The last few stragglers leave. The door clicks shut.
We're alone.
"Lock it," he says quietly.
I do, heart hammering.
When I turn back, he's standing, moving around the table toward me. His expression hasn't changed at all. He’s still professional, still controlled, but there's heat in his eyes.
"Hi," I whisper.
"Hi." He stops in front of me, close enough that I can smell his cologne. "You did well. Staying professional."
"It was hard."
"I know." His hand comes up, cups my face, thumb brushing my cheek. "But necessary."
"I know."
He leans down and kisses me. It’s quick and sweet and not nearly enough. When he pulls back, I'm breathless.
"Your HR meeting is Thursday at two," he says. "I've already scheduled mine for one-thirty. We'll disclose the relationship, make it official."
"What if they say we can't?—"
"Then I'll deal with it." His voice is firm. "But they won't. We're being transparent, following protocol. There's no policy against consensual relationships between staff members."
"Even boss and employee?"
"Even boss and employee. As long as it's disclosed and managed appropriately." He steps back, creating professional distance again. "Which it will be."
"Okay."
"How are you feeling? Really?"
The question catches me off guard. We're in a conference room, technically still at work, but his concern is genuine.
"Overwhelmed," I admit. "But good. I talked to the girls this morning as I got ready for work.”
His mouth curves slightly. "How did that go?"
"Madison asked approximately thirty inappropriate questions. Chloe analyzed our dynamic. Lily demanded to meet you. The usual."
"And what did you tell them?"
"That you're... real. That this is real."
Something softens in his expression. "It is."
"I know." I touch the necklace. "I just keep waiting for the other shoe to drop."
"It won't."
"You can't promise that."
"I can promise that I'm not going anywhere. That's enough." He glances at his watch. "You should go. You're working the Santa House today."
"How do you know my schedule?"
