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I sigh. Henry is the one adult who finds the time to tease me. He steps up beside me with a fresh coffee. “If I’d known you were grabbing one of those, I would’ve joined you. I could’ve used the fresh air.” And some breakfast. I missed my morning coffee and cinnamon roll because of a deadline.
“Sorry. Last-minute decision.” He sips from the cardboard cup, wincing when it burns his tongue.
“Forget it. What's this meeting about?”
“Not a clue. The boss summoned me, hence my presence.”
I scan the room again; this time, my attention catches and stops on a particular woman who just entered the room. My eyes follow her as she joins some women on the other side of the table. She’s got shoulder-length red hair, brushed straight and parted off to the side. Her hazel eyes, more green than brown, sparkle. And she has curves a man can hold on to while he’s—
“You’re drooling.”
Every time I see Joy, I swear my heart skips a beat, and my dick perks up in excitement. Joy Calvin, my office crush. The woman of my dreams. The boss’s daughter. If only she knew how much I desire her.
I snap out of it and avert my gaze. “No I’m not.” I resist the urge to wipe my mouth.
Henry snorts. “Yeah, right. You’ve had a hard on for that chick since the day she joined the company.” He glances down at my crotch, one brow cocked high. “Make sure you don’t embarrass yourself.”
Technically, he’s not wrong. I’m half-hard every time I’m around her. “Don’t be an ass, Henry.”
Her manager had been giving her a tour of Kismet Publishing when I first ran into her. And I mean that quite literally. I’d been rounding a corner and ran smack into her, losing hold of my precious cargo, a stack of fresh-off-the-press new releases from one of our top authors.
While her boss looked on with disapproval, Joy waved him away and bent down to help pick them up. I got an excellent glimpse down her blouse—lacy pink bra, creamy smooth flesh—and I still remember the light floral fragrance of her shampoo.
I also recall how horribly embarrassed I was, and since that day, anytime I get near her, my palms sweat, and my stutter makes an appearance. A stutter I worked hard to fucking beat as a kid. It’s almost non-existent now. But occasionally, especially during extreme stress, I know it’s trying to rear its ugly head when words get stuck on my tongue. I can’t pass them over my lips, no matter how hard I try.
I quickly avert my eyes, hoping she missed me staring. But when I chance another peek, to my surprise she’s looking straight at me and doesn’t she wink. She even adjusts her stance, a move that thrusts her breasts higher.
My head’s on a swivel while I try to determine if anybody spotted that.
Nobody’s wasting their time looking in my direction other than Joy, so I think we’re safe. This time my heart definitely begins to race, and I can feel the heat rising in my cheeks. God, geek out much? I thought I’d put the awkward kid days behind me years ago.
Henry nudges me with his elbow, dragging my attention away from Joy. “Any idea what this is all about?”
I clear my throat. “Not a clue.”
There’s a shuffle at the doorway, and the senior leaders enter the room. Martin Calvin, Senior Executive Officer of the California office of Kismet Publishing, is in the lead, and makes his way to the front, taking a position behind the large black leather chair at the head of the table. From what I understand, he’s the youngest of three. He and his two brothers own the company, inherited from their father and grandfather before him. Todd runs things in New York, and Wes handles things in Texas.
Mr. Calvin rests his hands on the back of the chair and addresses everyone gathered. “Thank you for joining us this afternoon. I'll be brief. I know you’re all busy. First, I want to say congratulations on a record-breaking third quarter. We more than surpassed our projections. Great job, everyone. I’m also happy to announce that we’re in the process of finalizing plans for our annual holiday event. As a thank-you for all of your hard work, this year’s Christmas party will be fully funded by Kismet.”
“But you do that every year, sir.”
I’m not sure who yelled that out, but several people chuckle.
“Yes, yes we do. And I’m happy we can do that for you. This year will be slightly different. Instead of holding it here in our office, we plan to book a downtown hotel, have a sit-down dinner, followed by a dance. We’re even securing a block of rooms for staff to use, so nobody has to drink and drive. Cost will be fully covered by Kismet.”
A round of cheers and applause follow that announcement.
“As part of this year’s event, we also plan to host a Secret Santa gift exchange. Nothing extravagant. There’s a cap of forty dollars. Before you leave the room today, I’m having my assistant go around with a hat that contains everybody’s name. Choose a name, but don’t reveal who you’ve got. If you happen to choose your own name, then, of course, take another.”
There are a few groans but mostly excited chatter.
“Unfortunately, with the season closing in fast, the hotels are being booked quickly. Next weekend is the only available date. I know that doesn’t give you much time, but I’m sure you’ll find suitable gifts for your peers. Remember, the idea is to have fun.”
The conversations start as soon as Mr. Calvin closes the meeting.
While waiting for Mr. Calvin's assistant, I search for Joy in the room but can't spot her. Did I miss her leaving?
“Hey, man. Want to hit the mall after work and get this over with?” Henry appears less impressed with the assignment than I feel. I don't enjoy these events. I despise networking in any form, but being more outgoing will help me make a good impression.
