Chapter 20

Chapter Twenty

Emery

I stared at the wrapped package in front of me, trying to focus on measuring the perfect amount of ribbon rather than replaying last night’s events in my head for the hundredth time. The instrumental version of “All I Want for Christmas Is You” floating through the workspace wasn’t helping my concentration. Especially since what—or rather who—I wanted for Christmas had multiplied by three.

“Your corners are uneven.” Blake’s voice cut through my thoughts like a sharp razor through wrapping paper.

I glanced down at my work. The corners were fine, but apparently not up to his robot-precise standards. “They look perfectly fine to me.”

He pursed his lips, looking pained as the Chipmunk’s version of “Silent Night” began playing. “This music is disrupting everyone’s workflow.”

“Actually, studies show that music increases productivity.” I carefully tied a bow. “Plus, it’s Christmas music. How can you wrap presents without Christmas music?”

“We managed just fine for the past several years.” He eyed the garland I’d somehow convinced the guys to let me hang on the railing of the stairs and balcony overlook. The lights twinkled merrily, completely at odds with Blake’s grim expression.

I followed his gaze up to the second floor, where Ronan stood at his window. He caught my eye and gave me a small smile that sent heat rushing to my cheeks as memories of his mouth between my thighs flashed through my mind.

“Focus.” Blake snapped his fingers, making me jump. “This is exactly what I mean about distractions.”

“You know what you need?” I reached for the coffee cup that was holding an array of treats. “A candy cane.”

He stared at the red and white striped candy like it might bite him. “Sugar is not permitted at the wrapping stations.”

“Come on, live a little.” I waggled it enticingly. “It’s peppermint. Very festive. Very proper.”

“Proper would be maintaining our standards of excellence without all these...” He waved his hand wildly. “Unnecessary additions.”

From upstairs, I heard Levi’s distinctive laugh, followed by Ronan’s deeper voice. There was a light tingle between my legs as I remembered how that voice had sounded last night, rough with desire as he’d-

“Your bow is crooked.”

I blinked, forcing myself back to the present. “Right. Sorry.” I adjusted the bow, then held out the candy cane again. “Just try it. If you hate it, I’ll never offer you seasonal treats again.”

He hesitated, then snatched it from my hand like he was afraid someone might see. “This doesn’t mean I approve of the changes around here.”

“Noted.” I smiled, watching as he unwrapped it. “But you have to admit, the place looks prettier.”

“Pretty doesn’t ship packages.” He popped the candy cane in his mouth, then immediately tried to hide his pleased expression.

“No, but it makes shipping packages more enjoyable.” I finished the present with a flourish. “See? Perfect corners, straight ribbon, and I did it all while listening to music.”

Blake made a noncommittal noise, but I noticed he didn’t remove the candy cane as he moved on to inspect someone else’s work.

I risked another glance upstairs, this time catching all three of my bosses watching me like they wanted to unwrap me.

I turned back to my work. This was totally casual. Just three incredibly hot guys who I worked for and lived with and may have had mind-blowing sex with. No big deal.

What was a big deal was when they came down to the wrapping floor to help. They’d been doing it off and on all week. After a few hours in their offices, they went into full-on wrapping mode.

I tried to focus on the gift in front of me, but Max’s sudden presence at my wrapping station was incredibly distracting. He’d dressed down today in jeans and a t-shirt which showed off his muscular forearms as he measured paper.

“You’re staring,” he said without looking up, a small smile playing at his lips.

“I’m observing proper wrapping technique. Very professional. Very mindful.”

He glanced at me, his eyes dancing with amusement. “Is that what we’re calling it now?”

I busied myself with preparing a new roll of paper, very aware of how close he was standing. “I don’t know what you mean. I’m just a dedicated employee, learning from my superiors.”

“Superiors?” He moved closer, reaching past me for the scissors. His chest brushed against my back, sending shivers down my spine. “I seem to remember you being quite... superior... last night.”

“Max!” I hissed, glancing around nervously. Most of the other workers were focused on their own tasks, and Blake was occupied with his own wrapping again.

“What?” His breath tickled my ear. “I’m just commenting on your leadership qualities. The way you took charge of the situation. Very admirable.”

I elbowed him gently, trying to ignore how my body was reacting to his proximity. “You’re terrible.”

“That’s not what you said last night.” He stepped back with a wicked grin, returning to the present he was wrapping

I grabbed a new box, determined to maintain some semblance of professionalism. But as I started measuring the paper, I could feel his eyes on me.

“You missed a spot.” He lifted his chin at my work.

I frowned at the perfectly wrapped corner. “Where?”

He leaned over, his hand covering mine as he adjusted the fold slightly. “Right here. See how it creates a cleaner line?”

The heat of his palm against my skin was making it hard to concentrate on wrapping techniques. “I see how you’re trying to drive me crazy.”

“Is it working?” His thumb stroked the inside of my wrist, and I had to bite back a gasp.

“You know it is.” I pulled my hand away before I did something inappropriate like climb him like a Christmas tree. “We’re supposed to be keeping things casual.”

“This is casual.” His darkened eyes suggested otherwise. “Just two coworkers, wrapping presents, maintaining appropriate workplace behavior.”

We worked in charged silence for a few minutes, the Christmas music providing cover for the tension crackling between us. I tried to focus on the task at hand, but my mind kept wandering to the way Max’s hands moved so carefully over the paper, remembering how those same hands had moved over my body.

“You’re doing it again,” he said softly.

“Doing what?”

“Staring.” He met my gaze, and the heat in his eyes made my nipples harden. “Making me think very inappropriate thoughts about what I’d like to do to you on this wrapping table.”

I fumbled with the ribbon I was holding, my fingers suddenly clumsy. “That would be very against workplace safety regulations.”

“I won’t tell if you won’t.” He winked. “After we’re done here, I’m taking you out.”

“Oh?” I hadn’t been prepared for that. “Are Levi and Ronan coming too?”

“No, just you and me.” He was about to say something else when he straightened as Blake approached.

Blake’s expression soured even further, if that was possible, while he observed Max and me working together. The candy cane was still stuck in his mouth, but now he was wielding it like some kind of sugary weapon as he pulled it out and pointed the sharp end at Max.

“Mr. Parker, your expertise is needed in shipping. There seems to be a discrepancy with the Manhattan order.”

Max’s eyebrows drew together. “Sophia handles all shipping discrepancies.”

“She specifically requested your assistance.” Blake’s tone left no room for argument, though I noticed he wouldn’t quite meet Max’s eyes.

I bit my lip to keep from saying something I’d regret. The Manhattan order was the one I’d been working on all morning, and I knew for a fact there weren’t any issues. I’d triple-checked everything myself.

Max must have realized the same thing because he gave me a look that clearly said we’d talk later before heading toward shipping. I watched him go, admiring the way his dress pants hugged his assets, until Blake cleared his throat loudly.

“Ms. Williams, if you could refrain from ogling the owners, some of us are trying to maintain a professional atmosphere.”

I turned to him, startled by the venom in his voice. “I wasn’t.”

“You were.” He moved closer, lowering his voice. “And it’s inappropriate. This isn’t some holiday romance novel where the plucky heroine wins over the wealthy CEO. This is a respected company with standards.”

My skin felt like it was on fire, but not from embarrassment. “Excuse me?”

“I’ve seen your type before.” He straightened a ribbon on my station with unnecessary force. “You come in here with your Christmas spirit and your candy canes, thinking you can change everything. But this isn’t about making friends or finding love. It’s about doing your job.”

I stared at him, suddenly understanding. “How long have you worked here, Blake?”

“Five years.” He lifted his chin proudly. “I’ve maintained the highest efficiency rating of any wrapper.”

“And in those five years, has anyone ever brought in Christmas decorations? Or played holiday music? Or tried to make this place feel less like a factory and more like this?” I gestured to the garland, the lights, the subtle touches of festivity I’d added.

His jaw tightened. “We don’t need those things.”

“What about the other employees?” I pressed. “Have they seemed happier this week? More productive?”

“Productivity isn’t about happiness,” he snapped, but I caught the flicker of anger in his eyes.

“Maybe that’s the problem.” I softened my voice. “You’re so focused on being perfect that you’ve forgotten this is supposed to be joyful. We’re wrapping gifts, Blake. We’re literally helping people spread happiness.”

He looked at the candy cane in his hand like he’d forgotten he was holding it. “The owners never wanted-”

“Maybe they just needed someone to show them it was okay to want it.” I picked up another candy cane and held it out to him.

For a moment, I thought he might actually take it. But then his expression hardened again. “Keep your focus on wrapping, Ms. Williams. And remember your place here.”

As he stalked away, still clutching his original candy cane, I couldn’t help but feel a little sorry for him.

I felt eyes on me and looked over to find Ronan watching me. His expression darkened when he saw my troubled look. “Everything okay?” he mouthed.

I forced a smile and nodded, but I couldn’t shake the feeling that Blake was going to be a problem. And given how precarious my situation already was, I really didn’t need any more complications.