Paige

PAIGE

I really did put together a spectacular team. They were already chatting and getting to know each other when they entered the meeting room. I filed in behind them and introduced myself before we did a few first-day things.

When the guys came in, we started the ice-breaker activities and I learned fun things about everyone. Including those three sexy bosses.

Like if they can get Jake drunk enough, he'll kill it at karaoke. And his favorite Christmas song to belt is "Little Drummer Boy."

Like how Henry played Santa for his siblings growing up since he was the oldest. His mom raised them alone for most of his childhood.

Like the way Eli loves to buy presents for other people but hates to get them himself because—as he says—he has more than enough. But I suspect there's something deeper there.

I confessed to having my own holiday planner, and that I've been using it since I was thirteen.

My new team had a hoot, and we rocked the group activities to build the project into something we could all love. Martha, my social media guru, has a new plan for some of our unique designs, making a multi-tiered contest for the designers that will also supply us with exposure through their audiences. We just need to target the right ones, but she's on it, and I love it.

We have plenty more to do.

I dismiss the team fifteen minutes early and I sincerely look forward to seeing them in the morning. After everyone's gone, Eli puts a hand on my back. "Come have a celebratory drink, Monroe."

He escorts me through the building and back to his office. Jake and Henry follow, and we attract more attention than I want. I imagine every new manager gets this treatment. But the look Sabrina shoots me reminds me of something I've noticed over the last week, even today with the new hires. Every woman in this place seems to have a crush on the CEO, COO, and CFO of Rockwell International.

Me included.

Eli closes us in his office, a much more secluded space than Henry's. His hand still on my back draws me to the rear of the room where they keep the liquor. It's a sweet cherry wood cabinet next to a tall window. The glass lets in only the slightest chill as I peer out.

His view is fantastic. The expanse of white is dotted with fall colors—the patchwork of brick and siding, evergreen trees, modern and traditional styles. Everything about Rockville was gorgeous, even under a blanket of snow.

Lights are starting to trickle on, and the bright spots add to the cozy Christmas vibe.

I'm sure in the full light, the surrounding forests add to it.

"How do you get anything done with a view like this?"

Eli's laugh turns me from the window, and an old-fashioned glass appears in my hand. But it's Henry's hand that brushes mine in the exchange.

Is he thinking about the last time we shared a drink? I certainly am, and it makes me shift just slightly to stave off the gooey feelings in my core. Luckily, we're nowhere near the couch, so I can't talk myself into crawling in his lap.

"It can be difficult at times, especially when I'm on the phone."

I peer back out at the wintery scene and let it cool me off. My control around these three is trying, and it's a good thing they go back to their normal schedule tomorrow. Maybe then, I won't be so damn tempted all the time.

Maybe, the sexy dreams will stop too.

"You did a phenomenal job today, Monroe. Like an old pro." Eli leans nearby, like really nearby, his elbow brushing my arm as he sips his drink.

"I'm used to telling people what to do. Compromising. Instructing." I smile a little because again, that's mostly with my son.

Jake's brow raises, like he's reading between the lines. "Inside or out of the classroom?"

I tip my head to either side. "A little of both. Mostly out."

Taking my first sip, the burn of the whiskey doesn't outshine the delicate blend of caramel, spice, and smoke. It's so much better than my old drink of choice, Jack Daniels. It's an upgraded variety.

Shit, it probably is knowing these guys. How long after they earned their first million did their tastes start to evolve?

When I open my eyes from savoring the taste, I meet Henry's dark gaze. Yes, I don't mind taking control. We both know that well.

Mentally, I shake myself out of this looming tension. Time for a shift in focus. "So, any notes on the team?"

Eli smiles. "I like Martha, that social media expert. She's tiny, but she's full of that big energy. She had several good ideas for specific campaigns. Might need to rein her in though, so just keep an eye on her."

I nod, having noticed the same thing. "She'll work well with Casey. He's got a history of working under too much instruction."

Henry and Eli laugh in agreement. Jake just stares at me, no smile. I think he's amused anyway.

"Vanya has mini-me vibes. I suspect she will be your brownnoser."

Shaking my head, I can see it, but she has reason to study what I'm doing. She's part market research and part the face for the brand launch. "I just need to help her go from faking confidence to actually feeling confident. That's all."

"You can do that?" Jake asks, like he's skeptical.

"Of course." I don't elaborate because I don't need to. That's one of the tricks I'll teach her. It's one of my favorites.

Finally, that corner of his mouth moves. Most might mistake it for a glower, but I know that's his version of a smile.

I take another sip of the whiskey and swallow a moan along with it.

Did everyone take a step closer? We seem so close all of a sudden.

Jake taps the underside of my glass. "Finish it, so we can pour you another."

"I don't know if that's a good idea," Henry says, and it's just the thing that makes me tip back the last of my drink and hold my glass out to Jake.

He takes it, fingers brushing mine and zapping me low in my belly.

"Thank you."

"You're welcome." He steps around Henry, and I hold back my glare. Well, maybe not completely because Henry frowns in return.

It's not like my father hasn't told them of my contrary behavior. My aversion to being told what to do with my personal choices. Work? Fine. I take direction well. But I will eat or drink and do what I want with myself otherwise.

Refilled glass in hand, I take another sip. Although, Henry might have been right. Some of the alcohol is hitting me, and it's just going to get worse. Riding the train tonight is going to be fun.

"Don't let Henry spoil your celebration. He's always been the most pious of us all."

Now, that frown deepens before he shakes his head and peers out the window.

"That's not saying much for the two of you."

Eli's laugh is boisterous, much like his general demeanor. My hint at mirth from Jake, and even Henry huffs but smiles.

Pulling his phone from his pocket, Jake steps back and frowns before turning away. Phone to his ear in a second, he's on the other side of the room. "What do you mean, she's canceling?"

I lean forward to catch the conversation after that small temptation, but Henry's touch at the small of my back distracts me. Blood pumping loud in my ears as I turn my face toward him.

Black swallows his irises, attraction apparent in the way he's looking at me, and I wish he wouldn't. Not if he won't do anything about it. It's simply not fair. Especially to me.

I swallow hard, and his fingers press harder before they retreat.

"What do you mean, you don't have anyone else? What do I pay you for?"

My eyes widen at the following silence, and I brace myself with another sip. Nearly halfway through my second glass and feeling a bit bold. Or maybe just a little more drunk.

Jake nearly stomps back, downing the rest of his own drink on the way and pouring himself another.

I point between the three of them. "What was that all about?"

Jake turns and shoots back his second glass, leaving his head hanging back and his eyes closed for the count of four. "My date for tonight's investor dinner canceled. I can't be mad for the last minute because she had to take her daughter to the hospital. It's a valid excuse."

The glass bangs against the bar again. More whiskey sloshes into it.

"But the agency I booked her through doesn't have a replacement." Another quick throwback to empty his glass. "That I am mad about."

"Why do you need to pay for a date?" I blink at the dark look he shoots me.

"Because I scare off the investors when I go on my own."

I giggle. I can't help it. "Scary? You?"

He fully faces me, expression so stormy that I might need a raincoat. Or maybe more absorbent underwear?

Shrugging, I keep his gaze as I have another taste of the whiskey. I like the caramel tones far too much.

I see the idea as it springs into his mind, and now, I'm a bit scared.

"Do you have any formal wear?"

I narrow my eyes at him. "No."

"What size are you?"

This isn't where I thought this was going. "What?"

"Tell Sabrina to get you an address for the event."

I wave my hand at him. "Wait. Wait. Wait. I have plans tonight."

"Cancel them."