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“You know what? I’ll head down into the shop and pick something up. We’ll just add that to your gift.”
“You’re a lifesaver, Sienna. Thank you, thank you, thank you.”
After she left, I checked the rest of my to-do list before promptly deciding I wasn’t going to get anything else done today anyway. We only had two hours left until the party started, and everyone was already in a Christmas mood. Someone had even spiked a punch bowl in the kitchen. I smiled to myself. Winston would hand everyone their ass. What were they thinking?
You could easily spot those who’d made more than one trip to the punch bowl, because they were already singing carols.
No one was getting any work done except for the accounting department. I felt zero guilt for heading downstairs.
The shop was so full, it neared breaking point. The energy in it was just surreal. “Jingle Bells” was blasting through the sound system, and the elves on every floor were milling around, visible in their green suits even in the thick crowd.
I headed straight to the books section of the shop on the first floor and picked a business book for Winston. There. That was a sound Christmas present. Professional and useful. Predictably, the line to the cash register was humongous, but I batted my eyelashes at the cashier, who ushered me forward, to the chagrin of everyone else. I wasn’t a fan of shortcuts... usually. But with one hour to the party, it was time to pull out all the stops. I felt like the boss deserved more presents though. Something more... personal. Even though his grouchy, stabby personality was scaring the wits out of everyone, he was breaking his back for the company. What else would Winston like? I absentmindedly touched my hairpin and decided that I wanted to give him a gift. Something personal, something that would make him think about me.
I blamed the Christmas spirit all around for even entertaining that thought. And still, I went on with buying him a gift anyway. What harm could it do? I had fun imagining Winston’s reaction to several gifts before settling on an elegant white shirt.
I spent so much time bumbling around the store that the party was about to start when I returned upstairs. I slipped the book in Jane’s bag under the tree... but what to do with my own gift? I couldn’t give it to Winston in full view of everyone, because it would raise eyebrows. I’d have to be alone with him.
My mouth went dry at the thought of that.
I hung the bag with the gift in the vestibule along with my coat. I’d find a moment to give it to Winston later.
Smoothing my hand over my hair, I joined the crowd already gathered by the Christmas tree. The room had a high ceiling with low-hanging lamps throughout, casting diffused lighting.
The punch bowls were set by a table to the far end of the room, along with delicious snacks like bacon-wrapped water chestnuts, cheese and crackers, and mini quiches.
I beamed, glancing around. Yes! This was already shaping up to be a success. Even the accounting department, who had to finalize the consolidated accounts within the next two weeks, seemed more relaxed.
“What did I get the boss?” Jane asked.
“A collection of biographies of successful businessmen.”
“Excellent. That sounds like something he’d actually enjoy.”
“I think so too.”
We each took a cup of spiked punch and a cinnamon bun. I munched on it happily, already feeling myself relax. My limbs felt lighter; my smile was so bright. This evening was just how I’d envisioned it. Everyone was getting the break they needed after Black Friday and the boost of energy to keep up with the tight schedule for the next few weeks.
It was a pity that the pressure increased so much just around Christmas time—to drive sales, to organize the Christmas program. But it was all worth it, in my opinion. We made an experience out of Christmas for shoppers. Created an adventure out of buying gifts, made little kids happy by bringing Santa to them.
“Girl, I cannot believe you actually convinced the big boss to join us. How did you do it?” Mara said.
I laughed nervously. “Laid out the pros and cons. Not sure how long he’ll stay, though,” I added quickly, not wanting anyone to get their hopes up.
“Still a step forward. Tell me your tricks.”
I winked, even though I was nervous as hell. “No can do. Have to keep my tricks for myself.”
“Boss just arrived,” Mara murmured, looking over my shoulder.
A jolt of energy coursed through me. I stood ramrod straight, turning around slowly in the direction of the door.
Chapter Fourteen
Sienna
I’d seen him today. How on earth could I have this reaction to him? When he locked eyes with me, I drew in a sharp breath.
The room was unnaturally silent. Half the company was intimidated by him. The other half was afraid.
