NICK
I'd never had any particular feelings about Mondays one way or another.
They didn't really bother me, but I also didn't particularly enjoy them.
But this Monday was different. After the feast on Friday, and a few messages back and forth since, I was looking forward to the chance of getting to see Ivy again.
I knew I shouldn't, especially when it was going to be impossible not to think about the kiss we shared, but I couldn't help it.
I hummed to myself as I made my way down to the staffroom from my office. I didn't plan on lingering long in case a member of my staff wanted to use it, but I could really do with a coffee.
The door to the office I'd assigned to Ivy opened as I passed it and I inhaled a deep breath, smelling her perfume as I did.
She stepped out and turned, stopping in her tracks as she saw me.
"Hi," she said, looking up and meeting my gaze. Her lips parted and I didn't even have to ask to know that she was thinking about the kiss too.
"Hi," I responded, leaning against the wall, being careful to leave her a way to get away from me if she wanted to.
Instead, she leaned in. "The feast was a lot of fun," she murmured, looking up with dark eyes full of promise.
"It was the best one I've hosted in years," I said.
"Was it the food? The venue..."
"The company," I responded, moving closer. "It was much better than in previous years."
Her lips quirked up into a smile. "Is that so?"
"Yes. In fact, I was hoping I could..."
"Nick, do you have a minute?"
I closed my eyes and let out a groan at the sound of Pieter's voice. "Is it okay if I see what he wants?" I asked Ivy. The sooner he went away, the sooner we could return to talking about whether the kiss was something we could repeat.
She nodded, not moving from her spot.
I turned around and smiled at my oldest friend, wishing he was anywhere but here. "What's the matter?"
"There's been a problem with the elf-for-hire," he said, not even looking at Ivy. Probably because he was well aware of the situation he'd been about to catch us in. He'd been making enough comments while at the feast that made it clear what he thought of how we were acting towards one another.
"What kind of problem?" I asked.
"She's cancelled," he responded.
I closed my eyes and let out a frustrated sigh. "Can we get someone else?"
"I've been calling around, but it's impossible to find someone this close to Christmas."
"Right. Okay." I had no idea what to even do with that. I supposed I could do the sleigh ride without an elf, it wouldn't be the first time.
"What's it for?" Ivy asked, stepping away from the wall.
I looked in her direction. "We need someone to help us with the presents on Saturday, and we normally just hire an elf."
"Ah, for giving the children presents," she said.
Warmth spread through me in response. I liked how much she paid attention, especially when I hadn't talked about it very much. "Yes."
She cleared her throat. "I could do it."
I blinked a few times, not having expected the answer.
She smiled and pushed her hair behind her ear, revealing a small point at the top. "I was an elf-for-hire through university. It was nearly twenty years ago, but I'm sure I could pull it off."
Without meaning to, my gaze drifted down her body and I imagined her in a cute little elf outfit. She'd be more than able to pull it off.
Pieter cleared his throat. "We can pay you."
"There's really no need," She said quickly. "I imagine Nick's not being paid."
"Nick never pays himself."
She raised an eyebrow and looked at me. "Really?"
I let out a cough, somewhat surprised that my friend revealed as much about me. "I don't need to be paid, I have money coming in from other places."
"You're quite a man, did you know that?" she asked.
I chuckled. "I'm just doing my best, same as everyone else."
"Well, it looks good on you," she said. "I can help on Saturday, I just need to know what to do."
Pieter nodded. "I'll send you the itinerary. The rest is fairly straightforward."
"Yes, give presents to Nick so he can give them to the children," she checked.
"Pretty much," my friend responded. "Do you need anything for it?"
"I don't think so, but I'll try on my elf costume tonight to make sure. It's a while since I've worn it."
"Let me know if you need a different one," he said. "There might not be any elves to hire, but I can probably still get a costume."
"Thanks." She gave him what seemed to be a genuinely appreciative smile.
Pieter nodded and started to leave before turning back around. "The corridor is not the right place for anything that could cause an HR complaint if a member of staff catches you," he said.
Ivy's cheeks flushed red and she looked away.
I nodded, not really knowing what to say. It seemed to be enough for Pieter, and he went on his way.
"I was going to get some coffee," I said to Ivy. "Do you want to come with me?"
"The mood is rather ruined," she murmured.
"The mood?"
She froze in place. "Did I read the situation wrong? I thought you were going to kiss me again."
"Oh, I definitely was," I assured her. "You didn't read anything wrong."
She let out a sigh of relief and pushed her hair out of her face. "Good. I suppose coffee is an okay substitute."
"For now," I added.
Her laugh filled the air with warmth and I realised how much I wanted to hear it again. "For now," she agreed with a smile that made it clear exactly where she stood on that matter.
Hopefully, we'd be able to sort something out so it didn't risk her losing her job at the marketing agency, because as much as I really wanted to kiss her again, I also didn't want to risk her career.
But where there was a will, there was a way, and it was only a matter of time before we found the way.