Page 10 of The Christmas Trap

“It’s not an exaggeration that you’re known for your problem-solving skills in the business world. You see angles to an issue no one else notices. You take on impossible challenges and resolve them. Being in your orbit would force me to level up every single day. I want to learn from you because excellence feels natural around you. It feels…achievable.”

There. That’s a good answer, right?

But when he stays impassive, my heart sinks.

Was that too much?

Ambition is a tricky thing when you’re a woman. Show too little,you’re forgettable. Show too much, you’re ‘aggressive.’ I thought Brody Davenport might appreciate my being honest. He invited me to interview, didn’t he?

But maybe, I crossed the line?

Maybe, I came across as too pushy? Maybe, I’ve bulldozed straight past professional and landed in 'dear God, someone stop her' territory. Ugh. My spirits plummet. I fight the urge to hunch my shoulders.

I can’t help but wonder if my determination to get the job landed me on the CEO’s naughty list.

4

Lark

Finalize the holiday playlist before I get served with All I Want for Christmas Is You for the 187th time.

—From Lark’s Christmas to-do list

"You got the job?" My sister’s eyes widen on the phone screen.

After the interview, I walked over to the HR manager and completed the paperwork needed so I could be put on the payroll.Tomorrow.Which will be my first day at work as executive assistant to the CEO.

Then I walked out in a daze and sat in the nearby public park. I stared at the scenery trying to process everything.I got the job. OMG. I got my dream job.It feels like a dream.

When Raya called, I automatically answered the phone.

"Apparently, I did." I take in the people sitting on thenearby benches. Most are enjoying their lunch break and taking advantage of the rare sunshine. As it gets closer to Christmas, we’ll begin to lose light earlier.

"You sound…surprised?"

"I am…bemused. I didn’t think I would get the role. Not after I wore my new Christmas pullover to the interview.”

There’s silence, then she screeches, “You did not.”

“Now, you sound like my new boss.” I roll my eyes.

“He wasn’t a fan of your Christmas look?” She chuckles.

“Worse. He hates Christmas.” I slump a little.

“Oh no.” Her eyebrows draw together. “But youlovethe festive season.”

“I do. Also, I must insist that my sweater is very tasteful. You can hardly see the Christmas motif.” I angle the phone so she can take in the front of my pullover.

“It is…very discreet,” she concedes.

“Right?” I roll my neck, getting rid of the last vestiges of tension left over from the interview. “Now that I have the role, I’ll have to find a way to change his mind about the holiday season.”

“Ooh, that sounds smart. I’m sure your boss will love your campaign to change his opinion about Christmas.”

I frown. “When you put it like that…yeah…maybe it’s not a great idea. But I’ve gotta try. It’s Ch-r-iiii-stmas after all.”

“For someone so practical, you go full delulu the moment you smell those first holiday lattes brewing.” She rolls her eyes. "The grumphole aside, you’re excited about this position?”