Total pages in book: 22
Estimated words: 21057 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 105(@200wpm)___ 84(@250wpm)___ 70(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 21057 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 105(@200wpm)___ 84(@250wpm)___ 70(@300wpm)
“Really?” I ask, shaking the fantasy out of my head. “Well, here I am.”
“Yes,” he says with that deep rich voice that’s like melted chocolate. “You’re finally here.”
The air fills with something electric as our bodies drift toward one another like they can’t seem to stay apart. Something is happening here… I’m not sure what, but I know it’s something special.
“Mr. King,” Andrea says, butting her big stupid head in and ruining the moment. “Is everything to your liking?”
“Everything is wonderful,” he says as he turns to her with a forced smile. “The place looks beautiful.”
His eyes dart back to me as he says that last word.
“Everyone has two free drinks,” she says, “but I let all of the bartenders know that it’s open bar for you.”
“Two free drinks?” he says with his forehead creasing. “No. Make it open bar for everyone.”
“Sir, I don’t think that’s wise for a work function. It would increase the alcohol intake, which could—“
“Open bar, Andrea. Non-negotiable.”
She huffs out a breath as her back stiffens. “Fine. I’ll let everyone know.”
Our eyes are back on each other as she marches away with her hands squeezed into fists. I crack a smile and then he does too.
“I don’t think she likes me very much,” I whisper.
He laughs. “I don’t think she likes anyone.”
My head is swimming and my heart is pounding. I just made Marshall King laugh. I can’t stop smiling.
“So, Miss Campbell,” he says. “Are you here alone?”
He suddenly looks so serious as he waits for my answer.
Is that… jealousy in his eyes?
It can’t be, but… it kind of looks like he’s giving off a jealous vibe.
“I am,” I say with a nod and a flirty smile. “I’m single this Christmas.”
He relaxes and it confirms my suspicions. Yup, he was jealous. No. Freaking. Way.
“Maybe we’ll have to do something about that,” he says with a sly grin.
Hopefully, he’s talking about filling that role himself and he’s not planning on setting me up with Gary or something. I’m not that desperate. Yet.
“That would be nice,” I say with a flirty smile. “It would mean more presents under the tree and I’d love to have a big package to unwrap.”
Oh no. That sounded way dirtier coming out of my mouth than it did in my head.
He swallows hard as he watches me with those intense brown eyes. They’re even more mesmerizing up close in person. “You like… big packages?”
I gulp, realizing that we’re no longer talking about Christmas presents. “I’ve never had one before, but… I think I’d like it. If it was from the right man of course.”
He holds my eyes with his and I shiver. This man has some kind of hold on me. I’ve never reacted to a man like this before. It’s exciting and scary. I don’t really know what to do.
But Mr. King does.
He leans in close and whispers in my ear. “I hope you get everything you’re longing for. Hopefully, you won’t have to wait until Christmas. Tonight is as good a night as any to unwrap a big, thick, package.”
I gulp as I feel his hand brushing against my hip.
“You are stunning, Miss Campbell,” he whispers in a throaty growl. “If I knew what was hiding behind that black square, I would have made you come into the office and work at my desk. I’ve been missing out.”
“I’m here now,” I say, feeling my voice getting a huskiness to it that I’ve never felt before. “Ready to follow the boss’ orders.”
He looks me up and down and makes a little grumbling sound. “Don’t tempt me. I’m the kind of man who takes what he wants.”
“And what do you want… Mr. King?”
He’s about to tell me when Craig from Marketing taps him on the shoulder with his fiancée by his side.
Nooooooooo! Come on, Craig!
“Mr. King,” Craig says with a nervous smile. “I’d like to introduce you to my fiancée.”
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, sir,” she says as she thrusts out her hand.
Marshall takes a huff of breath as he turns to them.
It hits me what just happened, what almost happened, and I quickly hurry away with my cheeks burning.
But as soon as I’m on the other side of the hall, pretending to check out the Christmas tree ornaments—but really looking at Mr. King through the reflection in the big glass bulb—I’m wishing I didn’t run away. I’m wishing I was a little bit bolder. A bit more direct.
And then maybe I could have gotten that big package I’ve been craving for so long.
CHAPTER FIVE
Marshall
* * *
My head of business development is yapping my ear off, but all I can think about is that stunning red dress, that shy smile, those innocent hazel eyes. The image of her is killing me.
Ever since she left, one word has been repeating in my head over and over again—mine.