Page 121 of Bargain With the Boss

“Pretty sure you only had eyes for one person.”

Xavier laughed and held a hand out. “Xavier.”

“Pete.” His eyes crinkled at the corners. “I’ve never seen the boss with such a smile. Very pleased to meet you.”

I could feel my face flushing. “Is everyone here today?”

He nodded. “Yes. Why?”

“I’d like to talk to everyone at the same time. Do you need to go upstairs for something?”

He shook his head. “It can wait.”

The three of us headed back into the workshop area. Lynn had been hard at work on more decorations. She made up our kitchen with the entire Charlotte line along with some of our silk plants, mini Christmas trees, and an ungodly amount of warm twinkle lights.

I glanced at Pete. “Can you call Leah down here?”

He nodded and ran over to a worktable with one of our landlines.

“Lynn and Jared can you come over here?”

Lynn was behind her triple screens and Jared was working at one of the worktops with ribbon, scissors, and a half decorated wreath.

“What’s going on?” Lynn glanced at me, then to Xavier with interest.

I waved her over. She frowned, but got up from her desk and met us in the faux kitchenette.

Jared came over with his ever present can of Coke Zero. “Hey, Boss. What’s up?”

“Everyone, this is Xavier.”

Lynn’s eyebrows shot up. “Jude’s Xavier?”

“Actually, I’m her Xavier.” He winked at Lynn.

I felt the flush rising up my neck. Damn my fair skin. “We’re just waiting on Leah. I wanted to talk to all of you about something.”

Pete came over with a bottle of water. “Got us all buzzing, kid.”

I laughed. “It’s been a day.”

“And then some.” Xavier lightly stroked my lower back.

Lynn and Jared shot each other glances and I had the strongest urge to move away from him. It wasn’t professional. But his big hand held me still. His reassuring warmth and solid nature overrode any need for space.

The next few minutes were a little awkward. I gave them updates from my earlier phone calls, but everyone was distracted by Xavier. I couldn’t blame them, so was I.

And I still didn’t know what the hell was actually going on.

I glanced up at Xavier. I was going to try something novel.

I was going to trust someone other than me.

Chapter 28

Xavier

The elevator opened and a pint-sized brunette strode out wearing a serviceable if drab suit, but her shoes didn’t go with the rest of her. Sparkly purple flats that definitely did not match the beige of her ensemble.