Page 5 of Holiday Temptation

Coming closer, I can't help but notice the genuine sparkle in her eyes, reflecting the lights around us. For a split second, I feel a twinge of vulnerability, an emotion I'm not accustomed to. A familiar protectiveness rises within me, and I find myself scanning our surroundings, ensuring she's safe amidst the crowd.

"Emily," I greet tersely, the ambient noise of the market making my usual composure a bit harder to maintain.

Her eyes sparkle with mischief. "Dominic! I wasn't sure you'd actually show." She steps closer, her fragrance subtly cutting through the cold air.

Without waiting for a proper reply, she guides me deeper into the market, her fingers lightly brushing against mine as she weaves through the crowd. Every touch, no matter how brief, sends an unexpected jolt through me.

At a stall with handmade scarves and hats, she chats animatedly with the vendor, but I'm more focused on how her hair brushes against her cheeks or the subtle curve of her lips as she smiles.

"These are really well-made," Emily says, running her fingers over a hand-knit scarf. She then turns to me, "Look at the work that goes into each of these. They make great gifts, and you get to support local artists."

I glance skeptically at the array of crafts. "Seems more sentimental than practical."

Emily shakes her head, a soft laugh escaping her. "Not everything needs to be weighed by practicality. Sometimes, it's the thought that counts more."

While I've always viewed gift-giving as a task to be efficiently checked off, watching Emily’s genuine interactions with the vendors gives me pause. It's not a complete change of heart, but I start to grasp her perspective a bit more.

When she holds up a hand-knit scarf, it's a soft shade of green that matches her eyes.

"What do you think?" she asks, wrapping it around her neck, the ends trailing down her coat.

"It suits you," I admit, and our eyes lock for a heartbeat longer than necessary.

She laughs, a hint of blush coloring her cheeks, and returns her attention to the vendor, haggling playfully over the price.

After successfully purchasing a handful of scarves and hats from the vendor, Emily's attention wanders to another stall, this one adorned with playful winter hats. She picks up one shaped like a reindeer with small antlers sticking out. Turning to me with an impish grin, she says, "I think this would suit you."

I raise an eyebrow, my skepticism evident. "You're joking."

She dangles it in front of me teasingly. "Come on, Dominic. Live a little. Plus, it might bring out your... festive spirit."

With a resigned sigh, I humor her and allow her to place the hat on my head. As she adjusts it, her fingers brush my hair back from my forehead, sending a surprising shiver down my spine. She steps back, her eyes roaming over me, taking in the sight. The corner of her mouth quirks up, her laughter genuine and warm. The sight of her, so openly amused, chips away further at my reserved exterior.

"Adorable," she declares with a wink, pulling out her phone for a quick photo. "This is definitely going on the company newsletter."

I groan, rolling my eyes. "Blackmail material?"

"Just a bit of holiday fun," she retorts, saving the photo with a satisfied smirk.

As we continue through the market, Emily pauses at a stall displaying intricate centerpieces. She picks up one made of intertwined winter greenery and frosted pine cones, tiny white lights giving it a subtle glow. "This would look stunning at the center of each table at the party."

"It's certainly festive," I concede, rubbing my chin thoughtfully.

"You don't like it?" she asks, genuine curiosity in her tone.

"It's not that," I begin, choosing my words carefully. "It's just different from our usual corporate style."

Emily nods, considering. "Maybe that's what we need this year. Something different, something that brings a touch of warmth and authenticity to the event. We could source from these local artisans. Good for the community and a fresh look for the party."

"We'd need to ensure quality and quantity, but I'm not opposed."

A triumphant smile tugs at Emily's lips. "Who knew? Beneath that gruff exterior, there's a man willing to compromise."

"Only for the right reasons,” I take a step toward her, the slightest hint of a smile on my lips. “And perhaps the right company."

She smiles up at me, and it's as if a magnetic pull draws me in. Our faces come close, the warmth of our breaths mingling, her lips just a fraction away from mine. I can almost taste the promise of the moment, the anticipation making my heart race.

But just as the space narrows to nothing, a loud rumble cuts through the silence. We both freeze. It's Emily's stomach, betraying any semblance of the mood we were wrapped up in. A soft laugh escapes her lips, breaking the spell, and I can't help but join in. The sound of our laughter fills the chilly air, releasing the tension and replacing it with an easy camaraderie.

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