Page 35 of Love Unspoken

Noah yanked at my hair. I'd left it loose again. I liked it. I had not given up my all-black style, but I was thinking of adding some color during my two weeks in the sun. I didn't have a whole lot of money but I would be making more in my new job so I could splurge a little.

"The decorations look great," Amias said, making small talk.

I wasn't even looking at him, just rocking Noah and playing with him. The room did look great. Around us, the holiday spirit was alive and vibrant. Garlands of evergreen and holly draped across the room's perimeter, their rich green hues accented by the occasional burst of red from berries and bows. The windows, usually offering a clear view of the city skyline, now framed scenes of frosted glass art, with delicate snowflake patterns catching the glow from the string lights woven around the window sills.

Above, the ceiling was transformed by a canopy of soft fairy lights, giving the illusion of a starlit sky, while the gentle flicker of candlelight from the tables added warmth and intimacy to the room.

A corner had been set up as a photo booth, complete with a backdrop of snowy scenes and a table of props that ranged from Santa hats and reindeer antlers to feather boas and playful elf ears. People were making faces and trying different props as they took photos.

The aroma of spiced cider and fresh pine mingled in the air, drawing guests towards the refreshment table where a feast of seasonal delights awaited. Platters of cookies, fruitcakes, and gingerbread houses made by team members were displayed alongside savory treats.

At Midas, the annual Christmas potluck organized by the engagement team had become a cherished tradition

I'd miss my colleagues when I left I thought. I'd miss Mila for sure. She was the closest person to a friend I had here. I'd miss Ethan because he was an amazing manager. I hoped Conrad would be as good a boss.

I would miss catching glimpses of Amias, but maybe that was healthy for me. With the break from Nolan and Kara, and leaving Midas, I'd be free of my crush entirely. It would be like when I was in California, where I could forget about Amias and not have to see him with a different woman on his arm.

"I wanted to talk to you after what happened at The Langham," Amias murmured, surprising me.

"Why?" I asked, perturbed. It had nothing to do with him.

"Your friend was very angry."

I shrugged, and when Noah made an irritated sound, I cooed at him.

"You're very good with him," Amias remarked.

I still refused to look at Amias.

I was so tired of myself. Of all this emotional drama that I seem to have going in my life. I wanted to be free of it. I wanted to live my life…one that seemed to have stopped three years ago when I moved to Boston to take care of my father. No, to be fair, my life had stopped when I was eighteen and had been in that car accident.

"I like babies."

"You want to have babies?" he asked huskily.

The question shocked me, and I turned now to look at him. He was close to me; I could see his eyes clearly. My lips parted, and I watched him stare at them. I knew nothing about sex except some mild groping that took place while I was in high school. I'd thought I had plenty of time to get laid, but then I had my accident, and…since then, there hadn't even been mild groping. But he was looking at me with…desire? I was probably imagining it. I knew what he thought about me and more importantly, how I looked.

"Someday." I stroked Noah's back as I rocked him.

Jess and Ethan came up to us, and Noah immediately went to his mother.

"Thanks so much," Jess said. "And for last week when you took care of him."

"Best babysitter in the world," Ethan complimented.

I felt a little embarrassed. Is that who I was? A babysitter? Like the help. What was I doing with my life?

"Jess, Ethan, Noah is adorable," Amias praised.

They both gushed. "Isn't he just." Jess kissed her son. "Well, we need to go before he becomes overtired and starts to howl."

"Yeah," Ethan agreed. "Well, I'll see you all next year when I'm back at work."

"No," Jess groaned. "I'm not looking forward to that."

"How long is your maternity leave?" Amias asked.

"I quit. I'll go back in a year. I wanted to be with my baby. It's too hard, you know." Jess smiled at Noah. "I know, I know it's not what career woman should do."