Page 11 of The Christmas Trap

I brighten. “You should see my office; it has an amazing view.”

Especially since it adjoins Brody Davenport’s, and I can see him through the glass wall that separates his office from mine. It’s a distraction. But that’s nothing I can’t handle,right?

I’m going to be so busy, I probably won't have any time to notice him.

Also, I'm totally engaged, and I'm totally planning a wedding so, like, why would I look at my boss?

"I can pay off my student loans and credit card debts, and helpmom and dad with theirs too. I could support you with your living expenses.”

“No. Absolutely not.” She scowls. “I make enough from my part-time job to cover my living expenses.”

I’m sure she’s right. But it’s only the two of us in this country, and Iamthe older sister. And really, because I can afford to do so, I feel duty bound to help her.

“This new job pays five times what I used to earn,” I coax her.

"Five times?" Her gaze widens. "What kind of a job is this?"

"It’s with Davenport Capital."

"TheDavenports?" Her gaze widens. “Skylar Davenport owns The Fearless Kitten. She’s married to one of the Davenport brothers.”

The Fearless Kitten is the boutique coffee shop where Raya works as a barista. When she’s not studying at the Royal Drawing School, where she got a scholarship to attend, she works there to pay for her living expenses.

"Right. My boss is Broody—I mean, Brody Davenport."

"Broody?" She chuckles.

I roll my eyes. "He is the Grinch personified. I’ve never met someone who hates Christmas so much. Unfortunately, he’s also my boss. My very sexy, very annoyingly macho boss.”

“Ooh.” Her eyes grow wide. “He’s a hottie?”

“Verrry.” My lips curve before I can stop myself.

Her answering smile is wicked. “Oh, oh, is there trouble in paradise?”

I blink. “What do you mean?”

“You do not sound like a woman who’s engaged to be married soon.” Her tone softens.

Guilt pinches the back of my throat. She’s right. I shouldn’t be reacting to my bosshole at all. I shouldn’t notice the way he fills a doorway or how his voice feels like being dragged into a warm bath I didn’t ask for.

I definitely shouldn’t feel my stomach flip every time he looks at me like I’m some kind of puzzle he intends to solve.

I swallow hard and lift a shoulder.

“It’s nothing like that. I’m his employee. And I’m keeping things strictly professional. I’m not screwing this up. This is my chance, Raya. The job I’ve worked toward since my MBA.”

Her expression softens. “I know how you push yourself.” Her eyes shine with pride. “You deserve this, Lark. Truly.”

“Thank you.” My heart warms at her words.

"Bet Keith’s excited too?”

I hesitate.

I want to say, yes, he is. That he was the first person I called after getting the job. But I didn’t even tell him I was applying for this job. I didn’t want to disturb him. Which is strange. Heismy fiancé after all.

I firm my lips.