I touch the diamond on my necklace. The snowflake catches the light, reminds me of promises made in firelight. Of hands in my hair and voices sayingyou're mineandI've got you.
My phone buzzes.
Justin: You're in the parking lot.
Me: How do you know that?
Justin: Security cameras. And you're late. Are you okay?
Me: Stalker. I’m fine. Hectic morning. Thanks for the new tires.
Justin: Concerned boss. You’re welcome. Did you eat breakfast?
Me: Not yet. I will grab a bite soon.
Justin: Why didn’t you eat?
Me: I was running late.
Justin: Get inside before you are even more late.
Me: So bossy.
Justin: You like it. Now move.
I take one more deep breath, square my shoulders, and head toward the administrative building.
This is fine. Everything is fine. We're professionals. We can do this.
The conference room is already full when I slip in. I grab a seat near the back, trying not to look at the head of the table where Justin sits, perfectly pressed suit, reading glasses perched on his nose as he reviews notes.Damn, he’s sexy.I feel like a naughty school girl with a crush on her principal. The thought makes me grin.
He doesn't look up. Doesn't acknowledge me. Just continues his conversation with Mrs. Jensen about winter maintenance schedules.
His lack of attention shouldn't sting. This is what we agreed on. Professional at work.
But it still feels wrong, sitting here pretending we're strangers when last night I was in his arms learning what it feels like to be completely seen by him… and his tongue.
"All right, let's get started," Justin says, and the room settles. His voice is crisp, authoritative, the same voice that ordered me to spread my legs, the same voice that called me hisgood girl.
I shift in my seat, cheeks heating.
Focus, Holly.
He runs through the schedule for the day, talking about storm damage assessment, upcoming holiday events, staffing changes. I take notes, contribute when appropriate, and absolutely do not stare at his hands and remember what they feel like on my skin. I definitely don’t notice how big they are and wonder what it would be like to be spanked by them. When he takes a drink of coffee and his tongue flicks out to lick a drop off the top of his lip, I definitely do not think about how delicious his lips feel pressed against mine.
"One more thing," Justin says as the meeting winds down. "HR will be scheduling individual check-ins with all staff over the next week. Standard protocol after the storm closure. If you were affected in any way—property damage, missed shifts, anything—make sure you attend. We take care of our own hereand I want to make sure everyone is comped for missing time, especially during the holidays.”
His eyes don't land on me. Not even for a second.
"That's all. Back to work."
Everyone files out. I gather my things slowly, waiting until the room is mostly empty before standing.
"Miss White."
I freeze. Turn around.
Justin's still at the head of the table, papers in front of him, expression perfectly neutral. "A moment, please."
