Page 49 of Vixen's Guide to Christmas
“Reindeer games, you say?”
I don’t know why I’m so surprised, but Grayson’s demeanor toward Declan is now…nice? Happy? I mean, it should’ve been the whole time. But gone is the man who was trying to shoot daggers at him via his eyes, and here is an enthusiastic about-to-be party participant. I wonder what changed?
“I do say,” Declan says. “And don’t worry, Christmas trivia is a part of that.”
Grayson laughs. “Then I’ll be there with jingle bells on.”
I feel like I missed six chapters of a book. But before I can ask about anything, Declan and Howard are saying their goodbyes, while reminding us that festivities start at seven tonight.
It’s quiet for a few beats before Grayson speaks up first. “I’m going to ask the question, but you can tell me to fuck off.”
That makes me laugh, but it’s a nervous laugh, because I have a feeling what it’s going to be about. “With an opener like that, how can I not at least hear it?”
He leans forward, clasping his hands together. “What did you say to Declan and Howard? What made them suddenly want to do this party?”
He told me I could tell him to fuck off. That I didn’t have to answer. And my gut reaction is to not, especially considering what I said was nothing groundbreaking, and it’s also why I think I’m so successful in picking up clients. This is what Grayson’s wanted—he wants to know how I win.
And I want to tell him. Maybe this is the test. See how he reacts. If I’m even considering pursuing this—and right now that’s still an if—this is a hurdle we have to cross. Might as well jump it now, while it’s there for the taking.
Look at me…one small step for man, one big step for conquering emotional damage.
“I’ve found that my best presentations have nothing to do with telling them specific things to do. Making a client feel like they came up with the idea, but with a little help from me, seems to go a long way.”
Grayson seems baffled. “Are you kidding me? No specifics?”
“A few,” I say. “I can’t make it look like I come in unprepared. But I make sure the ideas I do bring in are broad, that way it gives them a chance for their brains to work as well. And that’s what I did here. I mentioned excursions for adults and kids, and having services set up for parents so if they wanted to go out on their own, they have childcare covered. Give them a resort feel without the resort prices. That’s what they can market on. That’s what will bring in young families who want to travel with children, but also feel like they’re younger adults having memory-making experiences as well.”
“Fuck…” Grayson says, shaking his head. “That’s brilliant. If I had ideas like that maybe I’d have moved up the corporate ladder faster.”
“Is that what you want? A corner office at Sterling Strategies?”
He nods. “That’s been the goal. To become the youngest senior account executive in the company’s history. If I do it within the next eighteen months, I’ll hit the record.”
“It’s a good goal to have,” I say. “But what I threw out? Don’t beat yourself up about it. It was just an idea. I mean, I didn’t bring up podcasters. Putting them on a national stage? That was smart. Senior account executive smart.”
“Thanks,” Grayson says, a little blush hitting his cheeks. “Wait. How did you know I did that?”
“Because that was one thing I didn’t have in my presentation that you did, and they specifically asked me what my ideas were in that space. I had to scramble. You threw me for a loop, Ross.”
I can tell he’s trying to hold back a smile, but I want him to have this moment.
“You can smile,” I say. “Point for Grayson.”
“Thank you. But I should also award you a point. You’re a worthy foe.”
“As are you.”
“Can I ask you a question now?”
He nods. “Shoot.”
“How did he know about Christmas trivia?”
I watch as Grayson’s cheeks blush. I wasn’t expecting that reaction.
“Declan asked how we met. I told him you were the best trivia partner I could’ve asked for. That when we teamed up, no one else stood a chance.”
The smiles we’re sharing right now are unlike any moment I’ve ever had with anyone. I don’t have a single fear that he’s going to steal anything we just talked about. I don’t feel like he’s been mentally taking notes today of how to finally beat me. No, this look here is only filled with admiration. Respect. And dare I say…no. It can’t be that.
