” I chirp.

“Great.” Joshua inhales deeply. “I hate to do this to you, but I need this by the end of the day.”

I gasp, reeling over all the things I still have to do for Fireflies Save Christmas, which is due at midnight tonight. I thought I was done, but the author had a bunch of last-minute changes come in from beta readers. “Today? No, sorry Joshua—I can’t do that. You know I have a major deadline.”

“I’m sorry, Lacy, I’m under so much pressure. I was supposed to have pitched Winnie’s manuscript to the Suttons yesterday.” Joshua shifts on his feet, his voice genuine when he says, “I’m drowning as senior editor. And I meant what I said—you’re very talented. I’m only asking you for this because I know you’ll do it right. I need you.”

His honesty and desperation softens me, but I still can’t. My mouth opens to say no, but the word doesn’t come out.

It’s because of the next implication that hits—at the end of the day, if I don’t help, it’ll come crashing down on Finn’s head.

And Joshua can—and will—fire Finn.

“I’ll do it,” I say.

“You’re the best, Lace. Thanks.” In a flash, Joshua is out the door.

Okay, what was that? I feel like I just stepped off the Twisted Colossus ride at Six Flags. Joshua was nice—really nice—then dumped a huge assignment on meknowingmy critical deadline for Fireflies Save Christmas.

For the first time since Joshua got promoted, I realize how difficult it is to be his underling. Which is exactly what I am, so I can’t complain. Or I shouldn’t.

That said, it’s a tough pill to swallow—there’s just too much history with Joshua.

And this is one more reason why I have to get promoted to senior editor—Icannotkeep working for him.

I bite my lip as I rush through the rest of the changes to Fireflies Save Christmas so I can get that submitted ASAP.

I’ll need tonight to help Finn—and make sure he keeps his job.

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