Corporate Christmas

by Bernadette Marie

  Well, he didn't have to stay. She'd been putting in long hours for years before he got there. No need to babysit her, he thought, and he gathered his coat and started out just as her office door opened and she screamed as she saw him in the hallway.

  "Damnit!" She pressed her hand to her chest. "I have got to remember that you stay later than anyone else in the history of this company."

  "Everyone but you."

  "I have a lot of work to do. Besides, maybe you should tell me when you're here past six or going to be in on Sundays. One of these days I might kill you with something rather than simply marring your face," she offered, looking up at his stitches.

  "They come out tomorrow."

  "Good. The guilt is horrible every time I see them."

  Jason glanced in her office and noticed the mountain of paper on her desk. "What are you working on?"

  "I just finished up the plan for Pop! Cosmetics. I was going over some of the schedules for Needed Bean Coffee and Grandma Gert's Cookies. I was trying to find a connection where we could get the two of them to do some cross promotions in their stores."

  "Fabulous idea."

  "Have you ever been to Brazil?"

  The question caught him off guard and he chuckled. "No. I've been to Mexico on vacation once," but he wasn't going to delve into that disaster. "Otherwise, my mother's house in Florida is the furthest south I've ever been. Why do you ask?"

  "Tyler invited me to Brazil after the first of the year. He’s looking at a new bean farm. I was reminded that the world is a big place and I shouldn't miss seeing any of it."

  There was a heat that formed in Jason's chest. He had to assume it was the hot dog he'd eaten for lunch and not some crazy jealousy that had arisen because Chloe's ex-boyfriend from college had invited her to travel to Brazil with him.

  Oh, who was he kidding? That was exactly what had spurred it. The last thing he wanted to think about was Chloe going to Brazil with another man.

  "Why don't you close up and let me take you to dinner," he proposed, realizing it was a date he was asking for.

  "I have a cup of ramen in the break room calling my name. I'm good. But thanks for the offer."

  It would be stupid for him to decide to take off his coat now and go back to his office—it would appear desperate, but then, so was asking her to dinner in the manner in which he had.

  "Are you sure? None of this can wait until tomorrow?"

  "I don't like to leave my office looking like it does right now," she admitted as her cell phone rang and it played a Christmas song. "Walking in a Winter Wonderland. It's my mother. It's her favorite song."

  "Oh, you'd better get that then. I'll see you in the morning."

  Chloe nodded and went back into her office to answer the phone.

  Jason walked slowly to the elevators wondering how he could possibly steal just a few more minutes with her.

  "I had a great lunch. Tyler is headed to Brazil after the first of the year and he invited me to go," she said and then paused. "He’s doing great, Mom. And he said we would have a great time."

  The elevator opened and Jason stepped in. That heat intensified in his chest. He was going to need to take a few days away to avoid stepping across that line with Chloe. He'd promised himself not to ever get involved with someone from work again—then he’d decided that was bullshit—but she was occupying too much of his mind. How was he not going to let her know how he felt?

  Chapter 17

  From the moment Chloe walked into the office, she'd been bombarded with phone calls requesting meetings, messages from current clients, and Gloria had called her on her cell phone three times to run some ideas by her.

  This was the life she'd worked so hard for. Having the title of Account Manager suddenly didn't seem so important, especially since the current person managing all the accounts was willing to help her out.

  She had to admit to herself that she enjoyed his company and his willingness to make sure Pop! Cosmetics was well taken care of. He understood what it could bring to the firm. Sure, there was probably some satisfaction in knowing that Deb hadn't gotten her hands on it.

  Chloe looked at her watch and realized it was ten past ten. She'd gotten to the office at seven, and still hadn't seen Jason walk by her window, as he did every morning as if he were checking in. She noticed, though she never looked up to acknowledge him when he did so.

  They'd had a few meals, and shared some personal stories, and a cab ride home. They had their minor victory, and of course that very intimate celebratory hug in his office.

  That had been on her mind more than it should have. She couldn't help but think of his expression when she'd told him about her lunch with Tyler Ashby too. Certainly she'd mentioned that Tyler's wife had gone with them. Hadn’t she?

  Perhaps she'd fetch her next cup of coffee this morning, before Jody decided it was time for her to have some hydration.

  Chloe walked the long way around the office, purposely meaning to go by Jason's office. The lights were all off, and the door was shut.

  He was probably still at the doctor's office having his stitches removed. Hopefully, he wouldn't have a large scar, like her father did when he got stitches on his forehead. Though, when she thought about it, it did give her father a unique and rugged look. Perhaps it would make Jason even sexier. The thought filled her cheeks with heat, and she wondered where that had crept in from. Oh, she thought he was attractive, but sexy? She needed to get out of the office more often.

  Chuckling to herself, she passed by Byron Mason's office just as the door opened.

  "Oh, Chloe, I'm so glad I ran into you," Byron said as he stepped out into the hallway. "Getting yourself a cup of coffee?"

  "I was just headed that way. Can I get you one as well?" She offered.

  "That would be fantastic," Byron said as he placed his hand on her shoulder. "If you don't mind, would you bring back two cups? Oh, and a pocket full of sugar packets."

  The smile that came to Chloe's lips was instantaneous. "I can do that for you. I'll be right back."

  Byron slipped back into his office and shut the door. Chloe walked to the break room wondering who he was trying to impress behind closed doors. She was happy to know he was still working accounts, and not just handing everything over to his son. Though William Mason knew the business, he wasn't as smooth or as kind as his father.

  Chloe had learned to deal with William Mason, but she did enjoy the years before he had joined the firm. Everything had to change, she knew. Family businesses, no matter what they were, meant that more family would join in and they would take the positions other people were vying for.

  Chloe filled her coffee mug, the one her mother had sent her from Aubrey Heights with the bridge that crossed from one side to the other etched with gold paint. She placed it on a small tray that they kept on top of the refrigerator and filled two more cups of coffee. She took a handful of sugar packets, and a few of the small creamers, and placed them on the tray as well. As she walked out, she turned back and picked up a few stir sticks adding them to the pile on the tray. She noticed there were a few donuts left in the box that Jody had brought that morning. Suddenly, her stomach growled. Had she eaten breakfast? No, she'd forgotten. Maybe she would eat one on her walk down the hall.

  Chloe looked in the box and pulled out a small powdered donut. She took one small bite, and then set it on a napkin and added it to the tray with coffee.

  She walked back down the hall toward Byron's office. Taking one more small bite of her donut, she tapped on the door.

  When the door opened, it was William standing on the other side. Inside the office, Byron sat behind his desk, and a woman sat in the chair facing him. When she turned around, Chloe choked on the powder from the donut.

  Turning her head to cough, she held out the tray for William to take. Once her hands were free, she reached for her cup of coffee and took a sip to wash down the powder.

  "Are you doing okay?" Byron asked from inside his office
.

  "I'm fine. Too much powder. Enjoy your coffee," she said and turned to walk back to her office.

  "Chloe," William called. "We'd like you to join us."

  Chloe could feel the heat rise in her cheeks again, only this time it wasn't because she was having romantic thoughts about Jason. It was because she had seen who was sitting in that chair in Byron's office. No, she didn't want to join them. But, she turned around, smiled at William, and walked into the office where Deborah King sat smiling smugly at her.

  Byron handed Deborah one of the cups of coffee Chloe had poured.

  "Thank you, darling," Deborah said smoothly and then adjusted her look back toward Chloe.

  "Chloe," Byron Mason began, "I want you to meet Deborah King."

  Deborah held out her hand and Chloe attempted to control hers noting that it shook. "Oh, Chloe and I have met. It seems we're both friends with Gloria Vandenberg."

  William closed office door, blocking Chloe's only exit. "That's right, you both have worked with Gloria." He walked to the open chair and plopped down in it. "You'll work well together," he offered crossing one leg over the other and sitting back in his chair.

  Chloe was sure the look on his face was one of amusement. Certainly, both of these men had to know that Deborah was the other runner for the account. And, they had to know that she wasn't chosen by Gloria, Chloe was.

  Chloe took a sip of her coffee and looked in Byron's direction. "We'll work well together?"

  Byron smiled up at her, genuinely excited about whatever he was about to tell her. "We've just acquired Ms. King at the firm. She comes highly recommended. I think she’ll be a great asset."

  Certainly they had to be kidding, weren't they? Deborah King, Deb, was not part of their team. She was the enemy. She was the cause of Jason leaving the last firm he worked for. She was a sexual predator. Didn't they know anything about this woman?

  Chloe caught the look on William's face. Yes, he knew all about this woman. It was William's father who had been swindled to hire her. Seriously, they expected her to work with her?

  "Shouldn't our Account Manager be in on this?” she asked, hoping that Jason would walk through the door at that moment.

  William adjusted the large Rolex on his wrist, and then focused on her, those blue eyes piercing right through her.

  "He had an appointment this morning, and then took a couple personal days to make a long weekend. He'll be informed."

  A couple of personal days to make a long weekend, she replayed it over in her head. Chloe was facing this alone, and Jason probably had no idea. Or did he? Was this all part of his plan too? Was everything he told her about Deborah a lie? Have they been planning on taking over Mason Arts this entire time?

  Chloe felt like an idiot.

  "Welcome to the firm, Ms. King," she said trying to control her voice, and her hands that were cupped around her mug. "I'm sure you'll be very happy here."

  Deborah smiled with those red painted lips, and Chloe felt her chest tighten. "I'm sure I will be."

  Chloe turned and walked out of the office. She knew what having Deborah King sitting in that office meant. All of the years of dedication and hard work weren't going to pay off this time either.

  Chapter 18

  Every time Jason passed the small decorative mirror in his hallway, he looked at the mark that was left from the stitches that had been taken out that morning. In a few weeks no one would know that he been the victim of a wayward stapler.

  The very thought had him chuckling to himself as he carried his water bottle toward his stationary bike. William had been quick to offer him a few personal days after he was done the doctor's office. Considering the fact he'd been having those thoughts about Chloe, and he didn't know what to do with them, he was grateful to have the time off. Maybe, by Monday, he would be ready to face Chloe and her impending trip to Brazil with Tyler Ashby.

  Tyler Ashby, the name seemed so presumptuous. When he thought about what Ashby had to offer Chloe, Jason felt small. He was really only a hard-working slob in the suit, with a bachelor’s degree. Tyler Ashby ran an empire and took trips to Brazil. Really, what was more appealing?

  Jason climbed on his bike and tapped the attached screen to start his workout. A good hour on the bike while he looked out over the city and the people trudging through the snow would steady his nerves. When he was done, he would take a shower and call his mother. She sent him a very detailed email about how she wanted him to join her for Christmas. Depending on where all of the accounts were when he got back the following week, he’d make some plans. But, since his job was new, it had to be business first.

  And he hoped by Monday, he'd be over his infatuation with Chloe and when she told him she was heading to Brazil, it wouldn't matter.

  Chloe kept to herself in her office, the door shut and locked. She didn't even want to see Jody's happy face walk through the door.

  Her desk was piled with papers, as she still tried to decide how she could get Needed Bean Coffee and Grandma Gert's Cookies to work together to maximize their marketing budget. But, her head wasn't in the game.

  Her mind was on Deborah King sitting in Byron Mason's office, and on the fact that Deborah King was there to take over her job. Wasn't it enough that they had hired Jason and not given her the position? At what point was it all too much? Where was the loyalty? She'd been loyal. She’d worked her ass off.

  Who was there before everyone else in the morning? She was. Who was there every night after everyone had gone home? That was also her.

  She had missed Thanksgiving dinner with her family to be at work. Seriously, they needed to cut her some slack.

  Chloe nearly screamed when there was a knock at the door, and someone trying to open it. Angrily, she stood from behind her desk and walked across the office. Unlocking the door, she swung it open and saw the very pleasant smile of Byron Mason on the other side.

  "You're working so hard, you locked yourself in your office," he said smiling up at her. "You're a good girl. I'm glad to have you on our team."

  The man was senile, she decided as she smiled back at him, even if the smile was forced. "Thank you. I appreciate that."

  Byron Mason took her hand and gave it a pat. "The wife and I are headed out for the weekend. We're headed up to Vermont for some Christmas festivities."

  The very thought of it made her miss home, and the streets of Aubrey Heights. She sure could do with some Christmas festivities and holiday spirit at that moment.

  "Enjoy yourself. That sounds delightful."

  "I'll see you on Monday," he promised as he walked toward the elevator, his coat draped over his arm.

  Jody's head perked up from behind her cubicle wall. "I brought in a crockpot full of corn chowder for lunch. Interested?"

  Chloe's stomach growled, and she nodded. "I think that would be delightful. Thank you."

  Jody smiled and hurried off toward the break room.

  Chloe stood in the doorway and took in the sights and sounds of the office around her. Everyone had their own agenda, and some of them were not in sync with hers. When they pooled their team together to execute Gloria's marketing plan, would they all sync then? What part would Deborah play in all of that? What part would Chloe play?

  She watched Jody's bright hair bounce as she walked back toward her with a bowl of soup in her hands. "Here's a bowl," she said as she handed it to Chloe. "And I filled my pockets with crackers just in case you wanted some."

  Chloe chuckled, and held out her hand. "Thank you for always taking care of me, Jody."

  "You're a hard worker. You deserve to have someone look after you. Let me know if you need anything else, or even if you want a refill. There's plenty back there."

  "Thank you," she said sincerely as she turned back toward her desk to eat her soup in silence.

  * * *

  The day slipped away, just as they all did eventually. Jody had poked her head into Chloe's office and waved goodbye after checking in to make sure she didn't n
eed any more soup, or another cup of coffee. Then, the office grew silent and Chloe got back to work.

  Jody had left the office door open, which was uncharacteristic. Chloe often thought of her as the gatekeeper. Jody would keep unwanted guests out of Chloe's office, and she never asked her to do so, but she appreciated it.

  There were still people talking, and Chloe knew she wasn't completely alone. She also knew that Jason was not one of the people staying after work to finish.

  She hated to admit that she had missed him all day. She had only known him a week, and already she had caused him bodily harm, learned some of his deepest secrets, and eaten many meals with him. Chloe felt as if they had known each other for years. Of course, had they known each other for years, he wouldn't have looked at herself strangely when she mentioned Tyler's invitation to Brazil. Had that been resentment because it would take her away from work? Could it have been jealousy?

  Certainly it wasn't jealousy. What would he have to be jealous over? Except for her trip to Brazil that is. Then she thought of Deborah sitting in Byron's office. He had to know she was coming. Why else would he have taken time off? He knew how Chloe felt about her, and yet now they were teammates?

  The thought churned her stomach. She worked too damn hard to have Deborah King walk in and be part of what she’d built. Chloe had worked with Gloria to get that account, no one else. She would be damned if she wasn't in charge of it. She had half a mind to look up Jason's address, head over to his house, and give him a piece of her mind. In fact, she thought that was exactly what she would do. He owed her an explanation.

  Chloe stood from behind her desk with all intent on going through the files in the H.R. office. However, she stopped her progression when William walked by her door.

  "I'm glad you're still here. I wanted to talk to you."

  He closed the door behind him, and Chloe fisted her hands to her side.