ALLISON

Oh, God.

My pulse races the closer we get to one another. How does a guy manage to make walking even look so sexy? The confidence in each step toward me leaves me mesmerized.

The Santa hat he is wearing adds a fantasy in my mind I never knew I was into. I wish he was sliding down my chimney. I would love to be on his naughty list.

Am I staring at him? Shit!

Seeking a distraction, I glance nervously at my phone when it buzzes, attempting to alleviate the tension in my body by redirecting my focus briefly away from him.

Drake's text catches my eye: "Call me ASAP. They've slashed the operation managers' bonuses as well."

My heart sinks. I close my eyes briefly. "Fantastic," I mutter under my breath.

"Hey, Nick. What's up?" I try to keep my voice steady, hoping he doesn't notice the slight break. I discreetly clear my throat. This guy has a knack for making me as jittery as a schoolgirl.

"Do you have a minute, or is now a bad time?" he asks, motioning toward my phone.

"Right now is fine. I can deal with that later." I pocket my phone " So, what's up? Is everything okay?" I inquire, curious about what this might be about.

I hold my breath. Seeing someone as charming and alluring as him makes me weak in the knees, but I know I have to keep things professional.

After all, we are colleagues, an obstacle that is hard enough to overcome.

"Maybe away from everyone. Can we go to your office?" he suggests.

I feel my face heat up as a wave of fear and excitement washes over me.

I hadn't expected to be alone with Nick today, but here we are.

He makes me nervous, but the thrill that accompanies being in his presence is undeniable. Even though I know it is wrong, I can't help how I feel.

But the thought of telling Nick no seems rude. Fuck.

"Sure," I respond, immediately second-guessing my decision. Why did you just agree to that Allie? I yell at myself silently in my head.

He places one palm on the lower region of my back and motions for me to walk ahead with the other. Even through my clothes, I am overwhelmed by the warmth of his touch.

Goosebumps appear on my skin as a shiver runs up my spine.

But before I can even process what's happening, he abruptly removes his hand like he realizes he shouldn't be touching me.

Feeling his fingertips slip away, a wave of relief washes over me, but there is an air of sadness too once the contact has been severed.

It's a strange combination of emotions to grapple with. However, as undeniable as the attraction may be, it's something I can't entertain, for several crucial reasons.

I mentally scold myself. What in the name of all that is holy are you doing?

I know what people will think if they see this. See us in my office alone. I manage to regain my senses before it becomes an irreversible mistake.

"Actually, can we chat here?" I awkwardly halt, adding, "I need to oversee everything if that's all right?" It's an excuse, a way to ensure we remain in the open.

Between the way he is looking at me and the way I am having a hard time controlling myself around him, I need to tread carefully, especially after what happened last year, and particularly because Nick stirs emotions in me that I shouldn't be feeling as his boss.

"Oh... sure. No problem," he responds, his expression showing a hint of confusion at my sudden shift in plans, but as always, Nick remains kind and understanding.

He turns and moves closer to me. His musky scent fills my nostrils, making my desire burn like the fire of a thousand suns.

I look at his face and enjoy the sight of his stubble - so rugged yet incredibly appealing.

My mind conjures up an image of him between my legs with the roughness of his facial hair against my sensitive skin as he tantalizes me with his tongue.

I then find myself studying his lush lips that I wish were all mine to have, to nibble on, to tease.

Jesus Christ, Allison. Stop it. Gain control, woman! I mentally scold myself. If I could give myself a good slap right now without making things awkward, I definitely would.

I shake off all my thoughts. I am a professional for God's sake.

"So, what did you need to discuss?" I glance at him, silently hoping it's solely work-related.

"Rumor has it bonuses are getting slashed and required shifts are increasing. Breaks are practically halved," Nick informs me.

I breathe a sigh of relief that the conversation pertains to work, but then a wave of concern crashes over me. Wait, what?

Did he just mention bonuses being slashed and hours being increased? How do they know about this already?

I knew about some changes, but they didn't disclose to this extent. I hadn't realized breaks were also on the chopping block.

The weight of the responsibility for my team presses on my shoulders. How the hell does the company think this is okay? No way we are going to be able to maintain our numbers now.

Do they not realize what this will do to morale? How this is going to affect these families? It's Christmas time for fucks sake.

I scan the warehouse, observing the diverse group of dedicated workers. There are seasoned individuals on the brink of retirement alongside fresh-faced youngsters embarking on their careers. Some employees are here just for the season to earn some extra cash for Christmas.

Among them are contentedly married individuals striving to support their families and single parents like me—well, an aunt in my case—simply trying to secure a better life for a child deserving of more.

The warehouse air hung heavy with the scent of cardboard mingled with the subtle hum of machinery. Towering stacks of boxes everywhere created a complex structure, symbolizing the frenzy of the approaching holiday rush.

Garland and random decorations hang in places around the warehouse trying to inject some holiday cheer, but with the impending news about to hit, cheer was most definitely not going to be happening.

"Allison?" Nick's voice pulls me back.

"Some of the staff came to me, thinking you might be more willing to open up to me if I asked" Nick admits, a touch of awkwardness in his tone.

He gives me that high-wattage smile of his trying to lighten the moment.

"They seem to believe you prefer me over them," he chuckles, attempting to pass it off as a joke, but I can see through their intentions. I can read the look in his eyes, and it's clear he's aware of it too, unbothered by the assumption.

I can't help but laugh sarcastically and shake my head. Of course, they think that.

"Well, Nick, it's not about liking or disliking. I believe in acknowledging hard work and giving respect where it's due. You're a dedicated worker and always step up when needed. That's genuinely appreciated," I reply, hoping to shift the conversation's focus elsewhere.

I can feel the eyes of the staff on me, as they watch the both of us talking privately near the bulletin board where several flyers hang advertising several Christmas shindigs and toy drives.

As I look around the warehouse I know I am getting judged right now. Are they observing my reaction to the news to see if there is truth to it or are they taking note of the proximity between Nick and me?

It causes memories of a former employee to flash through my mind like lightning bolts.

There was a time when I had tried to extend a helping hand to a new hire, guiding him through the ropes of our workplace.

However, his interpretation of my friendly support quickly spiraled into an awkward misunderstanding.

What initially started as mentorship and a genuine acknowledgment of his dedication swiftly veered off course.

Every gesture, every word of encouragement, became misconstrued as a romantic advance by not just him, but it seemed like the whole office picked up on his misguided signals. Mainly because he started telling people things that were not true about us.

I shudder at the thought.

The situation grew increasingly uncomfortable as the days passed. Rumors and assumptions that I favored him, or worse, were sleeping with him, offering preferential treatment that nearly put my job at risk.

It was far from reality, yet the experience left me severely guarded. I vowed never to let that happen again, to avoid risking everything.

The only difference this time is I am attracted to Nick.

Even so, though, I would never act on it. I value my work and this job is crucial to ensure Lucy gets the life she deserves the life my sister would have wanted for her.

There's no margin for error, especially not at work when everything hangs on me having this job.

I worked hard to earn the trust and respect of my coworkers. I thought we were past all of that, but I guess not. Why else would they ask him to talk to me?

Have I been too obvious in my attraction to Nick, even though I have been doing everything to keep it under wraps?

My heart quickened as the thought of my past haunted me. It might be all in my head but I can't take a chance. With our proximity a little too close, I take a small step away from Nick.

I wonder if he noticed.

"So, is it true?" Nick's hushed voice snapped me out of my thoughts.

"There has been word of it, yes." I reply, trying to navigate the news delicately."I know this hits hard, especially with the Holidays around the corner. Trust me, I'm feeling the impact too."

Mentally I noted the need to find out who leaked this information before I could address it properly with the team.

"You've got quite the rapport with everyone here," I continue, acknowledging his influence. "Can I ask you for a favor?"

"Sure, I'm all ears," Nick replies, his captivating brown eyes holding my gaze.

My heart skips a beat at his stare, wishing our relationship wasn't bound by our workplace. It was frustratingly easy to imagine us outside of this setting, fitting together effortlessly.

"I admire you, I mean, your work," I stumble, hearing how that sounded.

"I mean, everyone likes you." That was an awkward recovery. "They obviously trust and respect you if they've sent you to talk to me. But, could you help me by buying a bit more time before we confirm this with everyone? Put them at ease and keep everyone focused on our main goal right now?"

"Of course," he says. Confusion on his face.

Nick's lips part as if he wants to say something more. Tension simmering beneath his calm exterior.

"What?" I prod.

He pauses briefly before continuing hesitantly in a low tone. "I can see how overwhelmed you are by everything. It's not healthy to bottle it all up. You should find an outlet to relieve the tension."

He chuckles, but his eyes suggest there is something more he wants to say. "It's Christmas time after all. You should be in the holiday spirit. Can I do anything to help?"

"You are already doing it, Nick. You are a great asset to have around. Just do what you do best, and keep everyone from losing their shit while I figure this all out."

"I can try my best" he gives me a little smirk.

"Thanks," I mutter, anticipating the end of our conversation.

However, a mischievous grin plays across his face, as though he's just entertained a deliciously naughty idea.

It's a look I ache to capture and carry home with me, something to fuel my fantasies about cabana Nick once more.

"I do mean it. Let me know if you need anything" he says. "You know where to find me," His voice carries a trace of intimacy, a suggestion that went beyond professional boundaries just now.

His words linger in the air, leaving me momentarily stunned. I meet his gaze wondering if I'd imagined it. I am almost thrown off balance.

Before I can reply, my phone breaks the moment with its insistent buzzing. I silently pray it is not Drake, bearing more bad news.

"I apologize; I really need to take this call," I utter, grateful for the distraction. I swiftly retrieve my phone from my pocket.

My gaze flickers down to the glowing screen, revealing the caller ID flashing Lucy's school. My stomach clenches, and a rush of worry floods through me.

A call from Lucy's school could only mean trouble.