Page 38 of UnLucky Christmas
“I need to get back to work,” I say, my voice barely above a whisper. I avoid making eye contact with him, and when I step into the hall, I hear Mr. Burton’s raspy voice. I race back to my desk, despite feeling weak in the knees.
I drop into my chair and put my forehead into my hands. I just kissed Grant. A man I can’t stand. At my office. When I close my eyes, I’m right back in that lounge. I can still feel his arms around me and his mouth on mine. What did I do? And why did I like it?
* * *
I’ve managedto keep myself extremely busy since the lounge incident with Grant. Thankfully, we weren’t caught, and I don’t see him again, which is a good thing.
I spend the remainder of my day working on my content calendar and my party to-do list.
The Santa’s Favorites group chat has come alive again because Macy, Janelle, and I are having lunch tomorrow. Meanwhile, I’m a ball of anxiety. I can’t decide if I should tell Macy about kissing Grant or not. I was the one who initiated it, although Grant made it obvious he had no objections. He may tell her about it, and I’m just not sure how she’s going to react. And then there’s Chad who has been moving extra slow in order to give me time to recover from my breakup.Ugh, I’m a horrible person.
I’m in desperate need of good advice, so I send Janelle a message.
Need to chat after work. Call me.
Maybe I’m just overwhelmed with everything that’s happening. After the dream I had a brief lapse in judgement, that’s it. Grant isn’t my type. Physical attraction aside, he’s not enjoyable to be around. Even his sister has said this. He’s not social or friendly…but, damn he’s a good kisser. Heat fills my body as I remember those few minutes in the lounge. I fan my face with my hand. I need to pull myself together. It was one kiss, and it will never happen again.
The sound of my phone ringing startles me. My heart sinks when I see Chad’s name on the screen. My first thought is Grant called him to brag about our kiss just to piss him off. I take a deep breath and answer it.
“Hello,” I say cautiously.
“Hey, how’s it going?”
Okay, he’s in a good mood, so I think I’m safe.
“Good. Just finishing up for the day.”
“Perfect timing,” he says. “My partner has tickets to seeAChristmas Caroltonight at the theater and can’t use them. I know it’s last minute, but would you like to go? It starts at eight.”
I press my lips together. I’d like to get to know Chad better, andA Christmas Carolis a classic.
But just a few hours ago I was wrapped around Grant, kissing him in my office break room. I shouldn’t feel guilty about it because I’m single and…
“Whitney, are you there?” Chad’s voice pulls me out of my thoughts.
“Yes, sorry.”
“I totally understand if you’re not available. It’s short notice.”
“Actually, I can go,” I say. “Thanks for asking me.”
We make plans to meet at the theater at seven forty-five. I have enough time to go home and get ready. Maybe I’ll even take a cold shower.
On my way home I call Janelle.
“Hi. I’m still at the office. What’s wrong?”
“I kissed Macy’s brother and then Chad called and invited me to the theater. I said yes, but I don’t know if I should go. Should I tell Macy the truth or wait?”
I finally take a deep breath and wait for her response.
“Wait. I’m confused.”
“So am I,” I wail.
“When did you kiss him?” she asks.
I explain that his company has been outsourced by mine and he was in my office today.
