Billionaire Under the Mistletoe

by Hannah Jo Abbott

  “Uh, huh,” Abi said slowly. Her heart raced as she tried to convince herself he wasn’t going to say what she thought he was going to say. “And you want me to help by…?” she let the sentence hang.

  “Well as my assistant it’s your duty to help with whatever tasks I need help with.”

  “Yes, that’s right,” Abi steeled herself against being asking to go as his assistant.

  “But as my friend, and someone I enjoy being around, I would really like for you to attend the event with me tonight. Would you?”

  Abi took note of the tactful way he asked her to “attend the event”, not to “be his date,” but that was something she could live with. She tapped her chin with her finger and pretended to consider this offer. “Hmmm. Well…”

  “Well?” Stewart asked impatiently, his expression eager.

  “Sure, I’ll go.”

  “Perfect!”

  “But I don’t know anything about these kinds of fancy events. I’m sure I don’t have anything to wear.”

  “And that is exactly why you need to cancel your plans for today. I have already spoken to my driver and he’s prepared to take you to whatever shops you would like. Here take this,” he handed her an envelope. “This should cover whatever you need. But if it doesn’t let me know.”

  Abi’s mouth fell open and she stared at him in shock. “Are you serious?”

  “Yes, I absolutely am,” Stewart said. He looked her in the eyes and furrowed his eyebrows. He seemed to be trying to gauge how she felt about this. “Is that alright?”

  Abi laughed, “Is it alright if you send me off on a shopping spree to get ready for a fancy charity ball. Yes, I think so.”

  “Good,” he said, seeming relieved. “And you know, I’m nothing if not a researcher. So to be helpful, I managed to find some photos of the event from last year so you can take a look at the dresses to see what might be appropriate. I figured that was safer than me trying to describe clothing options to you.”

  Abi laughed again, “Yes, indeed.”

  “And I don’t want you back here today. I’ll be by to pick you up at six.”

  “What?” Abi practically shouted, “How will you make it the entire day without an assistant?”

  “I’ll manage somehow,” Stewart sighed dramatically.

  Abi eyed him for a moment, “You’re sure?”

  “Yes, definitely.“

  “Alright then. I’ll do it.”

  “Good. Patrick is waiting for you outside. And have him take you somewhere for lunch too.”

  Abi stood, suddenly feeling reluctant to leave, knowing she wouldn’t see him the whole day. “I guess I’ll go then.”

  “Have a nice time,” Stewart said. He stood with her and reached up to brush a strand of her hair behind her ear. He let his hand drop to her shoulder. “I’ll be looking forward to seeing you tonight.”

  Abi swallowed before she was able to speak. “Stewart?” She said. “Just one question. Did you ever take Joyce to a fancy dinner event?”

  “Absolutely not.”

  ***

  Abi stood before the mirror in her apartment, checking to see if her makeup needed any touchups. The entire day had been a whirlwind. She had been to three shops trying on dress after dress. She asked herself a million questions for each one: Is this right for the event? Will I be comfortable? Should I spend this much? But the most important question in her mind every time was the same: Will Stewart like it?

  She had studied the pictures from the previous event, trying so hard to make sure she would fit in and wouldn’t be an embarrassment to him. This was obviously quite a social event. The newspaper article had shown other prominent businessmen, as well as city leaders, even the mayor had been in attendance. And from what Abi could see, all the women wore full-length gowns, and had their hair and makeup professionally styled. She had skipped that since she was more comfortable doing her own hair, but she had stopped in to have a manicure and pedicure. Her shopping purchases had not only included a dress, but shoes, jewelry and a purse. She hadn’t wanted to be too extravagant, but she kept reminding herself that she needed to look the part for Stewart, and that she hadn’t come close to spending all of the money in the envelope.

  Now she looked herself over. The red dress had won over all the others. She kept telling herself it was because the style was the most flattering, but she knew it was because Stewart had chosen red for the Christmas tree decorations. The sleeveless dress had a halter neckline, and the hem fell to the floor just covering the silver, peep-toe heels she wore. She had curled her hair and pulled the front up and let her curls cascade over her shoulders and down her back. She looked at the clock and nervously twisted one of her curls. Stewart would be there any minute.

  Abi grabbed her phone to text Kim. She had sent her dozens of texts throughout the day with dress and shoe options, and “What do you think of these earrings.” Now she sent one last message: Leaving soon. Wish me luck.

  Kim immediately responded: You don’t need luck in that dress.

  Abi blushed, but didn’t have time to text back since she got another text, this one from Stewart. Pulling up now, want me to come to your apartment?

  “Definitely not,” she said out loud. She typed: No need, I’ll head down to meet you. She took a deep breath and tried to encourage herself. “Here we go.”

  ***

  Stewart stepped outside the limo and stood waiting. He tucked his hands in his pockets and leaned against the vehicle. He knew she would be surprised by the car, and he almost felt like it was a little cheesy, but he had decided to pull out all the stops tonight. He heard a sound coming from the steps of the apartment building and he looked up to see her. His heart nearly stopped inside his chest. The red dress, the blonde curls. He wanted to speak but his voice wouldn’t work.

  “Hey,” Abi called out as she came closer. “Does this look alright.”

  Stewart nodded slowly, never taking his eyes off of her. “It’s perfect,” he said. And he knew he was a goner.

  “Oh good,” Abi let out a breath and then slipped on the coat she carried over her arm. “I just wanted to make sure I would fit in.”

  Stewart’s smile spread across his entire face. “Well I’m afraid you missed that mark. Because in that dress, I’m absolutely certain you will be the standout of the night.”

  Abi blushed and stepped back as he opened the door for her. She seemed to notice the limo for the first time. “Oh wow! Arriving in style!”

  “Of course, nothing but the best.”

  “The best, indeed.”

  On the ride Abi’s nerves seemed to dissipated as they talked. Stewart tried to act as if this event were just a regular, every day party. But he knew that for her it was anything but.

  When the limo pulled up the building, the driver got out and came around to open the door.

  “You ready?” Stewart asked, offering her his hand.

  Abi seemed to hesitate. He didn’t know if she was nervous about entering the party which was outside of her comfort zone, or about taking his hand. Either way, she smiled, and said, “Ready as I’ll ever be,” and placed her hand in his.

  They stepped from the limo and Stewart tucked her hand around his arm and confidently strode towards the door with her by his side. Just before they walked in he leaned his mouth close to her ear and whispered, “Just remember one thing tonight. I think you’re the most beautiful woman in the room.”

  As they stepped through the door, Stewart knew they also stepped over a line. The one where they went from being boss and assistant, and hopefully friends, to something very different.

  He led Abi to the coat check where they dropped off their coats and he got a chance to admire her dress again. They began moving around the room and Stewart got them both a drink. Several men approached and shook hands with him and made small talk about business. Abi looked around the room at the red and green decorations. Garlands hung on the banisters of the wide stair case that was open to the secon
d floor. Twinkling lights hung from the ceilings and draped the top of the walls, and the center of the room held a tall Christmas tree, it must have been thirty-feet tall. It was covered in twinkling lights and ornaments. There was a spacious dance floor and soft instrumental Christmas music was playing. The round tables were clad with white tablecloths and the centerpieces were tall candles surrounded by wreaths made of greenery and mistletoe. That seemed appropriate for the Mistletoe Ball.

  Stewart led Abi around the room, making appropriate greetings to certain attendees. The room was so full of people navigating wasn’t easy, but Stewart was glad for a good turnout for the charity. He led them around the room and found his way to their table. The table card proudly displayed “OneSource Technologies: Diamond Sponsor.” He turned to Abi, “Do you want to sit first? Or get food?”

  Abi shrugged, “Whatever you want.”

  He knew she was being polite. “Let’s get some food and then we can sit and talk.”

  “You mean in-between visits from your fans?” Abi gave him a teasing smile.

  Stewart rolled his eyes. “Yes, well that is kind of part of the job.”

  Abi put her hand on his arm. “It’s alright. I understand.”

  Stewart put his hand over hers and then took it in his as they walked toward the food table. When they returned with plates of delicious looking food, a photographer making the rounds was nearby and asked them for a photo. They set down their plates and Stewart tucked Abi in by his side before smiling for the picture.

  They made small talk as they ate. Abi made comments about the decorations and said they gave her some ideas for the office.

  Stewart chuckled, “I was afraid of that.”

  “You spend so much time in your office, it should be more decorated than your house.”

  “How do you know how my house is decorated?”

  “Well…I guess I don’t,” Abi said.

  “Would you like to see it?”

  “Is it decorated more than the office?”

  Stewart shifted his eyes, not wanting to admit the truth. “Well, yes it is.”

  “Then yes, I would like to see it.”

  “Alright we’ll make that happen.”

  When they were finished eating, Stewart noticed that the dance floor was filling up. “Would you like to dance?” he asked.

  “Sure,” Abi stood and followed him. Stewart took Abi in his arms and they began to sway back and forth to the instrumental version of “Hark the Herald Angels Sing”. They heard the sound of a bell ringing and Abi looked around to see what was going on. “What’s that about?” She asked quietly.

  “It’s a tradition of the Mistletoe Ball. They walk around and stop at a couple and ring the bell over their heads. It’s just for fun, but when they ring the bell, it’s an opportunity to make a donation to the hospital.” Stewart left out a not-so-minor detail of the tradition.

  It wasn’t long before the bell ringers made their way to the dance floor. As a couple had the bell rung over their head, they would often place money into the large basket carried by the bell ringer. Then the bell ringer would hand the man a piece of mistletoe which he would hold over the woman’s head and then they would kiss.

  Stewart watched as Abi noticed this for the first time and she smiled. “Aww,” she said. Then her eyes flew open wide as she realized what was happening. Before she could say anything else. The bell ringers approached them. Abi froze as the bell sounded over their heads. Stewart reached into his pocket and took out an envelope containing a sum of cash and placed it in the basket. When they handed him a bunch of mistletoe, he turned to Abi and saw how her face was strained. He didn’t want her to stress. He put his hands on her shoulders and quickly kissed her forehead. He could feel her relax. And he smiled at her.

  “Boo,” came a soft call from an older couple nearby. “That’s a waste of mistletoe,” the woman chided them.

  “Yes, boo,” another couple joined in.

  Stewart looked around and then down at Abi who was pink all over, but laughing. “I’m afraid we might have to give them what they want,” he said.

  Abi smiled softly at him. “I guess so.” She looked in him his eyes and nodded.

  Stewart relished the moment. He pulled her closer into his arms and leaned down and pressed his lips to hers. He felt warmth spread from his lips to his toes. He leaned back and those around them cheered. He smiled at Abi and placed his nose on hers for a brief moment. He saw that her eyes were bright and she seemed a little breathless. As the bell ringers moved on to other couples, he pulled her close to him again and she put her head on his shoulder. Stewart’s heart pounded and he just knew Abi could feel it. With her hand in his and the feel of her against him, he decided this was the best Christmas event he had ever attended.

  CHAPTER ELEVEN

  Abi felt like she was floating. Absolutely floating. She let Stewart hold her close on the dance floor, and she enjoyed every minute of it. When they tired out on the dance floor, they went back to their table and enjoyed a cup of apple cider together. As she sipped her cider, Abi couldn’t stop thinking about Stewart’s lips on hers. It was brief, and he didn’t pressure her. But she could still feel her lips tingling. She told herself to stop, but she kept wondering what it would be like to kiss him for real. And without an audience. While Stewart went to make more rounds, shaking hands and greeting people, Abi went to freshen her lipstick in the ladies room. She walked towards the hall but before she disappeared, she turned back trying to catch a glimpse of Stewart. She expected to see him in his element, chatting. She did see him talking to a couple of men, but she caught him with his face and eyes turned watching her. When he saw her look his way, he winked at her before turning his attention back to the men.

  Abi felt herself blushing all the way down the hallway. She stepped inside the ladies room and let out a big exhale. She pressed her palm to her chest, feeling her heart beat. What is happening? she wondered to herself. The night had felt magical and she didn’t think she would come down from this high for a long time. When she caught her breath, she hurried to the mirror and checked her hair before reapplying lipstick. She saw herself in the mirror and while she knew the dress, hair, and makeup were working for her, she noticed something else. Her eyes. They looked different. She got closer to the mirror and stared at her own eyes. What is that? she thought. Then it hit her. She looked happy. More than happy. Blissfully happy. It made her giggle, and she let herself enjoy that for a moment before she composed herself. She wanted to rush back out and see Stewart.

  She exited the bathroom and glanced down at the floor as she hurried down the hall. Just before she rounded the corner she looked up and nearly ran into the man she was looking for. “Oh! Hey,” she said, her hands landing on his chest to stop herself.

  “Hey,” Stewart’s voice was low.

  “I thought you were still out there.”

  “I didn’t want to wait any longer to see you again.”

  Abi blushed again. “I was only gone for a few minutes.”

  “I know.” Stewart moved closer and put his hands on her waist.

  Abi stepped backward in the quiet hallway. Is this really happening? She wondered as she slipped her arms around his neck and whispered, “What did you not what to wait any longer for?” She backed up against the wall when she could go no further.

  “This,” Stewart got the word out just before their lips met. The mistletoe kiss had nothing on this one. He leaned in and kissed her gently. She reached her hands up to the back of his head and ran her fingers through his hair. His hands came up to cradle her face. Each kiss lasted a little longer than the one before.

  When Stewart leaned back, they were both breathless. Abi’s face was pink from blushing and excitement. Stewart kissed her one last time on her nose, before he leaned close to say. “Are you ready to leave?”

  “Are you? Do you need to stay longer?”

  “Nah. I’ve made the rounds, been seen, and I think the photographer has take
n at least thirty pictures. So we’re good.”

  “Alright,” Abi didn’t want to admit that she was feeling disappointed and didn’t want the evening to end.

  Stewart seemed to read her mind, “I don’t have to take you home yet. I thought maybe we could get some warm drinks and drive around to look at Christmas lights.”

  Abi’s face lit up. “You did?”

  Stewart flashed her that adorable grin of his. “I did.”

  “Well then, let’s go.”

  “Let’s go,” Stewart repeated, slipping her hand into his and leading her through the ballroom.

  Back in the limo Stewart picked up the mugs of hot cocoa that he had sent Patrick for.

  Abi was shocked. “You planned this?” Her mouth fell open in surprise.

  “Oh I hoped for it,” Stewart said.

  Abi still couldn’t believe this. She wanted to pinch herself to see if this was real, but she knew it had to be since she couldn’t have even imagined anything like this.

  Stewart had already given instructions to Patrick, and he drove them outside of the city into some quiet neighborhoods and they drove around for over an hour looking at Christmas lights. Abi and Stewart snuggled close looking out the windows and pointing to their favorite decorations. They stopped for a while at a house where the family had set up an elaborate display set to music. As the final song played, Abi clapped and cheered. Stewart pulled her close and gave her a quick kiss.

  “Now where to?” Abi asked.

  “It’s getting pretty late, and I know you have to work tomorrow,” he said with a wink.

  “Oh you’re right, I do. And you should know, my boss is pretty demanding.”

  “I’ve heard that about him.”

  “Well you heard right.” Abi giggled.

  Stewart poked her ribs while she giggled more until they were both laughing and she fell into his arms where he kissed her again.

  When they came up for air, Abi was the first to speak. “I guess I really should be getting home.”