Page 37 of Cooped Up for Christmas

“Did you really start here? In our jobs?” Olivia asked.

“I did. And now I am the Vice President of Hospitality.”

“I heard you were here incognito,” Olivia whispered.

“I’m really here because Darcy flaked.” They all snorted. “But it’s been a really good reminder of what the company is all about. In fact, I’m going to recommend a required internship on a company property for all management candidates so they understand what actually happens in the field.” In fact, I’d kind of been toying with an idea for revamping our training package for boots on the ground. Leaving it to people like Darcy to convey the company élan wasn’t quite working.

Wren nodded and wagged a finger at me. “I thought you looked familiar.”

“I beg your pardon?”

She grinned. “Your picture is on the company website.”

Shut your mouth. I gaped at her. “You’ve been on the company website?”

“I, ah, thought it was a good idea to find out more about the company.”

“Yes,” I said through a small laugh. “It’s a very good idea. Well done.” It was not lost on me that she glowed with the praise. “I don’t know if it’s on there, but the company has an executive training program, if you’re interested.”

“Yes. Yes, please.”

“Me too,” Olivia said.

“Great. I’ll get you both connected.” I turned to the lone male. “So how about it, Jed? What do you want for your future?”

His expression remained blank.

“Do you have a plan?”

He shrugged. “I haven’t thought about it much.”

I nodded. “Yeah. I didn’t think about it much either when I was your age. But now, looking back, I kind of wish I had. You know, planned better.” When they asked what I wish I’d done differently, I told them. Well, some of it. I told them I wished I’d paid myself first—the way my mom always said—making sure a certain amount of my income went into an untouchable investment for my decrepit and looming future. I told them I wished I’d stopped, once in a while, to have a little more fun. I wished I’d spent more time with friends and heartily wished I’d taken more chances.

What I didn’t tell them was my biggest regret of all.

How ironic that he appeared at the door, at just that moment, looking tall and dark and oh-so-sexy. I didn’t care for beards on men, but I liked that sexy scruff on his cheeks. When our gazes collided, a hot blade sliced through me.

I ached for him.

Damn it. Why did he have to leave for the day?

Why hadn’t we done it just one more time in the shower?

“Are they all ready?” he asked, clapping his hands and stamping his feet. His words came out in a cloud.

I shook my head. “Not yet.”

“I’ll run up and let them know you’re ready,” Wren said, bounding up the stairs.

“Me too,” said Olivia, bounding up after her.

Jed looked at me. “Should I go too?”

“No.” I patted his shoulder. “You’re good.”

“So…” Coop headed across the foyer, slowly stripping off his gloves. Tease. I couldn’t help grinning at him. “Here we are again.”

“Here we are.”