Page 13 of One Foggy Christmas
“Hey, guys!” Harper unlinks our arms, bouncing over to an empty seat next to Victor.
The group greets us with hellos and raised drinks.
I glance around. The only open chair is next to Nash, who has his own table. Either no one wants to party with their boss, or he was saving it just for me.
The thought thrills me a little.
I’ve worked every day with him for the past month, and he’s been nothing but professional. My rogue heart may speed up when he walks by, but that’s a separate issue I’ll deal with personally.
I’m just in a weird place right now with Stetson. We’ve barely talked since I’ve been in Chicago. He broke up withme.I shouldn’t have to be the one to reach out. He needs to get over his stubbornness and call me. And he’d be wise to do it soon, because the more days I go without talking to Stetson, the better Nash looks.
I walk to where he’s at. It’s one of those high-top tables, so I climb into the chair, feeling the weight of Nash’s stare on me.
“Hi.” A massive smile covers his mouth.
“Hi.”
His green eyes flicker over my outfit in an appraising way.
I wasn’t sure what to wear tonight. It’s Friday night in Chicago, and we’re at a bar. And if I’m being honest, I wanted my cute boss to take notice. I know I shouldn’t care, but Nash’sface crossed my mind every time I stood in front of the mirror in a new outfit until I decided on a black spaghetti strap midi dress with a billowy tiered ruffle skirt. I paired the dress with platform jute wedges. It’s flirty and fun but still has that summery vibe, matching the August temps outside.
“You look exceptional.”
“Thanks.”
Nash doesn’t glance away. He just keeps eyeing me with a smile that says he enjoys my choice of dress.Mission accomplished. I turn my face, hoping he doesn’t see the slight blush creeping up my cheeks.
I forgot how fun it is to be checked out—confidence boost for days.
“I’m glad you came,” he says over the music, and I can already tell by the tone of his voice that something’s different tonight.
“I thought it was mandatory,” I answer dryly, noticing that he’s not actually sitting. Instead, the side of his body is propped against the high-top table, arm resting on the top, fingers clasped together, legs crossed. It’s the ultimate casual-confident position. And let’s not forget about his lop-sided smile that could bring crowds of women to their knees.
“Karaoke night is not mandatory. Grace doesn’t come.” He tilts his head, thinking. “She came once but left early during a provocative performance of ‘Let’s Get it On’by yours truly.”
Laughter explodes out of me, causing Nash’s eyes to surge with pride. “I would’ve liked to have seen that.”
“Grace leaving early or my sexy performance of ‘Let’s Get it On’?”
“Grace.” We both laugh because we both know I lied.
“Want to pair up tonight?” The mischievousness behind his eyes reminds me of the day we met at the Cubs game.
“I believe it’s called a duet.”
“I know what it’s called.” His impish smile grows, slamming my heart into my ribs with each beat.
This feels dangerous in the most exciting way.
“Didn’t you promise you wouldn’t hit on me again? Something about being the epitome of professionalism.” My eyes narrow. “I guess that only lasted a month?”
“No, I said I wouldn’t hit on youat work.” His eyes dart past me to the clock on the wall. “It’s nine-fifteen. We’re well past work hours. As far as I’m concerned, this is fair-game territory.”
I laugh at the loophole in his promise. “So what you’re saying is, I need to be on guard tonight?”
“Not just tonight.” Nash leans closer. My stomach elevates, hanging in weightlessness until his words tickle the skin on my neck, and everything drops with an exhilarating force. “I’m always interested in you. I just can’t show it.”
My gaze shifts sideways, giving me the perfect view of his jawline and stubble-clad cheek. He pulls back just enough for our stares to collide.
