Chapter 11

Chapter Eleven

Max

I watched from my office as Emery slumped at her desk, her head resting in her hands. The morning had been rough—a nasty customer who had a pickup order had requested to speak to a manager because her bows weren’t “bow-ish enough,” whatever the hell that meant.

I debated whether I should say something to comfort her. That was more Levi’s style though; swooping in with his effortless charm while I preferred quieter gestures that didn’t draw attention.

Speaking of Levi, I’d noticed how he’d been hovering around her workstation more than usual the last few days. Something had shifted between them, but I wasn’t sure exactly what.

When Emery finally got up to take her lunch break, I waited a few minutes before grabbing the small package from my desk drawer. I’d spotted the holiday-themed sticky notes at the store the day before—each one decorated with terrible Christmas puns and cute illustrations. They seemed like something that might make her smile.

I made my way to her desk, trying to appear casual as I placed the gift next to her wrap sheet. Before I was caught, I went back upstairs to my office only to find Levi leaning against my doorframe.

“Interesting.” He wore that infuriatingly knowing smirk that always made me want to throw something heavy at him—preferably my stapler. His eyes danced with amusement as he crossed his arms over his chest. “I didn’t take you for the Secret Santa type, Max. Seems a bit too... festive for you.”

“I can be festive, and it’s just sticky notes.” I shoved my hands deep in my pockets, trying to appear nonchalant even as my fingers fidgeted with loose threads inside the fabric. “She was running low.”

“Uh-huh.” He pushed off the doorframe and walked over. “And you just happened to notice that while watching her from your office all morning?”

“Says the guy who’s been finding every excuse to give her rides.” The words came out sharper than I intended. The familiar ache of jealousy twisted in my chest, making me wish I could take back the accusation even as part of me wanted to say more.

Levi’s expression shifted, becoming more serious. “About that... something happened with her car.” He filled me in on what had gone down at her motel on Monday, and my hands clenched into fists as he described her ex’s dick move.

“That fucking asshole.” I was already thinking about ways we could make Josh’s life difficult.

“My thoughts exactly.” Levi ran a hand through his hair, a tell that he was more worked up about this than he wanted to show. “She’s trying to handle everything on her own, but...”

“But you want to help.” I studied my friend’s face, noting the way his eyes softened when he talked about her. “More than just as her boss.”

He met my gaze steadily. “Would that be a problem?”

I walked into my office and sank into my office chair. “You know it’s more complicated than that. She’s in a vulnerable position and the last thing she needs is workplace drama if things go sideways.”

“She’s a seasonal employee.” Levi perched on the edge of my desk in that casual way he had of making himself at home anywhere. “And I’m not talking about some casual fling here.”

“That almost makes it worse.” I rubbed my temples, trying to sort through the mess of thoughts and feelings churning inside me. I didn’t know why I was so drawn to Emery, but I was.

Every time she walked into a room, my attention gravitated toward her like a compass finding true north. It was maddening how easily she’d slipped past my usual defenses, and now here I was, sitting in my office debating workplace ethics with my best friend while my heart tried to convince my head it was wrong about everything.

“You’re overthinking this.” Levi’s casual confidence sometimes made me want to strangle him.

“And you’re not thinking enough.” My words were sharp with an edge of frustration I usually kept better hidden, but I couldn’t stop it now. My protective instincts were in full swing, warring with the complicated mess of feelings I had for Emery myself. “Did you consider maybe she feels obligated to be nice to you because you’re her boss? Because you’ve been helping her?”

Levi’s expression darkened. “Give her more credit than that. She’s not some damsel in distress looking for a savior.”

“That’s not-” I cut myself off, frustrated. How could I explain my concerns without revealing too much? “Look, I just think we need to be careful. Professional.”

“We?” Levi’s eyebrows shot up, a knowing smile playing at his lips, clearly enjoying my slip-up. “Interesting choice of words there, Max. Sounds like someone else is wrestling with some complicated feelings about our Christmas Spirit.”

Heat crept up my neck, and I fought the urge to loosen my tie as the temperature in my office seemed to spike. Damn Levi. “You know what I meant.”

“Do I?” He leaned forward, studying me with a penetrating gaze that always made me feel like he could see right through my carefully constructed walls. “Because it seems to me like you’re not just worried about workplace dynamics. You’re worried about your own feelings.”

“That’s not…I don’t…” I stumbled over the denial, knowing it was useless. “Fine. Maybe I’ve noticed her.”

“Maybe you want to help her too? In ways that aren’t exactly professional?” He wiggled his eyebrows suggestively, his smirk growing wider as he watched me squirm. The worst part was, I couldn’t even deny it without feeling like a complete liar.

I shot him a glare, but there was no actual heat behind it. “You’re enjoying this way too much.”

“Little bit, yeah.” It had been a long time since I’d seen his grin so wide. “It’s not often I get to see you this flustered over someone. Actually, I don’t think I’ve ever seen you this flustered over someone.”

“Shut up.” I grabbed a pen and started fidgeting with it, needing something to do with my hands. “It doesn’t matter, anyway. Like you said, she’s seasonal, and you’ve already...” I gestured vaguely, not wanting to think too hard about what might have happened between them.

“Made a move?” Levi supplied helpfully, his expression softening. “Max, you know me better than that. I wouldn’t have pursued anything if I thought it would hurt you.”

“But you pursued something.”

“I did, and I won’t apologize for that. But...” He paused, choosing his words carefully. “Maybe there’s room for both of us to help her in whatever way she wants or needs.”

I stared at him, trying to process what he was suggesting. “What are you saying?”

“I’m saying stop overthinking everything and let yourself feel something for once.” He stood up, straightening his sweater. “And maybe consider some things are worth the risk of being unprofessional.”

Before I could respond, a throat cleared. Ah, shit. How much of that conversation had Ronan heard? Given his typical stance on workplace relationships and the thunderous expression he usually wore when discussing them, I had a feeling I wouldn’t enjoy finding out.

Ronan’s expression darkened as he stepped into my office. “What’s worth being unprofessional?”

Before I could fumble for an explanation, Levi jumped in smoothly. “Max’s window.” He gestured to the large pane of glass overlooking the wrapping workshop floor. “He’s thinking about decorating it for the holidays.”

I shot Levi a look that promised retribution later, but honestly, it wasn’t the worst save. I’d always felt uncomfortable about the windows in our offices—it reminded me of those old-school factories where they watched their workers like hawks.

“Decorate the windows?” Ronan’s voice held that edge of skepticism that usually preceded a lengthy lecture about maintaining professional standards. “We’re not running a kindergarten class here.”

“No, we’re running a business that’s about to ask our employees to work overtime during the holidays. Maybe showing some festive spirit wouldn’t kill us. In fact...” Levi’s eyes lit up. “We should all decorate our windows.”

I considered it. “It would cut down on the fishbowl effect.” I remembered how Emery had jumped the first time she’d looked up and caught me watching her work. Not that I’d been watching her specifically. Much. “Make it feel less... supervisory.”

“Exactly!” Levi clapped his hands together. “We could have a little competition. Best decorated window gets...” He looked at us expectantly.

“Gets to not be fired for suggesting ridiculous ideas.” Ronan was clearly annoyed, but I noticed he was eyeing my window thoughtfully.

“You can’t fire us. The staff morale could use a boost before we start the overtime shifts. And it’s not like we’re suggesting hanging disco balls and strobe lights.” I surprised myself by backing Levi up.

“Though that would be amazing,” Levi interjected with a grin.

“No.” Ronan and I spoke in unison, sharing a rare moment of complete agreement.

Levi held up his hands in surrender. “Fine, traditional decorations only. But I still think we should make it interesting.” He tapped his chin thoughtfully. “Winner gets a date with Emery.”

That got Ronan’s full attention. “Excuse me?”

I watched as Ronan’s face cycled through several shades of red, each one more concerning than the last. But Levi, being Levi, barreled on with his typical disregard for self-preservation.

“Think about it—she’s got great taste, she’s already helping spread holiday cheer downstairs, and this way we make it a real competition.” He was practically bouncing on his heels now. “Plus, we all know she could use a nice dinner out after everything that’s happened.”

“Everything that’s happened?” Ronan’s eyes narrowed dangerously. “What exactly has happened?”

I shot Levi a warning look, but he shrugged. “Her ex is being a dick. Took her car, donated her stuff. She’s basically starting over.”

“And you know this how?” Ronan’s tone suggested he already knew the answer but wanted to hear me say it.

“Because unlike some people, I actually talk to our employees.” Levi’s casual response made me wince.

“Talk?” Ronan’s eyebrows shot up. “Is that what we’re calling it now?”

I cleared my throat, trying to redirect before this devolved into another argument about workplace dynamics. “The window decorating isn’t actually a terrible idea.” When both of them turned to stare at me, I cleared my throat. “The competition part, I mean. Not the other part.”

“Too late! Max is in. That’s two against one, Ronan. Democracy in action.”

“This isn’t a democracy.” Ronan’s weakening resolve was written all over his face. “This is a business.”

“A business that could use some holiday spirit,” I said, surprising all of us. “And maybe we could all use a reminder that we’re more than just the bosses upstairs watching everyone through these windows.”

“Fine.” Ronan might have finally conceded, but his scowl suggested he was already regretting it. “But nothing excessive. And no glitter.”

“Wouldn’t dream of it.” Levi’s grin suggested that absolutely meant he was dreaming of it. “We’ll start after lunch. Winner gets announced at closing.”

“I still haven’t agreed to the prize,” Ronan protested, but Levi was already heading for the door.

“Too late! I’m going to tell Emery she’s judging our window decorating contest. Don’t worry, I’ll leave out the prize part. It can be a surprise.” He waggled his eyebrows at us before disappearing down the hall.

I slumped in my chair, already wondering what I’d gotten myself into. The thought of decorating my window was bad enough, but the possibility of winning a date with Emery?

“This is a horrible idea.” Ronan echoed my thoughts.

“Probably, but you’re still going to participate, aren’t you?”

He shot me a look. “Like hell I’m letting you two win by default.” With that, he stormed out, presumably to plot his window decorating strategy with the same intensity he brought to quarterly projections.

What was I thinking, agreeing to this? More importantly, what would I do if I actually won? Or, if Ronan or Levi won?