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The Statham Department store was a fixture in San Francisco’s Christmas season. Every single trip here during my childhood had been pure magic. I’d loved every detail: the huge red bows hanging from the tall ceilings, the live carol singers, the shopping assistants dressed as elves on each floor, Meet Santa Day.
When no one had wanted to be in charge of setting up this year’s decorations, I’d volunteered with a big grin. It had soon become clear why no one had wanted the job. I had to start my day earlier than everyone else, and on occasion stay later. The decorations were only put up when the shop was closed to customers. Since most of the Christmas temporary staff were students, I had the unpleasant surprise of them just not showing up for work and having to hastily replace them, but all in all, I loved the job.
“Mom, my older sister, and I had this tradition where we watched a Christmas movie every evening in December. I do that now as well. But this year, I’m locked in here with you instead of watching my movies,”
“It’s still November,” he pointed out.
“I amended the tradition. Started it earlier to prolong the holiday season. So you’d better make it up to me,” I teased.
He took the bait, leaning in closer. For some reason, it made me feel like he was baiting me.
“I can do that. Dinner is on me again tomorrow.”
“You’ll have to up your game if you want to make up for making me skip my Christmas movie.”
“I plan to up my game, all right.”
“How?”
“You’ll see.”
“More details, please?” I felt compelled to ask because I wasn’t sure we were on the same page.
“You’re used to making all the rules, aren’t you, Sienna? Won’t work with me. I make the rules.”
“Don’t be surprised if I don’t stick to them.” Was he only talking about work?
“You’ll follow them. You’ll see.” His voice had changed. It sounded lower, rougher.
In a fraction of a second, the atmosphere between us changed. I swallowed hard, fiddling with my thumbs.
“Same time tomorrow?” He wasn’t taking his eyes off me, and the constant attention was too much. He definitely wasn’t just talking about work. OhGod, OhGod.
The attraction wasn’t one-sided. The realization wreaked havoc on me. My pulse was out of control. Heavens, I would have been better off not knowing.
“Sure.”
Chapter Seven
Winston
Usually, I looked forward to Christmas, but this year, every bit of decoration had just been a reminder of wha
t was at stake.
Except, looking around the offices every time I went out of mine, I didn’t feel stressed; quite the opposite. Sienna had been right; this was relaxing.
I couldn’t get the sight of her dancing out of my mind. Every time I’d seen her since, I remembered the sway of her hips, the passionate way she’d sung the lyrics. I’d very nearly walked over to her, pinned her against a wall, and claimed her mouth.
I’d worked with her for months but hadn’t gotten to know her on a personal level. The desire to do so now slammed into me.
She was smart. I knew that. I’d asked myself more than once why she put up with me. Last night, I’d gotten my answer. I respected that she didn’t want anything on a silver platter. She wanted to earn her place.
A vein pulsed in my temple when I thought about that guy on the first night. I didn’t know the whole story, but just seeing Sienna’s vulnerable expression had been enough to make me want to punch that idiot, ensure she never had to see him again, or deal with him in any way.
In the evening, I went into the meeting room first. I’d bought burgers for dinner, another of Sienna’s favorites. She arrived a few seconds later, and her eyes widened when she saw me. Then she lit up completely at the sight of the burgers. Damn, she looked even cuter radiating happiness like this.
“I love burgers,” she exclaimed.
