Page 72 of Midnight and Mistletoe

“Fox—”

“Give me the list of vendors who need to be told about the relocation. I can be a very charming assistant.”

Foster Crue is standing in my office with a coffee I didn’t ask for, a pastry I definitely needed, and an offer of the exact thing I refuse to ask anyone for.

My heart isn’t strong enough for this.

“Okay, you can help.”

He checks the door to make sure we’re out of Emmett’s line of sight and then kisses me quickly with both hands on my face. He pulls back before I can fully process it, then goes outside and sits on the free chair in front of my desk.

“Lay it on me.”

I give him my tablet and open it to the document with the vendor list. Then I print out the script Emmett and I drafted this morning and slide it across to him. He reads it and asks a couple of questions before declaring himself part of team Someone Has to Do It.

Emmett legit snorts, having overcome his earlier celebrity-induced paralysis.

Fox’s voice on the phone is warm, efficient, confident, and polite. He introduces himself as Foster, calling from the Winterberry Chamber of Commerce on behalf of Griffin Hall, and explains the relocation, answers questions, and offers reassurance.

It’s strange to watch him work. I’m not entirely surprised that he’s taken to the job like a duck to water. After all, I’ve already experienced his competence as a musician, in the kitchen, and even in the bedroom. The thought alone makes the back of my neck heat.

A window pops up on my laptop. It’s a message from Emmett. I look up, and he’s trying to convey something with his eyes and failing miserably.

Fox is on the phone with a different vendor now. I look at my screen.

Emmett:

Boss

are you HEARING this

his voice

i am MELTING

I glance up and give him my best “get back to work” glare.