Page 4 of Painfully Merry

“Miss Black, your 10 o’clock is here.” Emma interrupts my thoughts.

“Send him in. Thanks.” I don’t bother looking up from my desk, she’s been pissing me off, and chances are I’ll fire her after the holidays. She still can’t stop texting her boyfriend on company time. I’m almost tempted to install a cell phone blocker.

Heavy footsteps pull me away from my computer. He is standing in the middle of my office, dressed in a complete tactical uniform from head to toe, and if I look closely, tattoos peek out from his collar. His gaze clamped onto mine, arctic blue eyes, so clear I swear he’s seeking out my soul. He runs his hand through his dark roots, flipping the ends of the grey strands back.

“Miss Black?” I watch his sharp jaw move with his words. “I’m Joel Phoenix with Phoenix Security, you called earlier this week.”

I blink out of my eye fucking. He’s going to be working for me. I shouldn't be thinking about him that way. I gesture to the seat in front of my desk.

“Yes, thank you. I’ve been having some issues with my home security recently.”

His dark brows draw together. “What kind of issues? It’s easier if you can walk me through it.”

I click on the camera app on my computer, bringing up a black screen. “This, nothing shows when I open them up. I’ve tried resetting them, and still nothing. The power went out, and I can’t reboot them. The security company I’ve used gave a guarantee, but they are clearly garbage. Would you be able to install a new set before Christmas?”

Joel sits back in his chair, stroking his jaw. “That’s a tight deadline, ma’am.”

“I know. I’m willing to pay extra. I need them done immediately, and if you can’t do it, I’ll find a different company.”

“If you don’t mind, I need to call my partner to see if he’s available.”

“Yes, of course.”

He moves toward the window, and I try to read over my file. I don’t want to listen to his conversation, but they are discussing my house. He speaks so low I can’t hear him. What’s so secretive he has to whisper? I’m already paying top dollar, and if he thinks he can rob me, he’s wrong. He won’t be left alone in the house the entire time. A shadow will always be following him. My grandpa taught me a few things about safety, and I’m grateful for that.

“Sorry about that. I just needed to make sure all manpower was on deck. If Wednesday works for you, we will be able to start, and it’ll take us two days to install. That way, you would have a few days before Christmas.”

“That sounds wonderful. The staff at the house will take care of you. I’ll inform them of your arrival. One more thing. The basement is off limits.” A sudden chill sweeps through my body at the near mention of the basement.

He tilted an eyebrow. “Okay. Hiding dead bodies down there?”

“No. No one goes down there, so there is no need for cameras. Thank you again, and I’m glad to be doing business with you,” I said, holding out my palm.

His calloused hand wraps around mine. My skin grows warm the more he stares at me. “Thank you, Miss Black. Don’t worry about your home. We’ll take great care of it.” He knocks on my desk three times before turning to leave.

These new cameras better work or I’m going to lose my shit. The staff leaves the day before Christmas Eve, and I’ll be alone in the house until the new year. Not that I mind, but I like knowing if creeps are nearby for my sanity. I’ve had my fair share of stalkers; luckily, nothing has ever come of it, but if they ever find out, I’m alone at this time of year, my stomach turns at the thought.

Maybe I should go home for Christmas. Then I think about all the questions of why I’m not married or dating anyone, and that right there is another reason I don’t want to go home. I like being single. Why should I risk the business for some long-term dick? It’s bad enough when a guy discovers I own a multi million-dollar company; they think they can weasel into my life. It hasn’t worked for them, and it never will. When I’m ready, that’s when I’ll settle. Until that day, my family can suck it up.

Work-life is all I can handle.

I need to get through this week first. The next task is the office Christmas party. I dread going to this thing. Every year is the same. The board wants me to kiss the ass of our employees and hand out appreciation awards, along with a bonus. No one should get anything until the thief is caught, but what do I know? I only sign their pay cheques.

I need some fresh air, and if I stay here for a minute longer, I’ll chew somebody's head off. Most likely Emma’s. Grabbing my briefcase and coat, I walk out of my office only to be greeted by silence once more. And here they expect so much from me.

“I’ll be back. Hold my calls, Emma.” I don’t bother looking at her as I walk past. I might be hated here, but I don’t want to make friends with my employees. All I ask of you is to do your job. The only one that ever talked to me like a human was Parker. It doesn’t help that we worked alongside each other all the time. Maybe that’s why I’ve been so sour lately.

I haven’t had a minute of downtime all week. With the security team coming into the house for two days, it’s nice to know it’ll be quiet soon. And now I’m standing at the back of some hotel conference room that the board members insisted we rent out, watching everyone mingle. The only place I want to be is neck-deep in my bathtub, soaking in lavender bubbles.

I straightened my dark green dress one more time, rethinking my choice of attire. A jumpsuit would’ve been a wiser choice. But I live in a pants suit and figured a change would be nice, never change. Stick to your comfort zone because this is bull. I make my way to the front of the room, wishing I had one more glass of champagne or even a shot of tequila.

Harvey smiles wide when he sees me; it would creep me out if he weren’t Grandpa's friend.

“There she is. Where have you been hiding, my dear?”

“By the exit like always. Why can’t you guys handle this without me?”

He takes my hand, patting it. “Because Theodore left the company to you, he likes tradition and therefore, the boss has to hand out the awards.”

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