Unlike Tate or Gray, when I walked in a room, life continued and no one ever stopped what they were doing to glance in my direction. Someone as ordinary as me had to actually work hard for the things he wanted in life and I couldn’t just shake my ass like Tate to get it.
Luckily that stuff didn’t work on Gray, but it doesn’t stop Tate from trying anyway. Huffing in annoyance and trying not to vomit in disgust, I jump up from the table and my feet hitting the ground loudly has them staring my way. I ignore them and roll up the bag of chips before walking toward the door. “Oh, Mikey, don’t forget to get those blueprints drawn up and on my desk by the end of the day.”
My hand freezes on the doorknob and I turn around annoyed at their mocking smiles. “It’s Michael.”
“Yes, but I like Mikey so much more. It’s got a cute ring to it.”
“Even so, it’s still Michael.”
He huffs. “I think you’re close to going over your lunch break, Mikey. Remember. Blueprints on my desk . . .”
“At 4:30, got it.” I slam the door behind me, happy to no longer be in the same room as Gray Masters.
“Merry Christmas, everyone!” Jeanne, one of the office assistants shouts as I returned back to my desk.
It was hard to feel very merry being forced to work this weekend. I set my blue wrapped present down under the small excuse for a tree that has zero lights around it. My boss thought he’d make it up to us for all the work he’s been making us take home lately. It was Linda’s idea to do Secret Santa. I was surprised Gray agreed since he was usually against passing gifts around the office and usually against this holiday altogether. He usually was the Grinch who stole Christmas, pulling garland off desks, and throwing away ornaments.
“Merry Christmas, all my busy working bees. How about we all take a break from working and get this Secret Santa and potluck out of the way so we can all get back to work. I’ll be in my office going over a few things in case anyone needs me,” Gray says to no one in particular.
My eyes remain on my computer until the office door slams behind him. All the loud sighs of relief fall around me and the room is once again as lively as it was before he entered it. Jeanne and Linda rush to the tree, sorting through the gifts, and passing them to people. I get handed one wrapped in striped paper and a large silky bow. Instead of tearing into it like everyone else, I slip it inside my briefcase. Everyone’s laughing around me, talking about their gifts and I’m too focused on my work.
“Aren’t you coming to the break room for the potluck? And where’s your gift? I want to see if yours is better than mine and then maybe we can switch like last year.”
Stephanie stands in front of me, brushing her long brown hair out of her face, holding a coffee cup in her hand that says ‘Santa’s Best Worker’. My eyes don’t move from my work and I continue typing. “Nope, I already took a break and you know how much I hate potlucks. Also, you can keep that hideous mug of yours.”
Huffing, she leans into my desk with her hand on her hip. “Oh come on, you can’t leave me alone in there. And I guess that means your gift is better than mine then? You got a gift card didn’t you, you lucky asshole. If so, where are you taking me to dinner tomorrow night?”
Laughing, I shove her off my desk, making her nearly trip on her own heels. “I’m not opening it right now and you won’t be alone. There are like twenty other people in there. Besides, even if I did get a gift card, the only dinner I have time for is something that comes in a paper container.”
“Fine, be a killjoy. You’re going to work yourself to death one of these days.” She hugs her mug to her chest and scurries off to the break room.
“Bring me back some cookies!” I shout. She holds up her middle finger before shutting the door behind her. A heap of laughter escapes me as I continue finishing my work. She’s probably right. I probably will work myself to death and I’m sure that’s exactly what Gray wants. Then he would no longer feel obligated to make me partner. Gray knows he needs me and he doesn’t like needing people.
Chapter Three
Gray
The parking garage is emptying as each car pulls out, leaving only me and Michael standing in it, nearly walking side by side. The way he keeps looking forward and picking up his pace, tells me he is trying his best to avoid me. All that does is make me want to walk faster and get caught up with him. My shoes pounding against the pavement echo in the nearly empty garage. He stops walking at the touch of my hand, staring at me with those captivating dark brown eyes that remind me of melting chocolate. I swear it’s like he is peering deep into my soul when he looks at me that way. Clearing my throat, I remove my hand from his shoulder, immediately wanting to put it back. “I got your work today, can’t wait to go over it. You did, however, forget to grab these files from my desk.” I pull out the stack from my bag and slam them against his chest, unable to break my gaze from his. “Make sure you get these back to me in the morning. There will only be a few of us working tomorrow. Monday is Christmas Eve after all. And for all that is holy, buy a normal pair of black socks like the rest of us.”
“Yeah, it’s Christmas for everyone else, but not us apparently. And how about you don’t worry what I wear under my clothes. Goodnight, Gray.” He shoves the folders into his bag and turns back around to continue to his car. I was already missing the way he called me Sir, even if it was in a mocking tone. It was like something inside me craved to have that word come from his lips. I pick up my steps behind him. “Goodnight, Mikey. See you tomorrow.”
We get into our own cars and my phone goes off the moment I toss it in the middle console. I pick it up, smirking at the message from the other Michael.
Michael: I got my gift.
Me: Oh yeah? How about you try it on and tell me how it fits.
Michael: You’re not serious, are you?
Me: Why wouldn’t I be? Are you going to show me how it looks or not?
Michael: I wasn’t aware you had some weird sock kink, but I have to say, I’m not really feeling it. I mean you’re hot, but not that hot.
Suddenly confused, I tug on my tie, wondering how he could have gotten the wrong gift by mistake. No, he couldn’t have. There’s no way.
Me: What do you mean?
He sends the next message with a picture of socks folded in a box that says, “On Santa’s naughty list.”
Fuck me.
Me: Those weren’t for you.
Michael: Well, it did come from you and it has my name on it.
My hand comes to my forehead with a hard slap as I suck in a sharp breath, feeling lightheaded the moment I exhale.
Me: Those were for my soon to be partner for a Secret Santa gift. You were supposed to get something else. My assistant fucked up.
Man did she fuck up. Lucky for her, this was the first time and out of all times to get things wrong, she chooses this one.
Michael: She sure did. So, what was my gift then, huh? Do I still get it?
In order for him to get it, I would have to get it back first. If he got Michael Mendoza’s socks, then that means Michael Mendoza got his gift. I turn around and sure enough his car is no longer in the garage.
Fuck me.
I really had to make the guy partner now, and soon. Or maybe I’ll just replace myself, that way I’ll never have to face him again. I couldn’t fire him, then he would just use the gift I got him against me. This was bad, this was really bad, but I will handle the situation just like I handle everything else. I call Michael on speaker phone and he doesn’t answer. Pulling up in my driveway, I try again and once again it goes to voicemail. I sure hope he didn’t open that gift. The cold wind chill around me vanishes the moment I enter my warm house. I stare at my phone for a long time, hoping every time it goes off, it’s from my soon to be partner but it never is. I finally pick it up and send him a text message, hoping he will at least get that.
Never has anyone had me on edge the way this guy does. Now all I can do is picture what he would look like wearing not
hing but the gift he wasn’t supposed to get and those pair of Christmas socks I picked out just for him. No, I don’t have a sock fetish, but I may have a Michael fetish.
Chapter Four
Michael
The workday was exhausting and long. I am ready to scarf down some leftovers and crash. One more day and it would be the weekend and it couldn’t come fast enough. Normally your boss is nicer near the holidays, but not Gray. The happier the occasion, the more Gray strives to make sure everyone around him is miserable, especially Christmas. I’m not sure what made this holiday so special. I throw down the folder work Gray needs me to have done and on his desk by morning. My microwave beeps and I rush over to it, pulling out the hot plastic container. I throw it on the counter after it burns my hand. “Fuck,” I yell. I swear running into Gray in the parking garage was an immediate mood killer. “Don’t forget Michael, it will be you and me here on Christmas. Everyone will be on vacation but us. There will be no relaxing, singing songs, and drinking hot chocolate by the fire until this deal is closed.”
Still affected by his words, I grab a fork and slam the drawer shut, not looking forward to missing Christmas with my parents again. All because of Gray and his insane work hours, I hardly ever see them anymore. I scarf down my food, burning the top of my mouth in the process. I am way too tired to care. I know tomorrow will be another long day and I am ready to go to bed, so then I can get up in the morning and get the day over with. My phone goes off and I ignore it when I see Gray’s name on the screen.
I toss it on the nightstand and stare at the wrapped gift on my bed for way too long, while slipping out of my work clothes. I didn’t unwrap it at the office like everyone else, only because I really wasn’t that excited about getting another picture frame or tie, I would never use.
“From: Santa, To: Michael,” the tag on the gift read.
The wrapping was covered in green, with red and white stripes, reminding me of a candy cane. The ribbon is light and silky when I pull it loose from the box. Whoever it was from, clearly paid to have it professionally wrapped. Who would even go through that much trouble? The paper makes loud tearing sounds as my hands rip it free from the box. A white note is stuck to the top of it that says, ‘Make sure you’re wearing this tomorrow when you come to the office.’
Revealing what’s under the note has me gasping. It’s a remote-controlled vibrating butt plug, only it’s missing the remote. I swallow hard, letting the gift slip from my hands, landing on the floor. I kick it under the bed, staring down at the discarded wrapping paper in the nearby trash can. Maybe I read the name wrong. Maybe it was meant for someone else. I read the name again and sure enough it says Michael and I’m the only Michael who works in that office.
My phone vibrates, temporarily taking my attention off my Secret Santa gift. I pick it up needing the distraction and it’s Gray’s name on the screen. Opening the message has me nearly passing out where I stand.
Gray: It appears my secretary made a mistake. I think you may have gotten the wrong gift. Don’t open it and bring it to work tomorrow still wrapped. If you did open it, make sure not to mention it to anyone.
My boss. The vibrating butt plug was from my boss. The man I loathed to the very core. Hearing his voice made me cringe and now I have to step in his office tomorrow returning his butt plug. Fuck my life.
Chapter Five
Gray
I rush to the office, skipping the quick breakfast I usually have before leaving the house. I never got a response from Michael Mendoza last night and something tells me it didn’t go unread. “Hello, Mr. Masters,” Linda greets me on the way in with a smile. I don’t return it and instead point to my office and she quickly gets up, following behind me. There would only be a few of us working today. Michael was kinder than I was and gave his assistant the day off. Everyone already knew I was nothing like Michael. Maybe that’s why we worked so well together where it counted most.
“Have a seat, Linda,” I say slamming the door closed behind me.
Linda’s smile has already been replaced with a look of worry. “What is this about Mr. Masters? Did I do something wrong?”
I sigh loudly, having a hard time meeting her sad gaze. “Yes, yes, you did. I specifically said it was important you didn’t mix up the presents, but you did anyway.”
She shakes her head, ready to stand up from the chair to plead her case. I shake her off with my hand. “There is no need to fret on it now. What’s done is done. Now I have to find out how I’m going to fix this mess.” And boy was it a mess, one that only I could pull myself out of and even that wasn’t looking promising. “You are free to go, just know I can’t have mistakes like this happening again.”
“Of course not, Mr. Masters. Oh, before I forget, I was told by a young gentleman to give you this.” She hands me a small white gift box that I didn’t notice she was holding before. I was so focused on being irate with her that I didn’t bother to pay attention to anything other than her sad, pleading eyes. The box is small in my hands and when I peek inside, I find a pair of rolled up socks. The gift Michael Mendoza should have gotten instead. I didn’t bother to ask her where they came from because I already knew.
“Thank you, Linda. That will be all. You can get back to your usual work now.”
Nodding, she jumps from the chair, fumbling with her dress. “Thank you, boss, and I’ll be sure to be careful next time.”
I lift my hand in the air, gesturing for her to leave. “Let’s not make promises we won’t be able to keep.”
Without giving me a second glance, she scurries out the door, closing it tightly behind her. I set the box down and open my desk drawer searching for my favorite pen, finding something else instead. Arching a brow, I suddenly get an idea. I collect the black remote control from my desk and choose the low vibrating option, switching to the higher speed a few minutes later. I can’t stop the chuckling from escaping my mouth. I’m not sure if it’s loud enough for Michael to hear, but I really don’t care if he does. I’m ready to see the blush on his face that runs from the top of his cheeks all the way down his neck. When I think he has been tortured enough, I stand from my chair and slowly walk to the door, taking my time pulling it open with the remote still in my hand. Before fully emerging outside my office, I shut it off and shove it deep in my pocket, still smiling to myself.
It is everything I thought it would be. I’m watching him sit behind his desk, completely flustered, his face nearly matching his bright red tie. With his darker skin tone, his cheeks usually flush a deep red instead of pink. He doesn’t look in my direction and just sits there with his phone to his ear. I am nearly sent to my knees cackling, but I manage to hold it in, swallowing it back with the clearing of my throat. I didn’t want him bringing it in with people still in the office and I sure did bring a lot of attention to him just now. It was more than worth it, even though Michael appeared to be anything but amused.
Chapter Six
Michael
Buzzzzz . . . my desk drawer moves from the vibration of what I can only assume was the gift. I shut my eyes, hoping this is some awful dream I’m having while dozing off at my desk from lack of sleep. Sonia is staring at me, smiling from across the way, when I open my eyes. “Sounds like someone has their phone on vibrate. That is really loud.”
I stare at my phone with its blank screen and back at the vibrating drawer. “Yeah, oops. I guess I forgot to put it on silent.”
Buzzzz . . . my face heats when Sonia is still glancing my way with arched eyebrows. “Aren’t you gonna answer it?”
I stare at my silent phone again completely mortified. “Uh yeah, I guess I should huh?”
I lift it to my ear and the buzzing stops. Sighing in relief, I say hello into the phone. Just when Sonia’s eyes are about to go back to her computer, my desk shakes again . . . buzzzzzz. And there I am having a pretend conversation on my phone with loud vibrations surrounding me. I guess I don’t have to worry about meeting Gray in his office today, becau
se I’ll already be dead from embarrassment.
I wanted to bury my face in my desk or maybe even drown myself in my coffee. Anything that would help me avoid this awkward situation. His office door opens and he stands outside it, looking smug and hot as fuck. Even though he is a terrible person, he was still nice to look at. I hated that my eyes wanted to run over his whole muscular frame as he stood there in that custom-made suit that probably cost him thousands of dollars. His gaze drops down to where I’m sitting, causing me to drop my pen. “Michael, just the man I want to see. Come to my office please. I believe we have business to discuss.”
I reach for the gift in my top drawer and he shakes his head. “You only need to bring yourself. Leave your vibrating phone there.”
His smile is wide and teasing. That smug son of a . . .
“Michael, are you coming or not?”
Oh, I’m coming and apparently so was my desk earlier, but in another way. Standing up, I straighten my jacket, trying not to strangle myself with my tie. He opens his door and gestures me inside.
“Go on, no need to have a seat,” he says when I head for the chair opposite of his. He pushes it away. “So, Michael. How are you this morning? Are you well?”
I swallow the lump in my throat nodding. “Yeah, I’m good. You?”
He rolls his eyes, smirking. “Alright, how about we cut to it and talk about the real reason you’re in here.”
“The gift?”
He’s so close, I can feel his warm breath on my skin and smell his sharp scented cologne. I suddenly want to breathe him in. Heat fills his eyes and his expression is strained. “Yes, Michael. The gift. Turns out Linda grabbed the wrong box from my desk, thinking it was for the Secret Santa party.”
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