Chapter 5
She had not wanted to be here. She recalled the Christmas parties over the years after she had started at the company. The lavish decorations, the tree towering toward the high arched ceiling, the cheerful songs played by musicians hired for the decorations, and the food.
There was so much food, not some casual banquet. Still, meals were tastefully catered, with servers wearing black-and-white uniforms weaving through the crowd, skillfully balancing trays, and avoiding couples dancing and others mingling to chat.
Most of all, the bonuses indicated the company’s profit over the year and the managers’ appreciation for sharing the bounty. All those things had made her happy. She had always stared at the check several times, hardly able to believe the number of zeros.
This year was no different. The party was lavish, the food was delicious, and the check was appreciatively hefty. But her heart was not into the festivities. And the more than casual flirting by several male employees, including some from management, was not appreciated.
Her dress, a clingy cobalt blue wool, had been admired and commented on by several of the female staff. She had worn it with knee-high leather boots and left her hair loose for a change.
Gold hoops sparkled at her lobes, and she had on the necklace that had belonged to her mother, the one with the cross pendant.
She had decided to stay a little bit longer before leaving. Her heart was not in it because it foolishly belonged to her boss’ son.
They had tried avoiding each other over the past two weeks, scrupulously making sure they were never alone in any room together. When the offices opened in January, a new secretary would be assigned to him after the holidays, and she told herself she was happy about it. But she could not get him out of her mind. That torrid kiss they had exchanged several weeks ago was still stamped on her mind and would not be erased.
“You have not danced with a single soul since you arrived.”
She turned reluctantly toward the familiar voice and tried for a smile. “That’s because I enjoy staying on the sidelines.”
Bobby Trent, a middle manager, took her hand in his. “Nonsense. You are the most beautiful woman in this room and deserve to be on that dance floor.” He was determinedly pulling her in the middle of the floor, and other than making a scene and drawing attention to themselves – she could see no other way around it.
Giving him a helpless smile, she put a hand on his shoulder and placed the other in his as he guided her around the room.
“Where are you planning on going for the holidays?”
“I was thinking of taking my aunt to Florida to soak up some sun.”
“Why don’t you come with me to my cabin in Maine?”
“A cabin in Maine?” She pretended to be impressed, her dark brown eyes twinkling. “With an offer like that, how could I refuse?”
He gave her a quizzical look with light blue eyes. “Why do I feel you are making fun of me?”
“Now, why would I do that?” She teased.
“Because-“ His head lifted as he stared at something over her left shoulder. “If it isn’t the boss’ son. I thought he was away for the holidays. And I see he brought the girlfriend.”
It took all of her will not to react. She had heard he was away too and welcomed the respite of not having her nerves strung to straining points at the idea of seeing him at the party tonight.
He was with her! Jacinth had had to deal with the bitch calling during the days to speak to him, and it had gotten to the point where she told the woman to dial him on his personal number. “You are tying up the business line.” She had expected him to confront her about that comment, but he hadn’t.
Thankfully, the song ended, and she refused Bobby’s request to get her something to eat. Her heart took a leap and a dive as she watched the two of them on the dance floor. As if he felt her eyes on him, his head lifted, and their eyes met and held.
Tearing her gaze away from his, she turned and made her way out of the conference room. She had left her jacket upstairs in her office. She would just go and retrieve it and be on her way. She and her aunt would spend Christmas at home, flying to Florida afterward. It would be all right, she decided. In time, she would get over her feelings and move on.
Letting herself in, she walked around to her desk and sat down. Her head was pounding, and she felt as if she was going to throw up the cold shrimp she had managed to eat. Tears trickled out of her eyes unheeded.
She was feeling sorry for herself, and she was entitled. A failed relationship was the only one she ever had, and now she found herself in love with a man who was utterly unattainable and unsuitable. What the hell was wrong with her?
“The party is downstairs.” The familiar deep voice had her starting. She had been so mired in despair that she had not heard him open the doors.
“I was just leaving.” She pushed back her chair and went to the coat tree to grab the jacket, but he was right behind her.
“In a hurry?”
“Just get out of my way. I am sure your date is waiting for you.”
“I sent her home.”
“Why would you do that?” She still had her back turned to him.
“I think you know why.” His hands settled on her shoulders, and he turned her to face him.
“We have a problem.”
“We certainly do not have a problem. Now, please get out of my way.”
“I have tried,” he continued as if she had not spoken. “I have been telling myself this is ridiculous, and there was no way it will ever work. But it’s no use.”
“Let me go.” She whispered.
“I can’t! Damn you!” His hand came around her neck, and his eyes glittered. “You don’t think I have tried? Since I met you, you have gotten under my skin; instead of improving, it has worsened. I have tried to avoid you, but I cannot sleep well. I need you.”
“You don’t. And if you think I am going to have some sort of sleazy office affair with you, then you can just go to hell.”
He shook her. “I don’t want an affair.” He breathed, pulling her toward him. “An affair is not going to be enough for me. Jacinth-“ His head bent, and before she could fight or put up a resistance, his lips were seizing hers in a kiss that tore a tortured moan from her.