Page 53 of Mike's Assistant

“You think?”

“I know. They’re always watching you and the boys.”

I laid my head on my chest. “Thank you, Mike. Thank you for everything.”

“You’re welcome.”

We stayed there watching the dancing boys. Vanessa was no better. She was like a kid herself. Who knew the refined lady I met at the coffee shop would be so uninhibited?

“We better get ready. Our ride should be here any minute,” Mike said.

I peered up at him. “We’re really leaving tonight? What about work?”

“Well, your boss, the hard ass, good-looking but still a hard ass, gave you the week off,” Mike said with a wink.

“Mike,” I began, my voice taking a serious tone. “I don’t know about the hardness of your ass, though you are good-looking. But we can’t just shirk our responsibilities."

Mike grinned mischievously. “You can see how hard… my ass is any time.”

“Mike,” I said, giving him a playful shove.

“Okay, okay. Seriously. When our boss found out about Santa’s plan and how his daughter was involved, he agreed we needed to take this much-needed time. Edward’s the one that insisted on us having off,” Mike explained.

“That’s right,” Vanessa chimed in. “Daddy loves me. And I love Disney. So, of course, you needed off. Not to mention, I get to have fun with my new nephews. So, let’s all have fun.”

I knew when I was beaten. I looked at Mike. “You really don’t play fair. You pulled out the big guns on this one.”

Mike laughed and pulled me into a hug. “I keep telling you all’s fair in love and war.”

I chuckled at his words, loving the light banter we shared. Over the past couple of days, I’d fallen hard. I just needed to tell him.

Mike released his hold and pulled out his phone before announcing. “Okay, Santa’s sleigh is here. Let’s get going. Time for some fun.”

The boys screamed again, and Mike went for the bags. I hurried to help, and soon we were out the door. In the elevator, Mike stopped me from pushing the ground floor button. Instead, he pushed the button for the roof.

“Why are we going to the roof?” I asked.

Mike grinned. “I told you. Santa sent a special sleigh.”

I opened my mouth to reply but just shook my head. It’s better I don’t ask questions and enjoy the ride, I thought.

It didn’t take long before the elevator doors opened with a ding. My mouth dropped at the sight that greeted us. I turned my head slowly to face Mike. “You didn’t.”

“I did.” He smiled and grabbed my hand. “Come on.”

On the roof stood a large black helicopter. Its blades were stopped, and the side door was open.

Sam and Abel stood in stunned silence for a moment, their eyes wide as saucers, taking in the sight of the helicopter. Then, in pure childlike wonder, Sam whispered, “It’s like a flying car!”

Abel, bouncing on his heels, chirped, “Are we really gonna fly in that?”

Mike chuckled, swinging a bag over his shoulder. “You bet. This is our special sleigh, direct from Santa.” He winked at me, his grin infectious.

Vanessa, still giddy herself, handed me a pair of headphones. “You'll need these. It can get pretty loud up there.”

As we approached the helicopter, the pilot stepped out, extending his hand to Mike. “Everything’s ready for takeoff, Mr. Doy.”

Mike nodded, "Thanks, Aden. These are the special guests I told you about."

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