Page 21 of Holiday Hook-Up
I needed a cold shower.
Aiden, in all his assholery, wanted to know how the walk-through went. “All the dirty details.” I should never have agreed to oversee this transfer. This was his project, his idea. Even so, I’m glad he called when he did, even if my cock begged to differ.
I needed to apologize again. The ride back was awkward as hell. Both of us were silent, staring out the window or swiping messages on our phones. It was Christmas Eve and from what I gathered, Emerald would be as alone as I was tonight.
I picked up my phone as an idea formed. Hopefully, I could pull this off.
I need your help with something. Can you meet me outside my room?
I adjusted my jacket and tie while I stared out the window, waiting for Emerald to respond. Lights twinkled and snow fell in flakes, dusting the grounds below in an opalescent luster. After calling Felicity and asking her for help, she extorted me into promising I’d buy her new baby his first car, and somehow managed to secure us a private table at the restaurant downstairs. Not only that but she pulled strings, and had a gorgeous cocktail dress and shoes delivered for Emerald, along with a jumbo sized box of condoms.Her idea.That woman was something else.
What can I do for you? I may be able to get it done from my office.
It was six o’clock on Christmas Eve and she was still in her office. That wouldn’t do.
No. This issue requires you to take a look at it in person.
I sounded like a demanding prick.Visions of her huffing and grumbling under her breath had me chuckling.I guess I was lucky she didn’t leave for the night. I didn’t have the heart to ask her to come back to the hotel after she’d gone home and gotten comfortable.
Be right there.
I waited in front of my door, holding the wrapped packages. My muscles tensed as the seconds ticked by. What if she told me to go to hell? She had no obligation to have dinner with me, no matter the reason.
Someone moved down the hallway and I held my breath, until I realized it was another guest heading toward the elevator and not Emerald.Shit.I hadn’t been this nervous about a woman since I was seventeen.
I jumped and pressed my hand against the wall as the door beside me opened and Emerald walked out. “Emerald? I wasn’t expecting you to come out from there.”
“Sorry I made you jump. Gary sort of gave me the room next to yours for the time being. You know, in case you need anything. I can be close by.” I didn’t know how I felt about the revelation. I had little time to think anyway, with the way she was appraising me. When her gaze reached the wrapped packages in my hand her brows drew together. “You needed something?”
“I was wondering if you’d like to join me for dinner?” She shifted her weight onto one side and chewed her lip. I held the gifts out to her. “This is for you. You don’t have to wear them or anything. I wanted to get you something nice. I’m sorry about earlier.”
She accepted the packages and played with the curled golden ribbon. “So you feel bad for coming on to me, which was mutual by the way, in case you didn’t realize. And you think the best thing to do is to dress me up in whatever is in these boxes, and for us to go to dinner. On Christmas Eve. Alone.” The words tumbled from her lips slowly, like a stream of consciousness, and as she spoke I realized what a stupid fucking idea it was.
“You’re right. We should probably keep our distance.” I hesitated, mulling the words around my tongue before letting them loose. “I–I thought about how it’s Christmas Eve, and how we’re both alone… nevermind. Goodnight, Emerald.”
I twisted the door handle ready to go back into my room and kick myself in the ass.
“Wait.” She grabbed my hand. “Give me twenty minutes to get ready.”
“Of course.” Her face spread into a contagious smile as she went back into her room, leaving me there waiting at the door like a grinning fool.
Emeraldknockedatmydoor right on time. She looked absolutely fucking stunning. Felicity was a genius, and I owed her more than a car… I owed her a whole garage full of cars. The emerald green gown was made from a soft velvety fabric. It hugged her curves like a second skin and I itched to smooth my palms around her waist. The neckline dipped low, showing off cleavage that I’d give anything to bury my face in.
I willed my cock to stay down. But when she met my gaze and I saw that she’d applied a smokey eye dark enough to make her eyes pop, I knew I was doomed.
“You look gorgeous. That dress… wow,” I said, my mouth dry.
“Thank you. It’s a beautiful dress. I have no idea how you got it or how you knew my exact size, but I’m going to chalk it up to magic.”
“They don’t call me Saint Nick for nothing.” I smirked and reached for her hand. “Emerald, your hand is freezing cold.” I rubbed it between mine, hoping the friction would warm her. “Do you need a coat? Or what about those gloves?”
“I’m fine. Let’s go.”
I narrowed my eyes, giving her a look that Felicity liked to call my “overbearing stare.” Emerald shook her head and challenged it with a look of her own.
“Don’t make me call you Dad now. I promise I’m warm enough.”
Biting my tongue, I smirked again.You could call me Daddy, though.I swore she could read my mind as she pulled me toward the elevator.
