Page 7 of Under the Mistletoe

“That’s my cue to get out of here.” Uncle Bob grabs his sandwich and walks back to the front, escaping the girl talk.

“But the news channel is much better company,” I tell them both with an innocent smile.

“You’re a news junkie,” Shelley teases, and I laugh. “So, your meeting with the boss man went well?”

“He offered her a job…” Aunt Vivian chimes in, grabbing her sandwich before following Uncle Bob and heading out front to check on customers.

“He what?!” Shelley shrieks, startling me.

“Shhh! They have customers,” I whisper, eyes just as wide as hers.

“Donovan York offered you a job? He never does that. What is it? When do you start?” she rambles out, a smile taking over her face.

I inhale slowly to steel myself. She’s not going to like my answer.

“He wants me to be his business advisor. But I declined.”

Shelley stares at me like I’ve grown two heads. “You what now?”

“I declined.” I take another bite of my sandwich to busy myself.

“I heard you, but I’ve never seen you make a dumb decision before. You are literally the poster child for making smart, sensible decisions. I just need to memorize this moment. Why the hell did you say no?”

“Because he wanted me to move up to the executive level, report directly to him, be his personal business advisor…”

“And?”

“…and I think that’s just asking for trouble.” I pause with a shake of my head. “The man exudes power like cologne, and I prefer a quiet life that doesn’t involve boardrooms or billionaires.”

Shelley narrows her eyes. “You’re afraid of him.”

“No,” I say too quickly. “Not afraid. Just… wary.” I don’t add that it’s not just his job offer I’m dodging, it’s the heat that built in that office, thick as velvet, with a single look.

Like a light bulb went off in her brain, she gasps. “Oh my God. Do you have a crush on the boss?”

“No,” I deny with mock disgust, though considering I haven’t stopped thinking about him, it’s entirely possible.

“We all do, Jay Jay, so you’re not alone. You’re female after all. Did you see the photos of him from last night in the paper today? Hot. I’d jump his bones in a second if it was even remotely possible.” Shelley grins while sipping her coffee.

“I don’t have a crush. It’s just, you know I’m not great with people.”

“What are you talking about? You’re fantastic with people. Personable, friendly, confident.”

“I’m not fashion forward… like, at all.”

She tilts her head, stealing a chip from my plate. “That’s not true…”

“And if I go from contract position straight to executive, it looks a little…”

“Like you slept with the boss to get where you’re going?”

“Yes.” I sigh in disappointment.

“Jay Jay, half of New York has slept with someone to get where they’re going.”

“Yeah, well, I’m in the other half. I want to be known for my skills and intelligence.”

“That’s exactly why he offered you the job. So why did you really decline?” Shelley knows me too well. I take a deep breath and blow it out slowly.