Page 25 of Holiday Hook-Up
“What are you doing here? You’re supposed to be off tonight.” My body trembled as he stepped closer.
“Keeping tabs on me, baby girl? I knew it.”
“Absolutely not. Like I said last night, we’re done. Please leave.” I kept my voice even, swallowing the knot that had lodged itself in my throat.
Darius scoffed, dropped his tools on the floor beside me and plopped on the edge of the bed. “Come on, don’t be like that. It’s Christmas. Come and sit on Santa’s lap. I have a nice present for you.”
What the hell? I’d never been so repulsed by a person in my life. What was wrong with me? Why did I date this creep for months?
“Screw you.” I backed away, careful not to take my eyes off him. He may not have been drunk, but he was still dangerous. Men like him didn’t like to hear the word no.
Knock. Knock. Knock.
My shoulders sank in relief. Logan was here.Darius’s brows shot up and he jerked to his feet.
“Expecting someone?” The audacity of him to think I owed him a response.
I pulled the door open and wrapped my arms around my body. Standing like that always helped calm me growing up and I hadn’t outgrown the posture yet. Logan looked past me, right into Darius’s cold gaze, and I could see him shift into protective mode. His already towering frame straightened and his fists clenched at his sides.
“Emerald, you okay?” He wrapped his strong arms around my shoulders in a side hug. I nodded wordlessly.
“I see how it is,” Darius’s mouth twisted into a frown and he held his hands above his head. “I’m leaving. Sorry I couldn’t give you what you asked for,Emerald.“ He said my nickname in a mocking tone that had Logan stiffening at my side.
“I don’t give a shit that it’s Christmas. You’re done here. Leave my hotel now, or you’re not going to like what happens next.”
Darius stopped at the entrance, shock lining his features. I’d assumed he’d found out that our owner was staying in room 306 with how he seemed to know everything that went on around the hotel, but the look he gave me told me he was still putting the pieces together. Without another word, he left like the coward he was, not even bothering to pick up his tools.
Shudders rolled through me as my adrenaline crashed. What would have happened if Logan hadn’t come over? For the second time, he’d saved me from Darius’s unwanted advances, and even if I could have handled the situation myself, I was eternally grateful I didn’t have to.
“I’ve got you. Let’s go get some rest.” He cradled me against his body while my muscles continued to spasm and walked me back to his room.
“Thank you. I’m sorry to bother you.”
“You’re not. You could never.”
His room was dim, the only light spilled from a single lit lamp. In the warmth of the room, I finally stopped shuddering long enough to take in a full breath and let myself think. I was in my boss’s hotel suite. Again. And about to sleepover. I should drive home and avoid any of this weirdness between us but then I remembered it was late and freezing out and I was utterly exhausted.
“You can take the bed. I’ve got the couch.” He led me into the bedroom area of the suite and turned the duvet down. I noticed he was wearing low-slung gray sweatpants, and a T-shirt that looked soft and cozy. I’d thought he looked hot in a suit, but sweatpants were clearly the winner.Merry Christmas to me.“Damn, we forgot to grab your suitcase. You can wear one of my shirts.”
I was too busy staring at his ass in those sweats to realize what he was saying. He handed me a white T-shirt and some boxers.
“Oh, I—thank you,” I said. Those pants needed a warning label.Will cause women to stumble their words and lose all coherent thoughts.
Logan smirked. “I’ll let you get changed.”
He closed the door leaving me sitting there on the edge of the bed equal parts exhausted and turned on. Being on his bed again reminded me of all the dirty things we’d done the night before. How he knew exactly what to do with his tongue.
“Ugh,” I groaned under my breath and flopped on my back. Of course the one guy I go for that isn’t a total asshole had to be my boss.
I shed my gorgeous dress, taking extra care not to pull the zipper too hard. It was by far the most beautiful piece of clothing I’d ever owned and I wanted to treasure it.
Logan’s soft shirt sat there, folded neatly, waiting for me to put it on. I unhooked my bra and tossed it aside. That was the best feeling in the world. Well, maybe notthe best, but it’s up there on the list. I had two choices. One would be the responsible thing to do. It was one thing to have a random hookup with a stranger, but knowingly sleeping with your boss? Did I want that for myself?He’s more than your boss,the little voice in my head pleaded, clearly opting for the fun choice. Plus I’d be out of The Ridge soon, off to Resorts Worldwide if my plans stayed on track. It was Christmas. Didn’t we all deserve some comfort and joy?
I cupped my breast and trailed my finger along my tight nipple, sucking in a sharp breath. It had taken me mentioning the mistletoe earlier for him to kiss me again. I’d almost expected we’d keep that going, but when our meals came he backed away again. What if he didn’t want me and I was reading into things too much?
My head was a mess, so I abandoned my plan of calling him into the room. Instead, I pulled his shirt on and looked at the boxers he’d left. The ball was in his court but just in case, I decided to leave them off, opting to stay in my panties, leaving the boxers folded up at the bottom of the bed so he could see when he came in to use the bathroom.
“You can open the door now. If you want to, I mean.” I fiddled with the hem of his shirt, twirling a loose thread around my finger.
