Page 12 of The Santa Swap

Luke tucked his hands in his pockets. “And that is why we keep you around. You keep people and tempers running smoothly.”

Tara grinned. “It’s a difficult job, but someone has to do it. Besides, I love this company just as much as you do. That is why Olivia and I are going to take our leave and continue her tour.”

Olivia followed Tara onto the elevator, waiting until the doors closed before she let out her breath. “Are they always like that?”

Tara scrunched her forehead. “Like what?”

“Do the brothers always bicker like that?” Olivia was only a few hours into her job training and she was ready to take a break. The emotional roller coaster was exhausting.

“James doesn’t visit a lot, but when he does, there are usually sparks. They have been feuding ever since James asked Susan out at a company party.”

“While Luke was dating her?”

“Yep. That pushed Luke a little too far. Now he makes sure to put his brother in place every time he shows up.”

Olivia rubbed her arm, trying to get rid of the feeling of Luke’s hand on her skin. He had been charming, but there was no chance of the relationship going anywhere. Even if he wasn’t her boss, he was clearly in love with someone else. It was going to be difficult seeing Luke walking around with Susan every day.

By the time they reached the bottom floor, Olivia was ready to work. She didn’t need the distraction of a boss to keep her down. She followed Tara to the IT desk, and before long, she was back upstairs, sitting in her office chair in front of a brand-new computer. Olivia’s spirits lifted. She didn’t need to worry about Luke anymore. At least, that was the lie she told herself.

Then he came out of his office and headed towards her, sending her heart into an erratic rhythm. Even turning to focus on the view of the mountains instead of his approach wasn’t enough to calm her nerves. Working this close to him was going to be impossible.

CHAPTER6

The snow falling outside had turned into a slippery gray slush under Luke’s tires, but he crept along the street, grateful for the heavy snow tires he had installed. Now that November had officially arrived, the street lamps helped brighten the dark streets when he left early for work. In another month they’d be adorned with smiling snowmen, giant snowflakes, and tinsel covered trees. He was glad he didn’t have to worry about holiday decorating yet.

Luke pulled into his parking space in front of the office building, turning his head to look for Olivia’s car. She had been working there for two weeks now, and for some reason, her greetings had gone from warm and friendly to as cold as the ice-lined streets. He could ask Tara for advice, but then he’d have to deal with her relentless mockery. It wasn’t worth the hassle.

The office was barely beginning to stir when Luke walked over to the elevator. Within about an hour, the room would be filled with the dull buzz of multiple conversations taking place. For now, the squeak of Luke’s wet shoes on the laminate flooring was one of the only sounds to be heard. Luke rode the elevator to the tenth floor in silence, his mood subdued.

All the lights on the upper floor were off, another confirmation that Luke was the only one in the office. His eyes couldn’t help but be drawn to Olivia’s desk and the chair where she did her work. Her office was sparsely decorated, but she had added a family photo and some greenery to the window ledge.

A normal person would let the idea of a relationship go, but Luke couldn’t do that. The date in the park with Olivia the night they first met was something his mind returned to again and again. There had been a connection, and he knew it wasn’t all one sided. Women didn’t kiss back like Olivia did if they felt nothing. More than the kiss, though, was the laughter and easiness of talking to her that he missed. He hadn’t felt that comfortable with a woman in years.

Luke set his briefcase down by his desk before wandering out to feed the fish. The building management took care of them on the weekends, but Luke loved caring for them during the regular business days. They were the best he could do in the pet department while working long hours. He was watching the clown fish dart after a piece of food when the elevator doors dinged.

Olivia stepped off the elevator, her cheeks red from the cold. She was wearing a scarf around her neck and a turquoise snow hat sat on her head. Luke lifted his hand to wave, but Olivia’s glance slid right past him. She headed to her office and pushed the door shut.

She looked like she wanted to be left alone, but there were no other people upstairs yet. It was an opportunity Luke couldn’t pass by. He tentatively knocked on Olivia’s door, but she didn’t answer. He knocked louder, and she still didn’t respond. His stomach muscles clenched tightly. How was it okay for her to completely ignore him?

Luke pushed open the door with a little growl and Olivia looked up, her mouth dropping open.

“Holy cow. Do you always barge into places?” She reached up and pulled out her earbuds.

“I did knock first,” Luke said.

“Sorry. I’m not used to having anyone else up here when I get here early. I was listening to a podcast. What did you need?”

Luke was caught. What did he need? He needed Olivia to give him a second chance. He needed her to go out on a date with him so he could get to know her better. “I, uh.” Luke looked around the room, trying to come up with an excuse. “I was wondering when the Lillian files would be ready.”

Business as usual. It was a good cover, but Luke instantly realized he didn’t want the save. “Actually, I was wondering if you’d go out with me this Friday.”

Olivia’s lips twitched before she schooled her features into a blank slate. “I’ve already told you no. If you’re not careful, this is going to turn into a harassment charge.”

Luke turned towards the door, but then he turned back. “Can you tell me why?”

“Why? Because you’re my boss.” The answer was enough to throw cold water on any situation, but Luke wouldn’t accept it.

“That didn’t stop you from going out with me before.”

---