by Cat Johnson
She looked around now, as the people assembled. Most were excited; a few, hesitant. She raised her voice to be heard over the chatter. “There are lots of decorations, meant for the hallway and your individual offices. Take what you want. If we run out, I’ll order more.”
Nods and smiles spread the excitement. Joy took hold as everyone tore into the boxes. Ornaments, poinsettia wreaths, garland, red velvet bows, and silver bells were discovered. A handmade weathered wood sleigh appeared with a seat and enough space to stack presents for their Secret Santa exchange. The sleigh would remain in the central hallway.
Within minutes, a life-size soft-stuffed Santa and Mrs. Claus stood free of the cardboard, as did a six-foot fiberglass nutcracker soldier in a red and gold uniform, a big Russian hat, and handheld saber. “I’m claiming the nutcracker,” Darrel from Liquid Markets announced.
“We’d like Mrs. Claus,” two ladies in Payroll called out.
“All yours,” Riley returned. “Santa?” She offered the pair.
“Jolly Belly is mine,” came from a territorial female executive in Legal and Regulatory Frameworks. “I need a man in my life.” Laughter rippled.
Decorations continued to appear. Pudgy snowmen came adorned in red cable-knit sweaters, hats, mittens, and a glitter finish. Smaller white furry polar bears, snowy owls, and aluminum-cast reindeer could be used as desk displays.
Roxanne chose a snowman. “Perfect for the corner of my desk.” She cut Riley a look. “What should go in Daniel’s office?”
Mistletoe, unspoken. Riley planned to hang a sprig in the doorway to his bedroom. This she kept to herself. Along with the fact that she’d canceled her Build-A-Boyfriend app. She only awaited the termination notification. Andrew Reynolds was no more.
She’d weighed her decision while Daniel was away. Unsure, then sure. Afraid, yet brave. Was she jeopardizing her job by breaking up with her pretend boyfriend in hopes of connecting with Daniel on a more personal level? Right or wrong, good or bad, she was officially single. She wanted to spend time with her boss. That included a night together. She was willing to take the chance, despite Daniel’s rule of no office romance.
He’d almost kissed her before he’d left for London. Almost taken her to bed. There’d been no mistake he wanted her. His body didn’t lie. She hoped their separation would lead to a strong reunion. He’d be back tomorrow.
* * *
Daniel returned a day early. He’d wrapped up business sooner than expected, and instead of touring London, he ordered his pilot to fuel the plane. The three executives traveling with him hadn’t questioned his decision. A choice he could not fully explain. It went beyond logic, was based instead on emotion. A first for him. He missed Riley Tyler.
He’d considered their relationship from every angle. Boss and personal shopper. Man, woman. Yet there were further complications. She was involved with the doctor. Still, he sensed her feelings for him. They had stood in his bedroom, so close, they exchanged breath. The pulse at her throat had raced as fast as his heart. He’d lowered his head; her eyelids were shuttered, and her lips parted. Her body had eased into him as if she were coming home, all soft and warm with desire, right before her iPhone buzzed. A buzz that reminded him she had a boyfriend.
The interruption of Andrew’s text had brought Daniel to his senses. He’d been about to seduce a woman who belonged to another man. A decent man, given his profession. Could a woman care for two men simultaneously? Possibly. He’d spent the last few days evaluating all possible scenarios.
Still, she confused him. How had he fallen so hard, so fast, and in so few days, with a quirky lady who challenged and contradicted him, then grinned her apology? Inexplicably, Riley was good for him. They suited each other well. He just had to convince her of that fact.
Over the course of his trip, he came to the conclusion it would be best to talk to her on his return, to be open and honest; to sort out their feelings. He would tell her how he felt. At the end of their discussion, should she pick Andrew, he’d step back and live with her choice. However it might kill him.
Now he rode the elevator to the thirtieth floor, next to the president and founder of Fredericks International and Geoffrey’s son, Christopher. The young boy was shy, and after shaking Daniel’s hand, he hid behind his father’s pants leg.
Daniel had texted Roxanne, twice, announcing their arrival. No response, which was highly unusual. She seldom left her desk.
The elevator had been full when they’d gotten on in the lobby. Gradually emptying on the slow rise. There’d been few words exchanged between the CEOs. Each respected the other’s professionalism and privacy. Daniel was hoping Fredericks would finally agree to the merger, once Geoffrey witnessed the polish and work ethic of Global Financial. It mirrored that of Fredericks International.
The elevator came to a stop, and the doors slid open. Daniel stepped into a winter wonderland. Christmas cheer and commotion echoed in the hallway. He might have thought he’d gotten off on the wrong floor had he not seen Roxanne and Georgia stringing garland between office doors.
“Wow!” came from Christopher, his expression full of childlike wonder. He released his father’s hand and moved into the fray to get a better look at all that was going on.
Geoffrey craned his neck as well, looking down the full length of the hallway, which was crammed with financial advisors and economic strategists. Accountants and attorneys. Daniel had agreed to let Riley decorate for Christmas. He’d never expected her to bring the North Pole to Minneapolis.
Daniel cleared his throat and spoke formally to Geoffrey. “I apologize—”
“For what?” The man kept an eye on his son. “The holiday mood?”
“For appearing disorganized.”
“It’s allowed once a year, don’t you think?”
Knowing Riley, it could be a weeklong distraction.
Christopher soon returned to his dad, his small face flushed. His coat was unbuttoned, revealing a young man’s suit beneath. “They’re cutting out silver snowflakes in the conference room. Might I join them, Father?”
“Are you barging in or were you invited?” asked Geoffrey. Obviously, manners mattered to the man.
“I stood outside the door until I was asked in.”
“Did you introduce yourself?”
The boy nodded. “The lady’s name is Sullivan.”
His father frowned. “You shouldn’t call her by her last name.”
“Sullivan Shore,” Daniel explained. “An unusual name for an exceptional woman. She oversees our Domestic Accounts.”
“Accounts and snowflakes. I’d like to meet her.” Geoffrey patted his son on the shoulder. “Perhaps I should also make a snowflake. We can find the perfect place to hang them. Together.” He addressed Daniel. “Excuse us, please.”
The Frederickses left Daniel staring after them. The father walked slowly, formally. The boy’s steps had bounce.
“Riley, can I have these blue ice skates to hang on my wall, until after the holidays?” Daniel heard Avery from Asset Allocation request.
Riley’s reply was muffled. It sounded like a yes. Daniel located her outside his office, bent over a box labeled HOLIDAY WORD ORNAMENTS. He was close enough to see that each one was marked with vintage stamping: SANTA, JOY, BELIEVE, HO-HO-HO. She wiggled her bottom, reached deeper, and withdrew FROSTY THE SNOMAN. Straightening, she smiled at her discovery.
Her smile faltered when she saw him. Her hair tie had loosened, and strands fell across her face. She peered at him, one-eyed. She’d moved casual Friday to blue-jeaned Tuesday, he noted, adding a sweatshirt designed with a goofy-looking reindeer. On her feet, she wore scruffy lavender tennis shoes.
He forced himself to remain aloof, his expression tight. Otherwise, he would have grabbed the woman and hugged her close. He was that glad to see her. Instead he jammed his hands in his winter coat pockets, widened his stance. Appeared the formidable CEO everyone expected.
Confrontation stood as a third party
between them. Silent and tense. Roxanne and Georgia found their way to her side. The director of personnel placed her hand on Riley’s shoulder. Roxanne appeared to be joined at Riley’s hip. Something had obviously shifted during his absence. Roxanne had initially been critical of Riley; Georgia iffy, as well. She’d fourth-slotted her for the interviews. Yet now they stood all for one. Clearly, they liked her. Could it be they had handpicked her for him right from the start? Was he the last to know?
Several of his top executives circled about her, too. Protectively. Which amused Daniel greatly. The men had taken off their suit coats and loosened their ties, while the women had removed their high heels. Whatever he was about to say to Riley, he could say to them, too. They would share in his censure. Almost laughable. He employed them, paid their six-figure salaries, yet they seemed to be siding with the personal shopper who’d wrapped them up in Christmas spirit.
She licked her lips. “You’re back.”
He refused to be distracted by her moist mouth. “You’ve been busy.”
“We’re decorating.”
“That I see. You’ve involved everyone.”
“Group e-mail. The more, the merrier.”
What he’d said before he’d left for London, and what she’d heard were two different things. He’d expected that she would do the decorating, not involve the entire floor. But if he were to send everyone back to their desks now, he’d appear to be a Scrooge, despite the fact that world finances could crash and no one would be at his computer to warn of the fact. They’d be trimming the trees. Decking the halls. Hanging wreaths and stockings. So be it.
At that moment, he decided, he didn’t much care. It was all about Riley. She stared at him, wide-eyed and hopeful. “We have a good chance of winning the decorating contest, don’t you think?”
Daniel weighed his words carefully. What he said next could make or break his relationship with her. “I think you have it in the bag.”
She leaned toward him, raised, then lowered her arms, as if she was about to embrace him. She did not. She hugged her middle instead. All those around her cheered. Daniel wouldn’t have believed it, had he not witnessed the moment himself. Riley was their holiday hero.
Off to the side, stern-faced investment consultant Calvin Jacobs high-fived reserved Phillip Greenfield in Product Management.
Quiet, often passive, wealth relationship advisor Arnold Otten pumped his arm. Exuberantly.
Rumor had Sandra Rule, senior policy advisor, Regulatory Affairs, involved with Donald Walsh, an engineer in Network Operations. Evidence of their relationship now surfaced. He openly held her hand. Sandra blushed.
Daniel nodded in their direction, let it go. Who was he to knock relationships, as long as his company continued to run smoothly?
Tapped on the shoulder, Daniel turned to find the Frederickses and their snowflakes. Christopher’s smile lit his face when he asked, “Where can we hang them?”
Daniel looked at Riley, who took over. “I have the perfect place,” she said. “Follow me.”
Father and son were right behind her. They didn’t go far. Daniel could still see them from where he stood. They decorated his office door with two silver snowflakes, one covered with glitter, the other gold stars.
Riley stood back to admire them. “The most beautiful snowflakes I’ve ever seen.”
“Have you seen many?” asked Christopher.
“Both real and cutout,” she told him. “Yours do Christmas proud.”
Daniel came to join them. “I’m honored to have them on my door.”
Christopher scrunched his nose. “Can I have mine back . . . someday?”
“Of course,” Riley was quick to say. “I’ll get your address from Mr. Hayes, and mail both to you.”
The boy grinned, reassured.
“Perhaps mail won’t be necessary,” his father said. “We’ll be traveling to Minneapolis often, once the merger takes place. You can pick it up the next time we’re in the city.”
“The merger?” Daniel had tried repeatedly to bring Fredericks to the table, but hadn’t been successful. Not until that moment. After he and his son had made snowflakes together on decorating day.
“Your company is more than finances. There is a human connection here,” said Geoffrey, his voice muted. “I’m impressed by the balance. When my wife unexpectedly passed away, I decided I want a strong future for my son. One where living fully is as important as banking millions.”
Riley dipped her head, dabbed at her eyes. Geoffrey’s admission touched her. Daniel, too. His own throat tightened.
“I’ve been approached by several firms who wish to buy a controlling interest in the stock of my corporation,” Geoffrey added. “I want the negotiations to have minimal impact on my family. We will discuss the acquisition after Christmas.”
“My comptroller and legal team—” Daniel stopped himself. “I’ll be in touch, Geoffrey.” They shook hands.
“Mr. Hayes.” Christopher wound between Daniel and his father. “Would you help me decorate a tree?”
Daniel looked at Riley. “My decorator and I would be happy to join you.” He shrugged off his winter coat, and her eyes rounded in surprise. He wore his navy suit, a pale yellow shirt, and paisley gold and light blue tie. She’d included the shirt and tie as alternatives to his staid white shirt and solid navy tie. He’d gone snazzy.
“That reminds me,” Geoffrey commented. “I’d like to meet the personal shopper you mentioned. Perhaps she’d have suggestions for me as spring approaches.”
Daniel brought them together. “Geoffrey, Riley Tyler.”
Riley extended her hand, her cheeks pink. She’d dressed down for the day, never expecting a formal introduction to a prospective client. “I’d be pleased to give you some tips,” she said.
“The tree.” Christopher nudged them back to the hallway.
One of the two evergreens had already been decorated. Coats came off, and they went to work on the second. Riley and Christopher bonded immediately. She offered suggestions and let the boy make the decisions.
Christopher pulled a face when she collected a tiered red and burgundy ruffled tree skirt. It was too frilly and feminine. He gave in, allowing her one concession.
“Lights, ornaments?” she asked him. “We have strands of white, multicolored, or tiny twinklers.”
The boy was quick to respond. “Multicolored.”
Riley pointed to a nearby box, and Daniel retrieved it. He and Geoffrey unwound the long strand. The men went high with the lights, and Riley and “Chris,” as she now called him, went low. His father didn’t object to the shortening of his son’s name. Chris seemed to like it. A lot.
She let the boy plug the lights in a nearby outlet. Green, red, white, and blue bulbs brightened the branches.
“Ornaments?” Riley next asked. “We have a little of everything. Peek inside the container against the wall and make your choice.”
Chris didn’t just look, he emptied the entire box. Close to a hundred ornaments. All shapes and sizes. Wood and metal. Glass and glitter. Antique and crystal. Vividly colored balls and decorations of every description. Sleds and snowmen. Angels and cherubs. Cars, trains, and planes. Winter animals.
The adults stood back as Chris made his selections. There was no organization as they hung the ornaments. The tree was decorated with a child’s eye. An eclectic blend of old and new.
“Icicles or tinsel?” Riley questioned finally.
Chris pursed his lips, took his time. “Both, please.”
Both it was. The icicles sparkled; the tinsel shimmered.
Riley climbed a short ladder and topped off the tree with a big, red velvet bow. All in all, it was one magnificent evergreen. By anyone’s standards.
Chris puffed out his chest, proud. “Take a picture, Father,” he requested. “Could we have the same tree at home?”
His father located his iPhone in his suit jacket pocket. He snapped a photo of son and tree.
“I’d be
happy to order a similar box of ornaments for you,” Riley offered.
“Great!” Chris went in low and hugged her about the hips.
Riley patted his shoulder.
“I’m hungry,” the boy next said. He’d worked up an appetite.
“Can you recommend a family restaurant nearby?” his dad asked.
Daniel blanked. He’d hadn’t a clue. He could recommend a five-star restaurant, but family-friendly suggestions eluded him.
Riley came to his rescue. “The Dinner Table. Burgers, fries, pizza. Five blocks east. It’s cold outside, so you won’t want to walk. Take a cab.”
“Better yet, take my Town Car,” Daniel offered. “I’ll call my driver. He’ll meet you at the main lobby door. Roger will wait while you eat, and drive you back to your hotel afterward.”
“Appreciated,” said Geoffrey. Father and son retrieved their outer coats, then took the elevator down to the lobby.
Daniel glanced down the hallway, which was now fully decorated. Christmas blossomed in wreaths, garlands, big silver bells. Snowflakes. Red and pink poinsettia plants lined the walls. Four straw reindeer guided the old-fashioned sleigh. They appeared ready to fly, to deliver Santa’s presents.
“Looks good,” he told Riley.
“I’m glad you approve.”
He did. The decorating was done. It was now time for them to talk. He nodded toward his office. “Got a minute?”
“You’re the boss.”
Roxanne was back at her desk. She glanced up as they passed. “Hold my calls,” Daniel requested. She nodded.
He held the door for Riley, and she preceded him inside. Her decorating had extended from the hallway to his suite. Strands of gold mercury pinecones adorned a desktop tree, along with blue, red, and burgundy glass balls. Off to the side, tall, striped candy canes filled a pair of ceramic Santa boots. In front of the bookshelves, a painted orange and gold blaze burned in a cardboard brick stand-up fireplace. His own personal stocking, embossed with his name, was hooked on the coatrack.
What caught his eye and held his interest as he took in the room was the plastic sprig of mistletoe tacked to the frame above his bedroom door. Had Riley anticipated that he would be dating over the holidays? The sprig would end an evening with a good-night kiss and possible lovemaking. But the only woman he wanted in his bed was her. He was about to tell her so.