Page 3

I shrug. This was all Rachel’s idea, and I’m starting to regret the fact that I approved it.

“Okay,” Joy says, looking back at me. “So what kind of decorations do you like?”

I start to shake my head, and she continues. “Do you like the traditional red and green? Modern décor? Or maybe you like blue lights and silver bells?”

I just stare at her blankly and shake my head. “What do you like?”

Her smile gets even bigger. “I’ve always liked the traditional red and green, but I can honestly say I enjoy it all and think they each have their own appeal.”

She’s lost me. I guess I just don’t get it, but I also guess I’ve never thought about it. “Well, let’s go with red and green then. You make the call.”

Her forehead creases, and it’s almost like I’ve disappointed her. “But…”

2

JOY

I lean my head back to look up at the man standing in front of me. He’s handsome in a way that makes my toes curl in my tennis shoes. He has his dress shirt sleeves rolled up with his forearms bare, and I feel overwhelmed just looking at him.

I was all excited about this job. I knew it would be a big one, and usually I enjoy when the company hiring me gives me free rein, but for some reason it bothers me when Nick does it. There’s something about him, and I don’t know why, but this feels important. “I want to please you.”

As soon as the words are out of my mouth, I wish I could take them back. I step back and look away, staring at the backs of all the chairs in the conference center. I can’t believe I just said that out loud. I hold my breath and try to compose myself. “Uh, I mean, I want to decorate it so you’re happy.”

Nick walks up next to me and stops. He turns to face me, and I have no choice but to look at him. He’s smirking at me now, and I shake my head. “I didn’t mean that like it sounded.”

He reaches for me and then stops suddenly and lets his hand drop to his side. “You’re pretty when you blush.”

I roll my eyes and put a hand to my heated cheek. “Yeah, well, I’ve been doing that a lot since I got here.”

His smile gets even bigger.

I shake my head as if I’m willing myself to get back to business. “So tell me, Nick Winters, why do you not like Christmas?”

The question takes him aback, and he steps away from me. Everything about him hardens. His mouth tightens, his back straightens, and I can see this is a sensitive subject. I shake my head. “Forget it. If you give me a budget, I can put together a plan and come back with a proposal.”

He pulls out his wallet, thumbs through it, and tries to hand me a credit card. “Whatever you think is what we’ll do.”

I look at the black American Express that he’s trying to give me. “I don’t need that. Not yet. The consultation is free, and you don’t pay until you sign the contract.”

He nods and then puts the card back in his wallet. I look toward the door and back at him. Being with him this close is a little too much for me. I’ve never felt this kind of attraction before, and I’m not sure what to do with it. “Well, do you want to schedule something next week? Or⁠—”

He cuts me off. “Next week?”

I’m surprised because a few minutes ago, I didn’t think he was even wanting me to decorate his office, and now it’s like next week will be too long. “Uh… okay, well, I can have your proposal as soon as you have an opening in your schedule.”

He takes a step toward me. “Tomorrow.”

I lean my head back to look at him. “Okay, tomorrow. Say about⁠—”

He cuts me off. “Are you available for lunch?”

Surprised, I stare at him. “You want to meet for lunch… to go over the proposal?”

He nods again. “Yeah. I have a pretty full day tomorrow, but I have lunch open. We can go out, or I can have something catered in.”

This is really starting to sound like a date, but that’s ridiculous. There’s no way I’m Nicholas Winters’ type. “I can bring something, and we can eat in your office.”

Immediately, I can tell he hates that idea by the frown. “No, that’s no good. I’ll pick you up.”