Page 26 of Christmas with the Denton Billionaires

“And what direction do you want your career to go?”

She narrowed her eyes as she thought. “The top. I don’t know exactly what position, but something like what you do. That’s my dream.”

His smile fell even further, but not because he disliked what she said. Not exactly. He would have kept her as his assistant for the rest of his life if she hadn’t negotiated the promotion as part of this deal. He’d never fully considered the fact that this position might be holding her back…or just a mere stepping stone along the path of her career.

“You’ll get there,” he said, and then squeezed her ass cheek. She giggled.

“Is that the ass squeeze of support?”

“Exactly.” They laughed, just as a knock sounded at the door. The way her eyes lit up sent a hot streak through him. He was having too much fun with her. Enjoying this a little bit too much.

But he needed to remember that however fun it was, this union of theirs was strictly business. Once the new year hit, she’d be moving along. Gone.

Unless there was a chance that this thing between them could become something more.

Something real.

14

AMELIA

At brunch the next morning, Amelia was practically floating on air. They held hands and snickered at inside jokes the whole way to the lobby.

There was no acting between them anymore. This glow? One hundred percent real, after their two sizzling nights in their couple’s suite.

The resort restaurant had a small line at the host’s stand when they arrived just before eleven a.m. Amelia leaned into Josh after he wrapped his arm around her. Sure, they could claim they were pretending. Putting on a show for curious eyes.

But shewantedto be doing this. Nothing about their laughter or conversation was forced or fabricated.

“Can you believe Christmas is next week?” Amelia asked as they sat near some potted ferns, waiting for the hostess to call their name. “It still feels so far away.”

“But it’s terrifyingly close,” Josh said, straightening slightly. “Let’s just hope this deal is done by Christmas. I want a contract in the works before the new year.”

“I think you’ll get your answer by then.” Amelia smiled up at him, getting lost in the icy blue of his eyes. “I think it’s already in the bag.”

A grin tugged at his lips as he gazed down at her. “Thanks for believing in me.”

She returned the smile and then pushed up on her tiptoes to kiss him.

Nope, this was definitely not acting. But if it wasn’t acting, then what was it? It wasn’t like they were dating now. Except, maybe they could start? The whole thing was so confusing, she didn’t even know where to begin.

She figured she’d ignore it a little bit longer. Ride the wave until she was forced to make sense of this.

That seemed like the safest bet.

Loud voices snagged her attention a moment later. Laughter followed, and then Stan Lewis strolled into view.

Followed by Colin Forest and his family.

“No, seriously, I’d love to talk more about it,” Colin was saying. Josh stiffened. He only watched them for a moment before something slid over his face like a mask. Steel determination. Focus. She’d watched Josh at work long enough to know that he’d just clicked into competitive business mode.

“Stan! Great to see you again.” Josh made his presence known, striding over to offer his hand. He sent a polite greeting to Colin, and Amelia nibbled on her lip as she watched. She was sure that Josh was a shoo-in. But still—Colin made her nervous. She knew enough about him and his business to know that he was a real threat. Which was why Josh was going on the offensive. Why he was standing over there jangling change in his pockets, looking back at her with a bright, but plastic, smile.

“Isn’t that right, honey?” Josh asked her. She blinked, realizing suddenly she’d missed a good portion of their conversation.

“I’m sorry, what?”

“I said we’d just been talking about wanting to speak with Stan again. You should all come sit with us—it’ll make brunch even better.”

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