Crashing Christmas: A Billionaire Office Romance Read online

  “It won’t be too long. Just try to relax, okay?” His eyes move down to my hands clutching my purse as if I have the thing in a head lock.

  I loosen my grip on it and say, “Driving in this doesn’t make you nervous?”

  “Nope. We’re just going to take our time.” His tone is calm and reassuring.

  For the remainder of the trip, we almost go off the road three times, but he regains control every time. He gives me some history of the area, which I only partly listen to. The closer we get to Jack’s, the faster my heart beats. I haven’t even had time to rehearse what I’m going to say. This could go terribly wrong.

  Hank slows down. “This is the service station where you’ll meet my nephew, Trevor. He’ll take you the rest of the way on his snowmobile. Oh, there he is.”

  “Holy shit.” Hank wasn’t lying. There’s a guy bundled up like a polar bear waiting on his bright yellow snowmobile.

  Putting the truck in park, Hank looks at me. “Don’t worry, ma’am. This is going to be the safest way to get you up there. With most of the roads closed now, there’s no other way.” He gives me an understanding nod.

  I need to remember why I’m doing this. It’s going to be fine. “Thank you. You’ve done your good deed for the day,” I say before hopping out of the truck.

  It’s a longer way down than I anticipated, and my feet come right out from under me. Landing flat on my ass with a thud, my legs are immediately cold as wet snow seeps through the material of my pants. Another error in judgment: black leggings weren’t the best choice.

  Refusing to cry, I get myself up and dust myself off. I might be cold, but it’s nothing compared to all my staff that are unemployed in a rough market.

  I go to the snowmobile and smile at Trevor. “Thanks for doing this.”

  He eyes me up and down with a scowl on his face. “Those the boots you’re wearing? They aren’t snow boots. And you’re going to need gloves.”

  Yanking the cute little gloves I have out of my pockets, I slide them on my hands that are already turning red.

  He groans and stands to put the helmet on my head. “You better hang on.”

  Taking a seat behind him, I hesitantly put my arms around his waist. “Please take it easy, this is my first time.”

  He doesn’t say anything as he hits the gas. My grip tightens.

  Immediately my cheeks sting from the frosty breeze moving past them. It doesn’t take me long to realize if I tuck my chin down and stay behind Trevor, I don’t feel quite as cold. The ride feels like it lasts forever and the last part is all uphill.

  The doubts and fears start lurking now. What if Jack isn’t at home when I get there? Where will I go? What will I do? And if he is home and sees me, he could send me away for showing up unannounced.

  Finally, Trevor stops and I peer around his shoulder to see an expansive luxury log cabin standing stately in front of me.

  Trevor climbs off the snowmobile. I’d like to do the same, but I’m so cold I don’t think I can move. He puts his hand out to help me off, but it’s almost impossible, like I’m frozen to the seat. I can’t remember ever being this cold. It’d be easy to give up now, but I refuse to let anyone down. I have to convince Jack to keep the rest of the staff on.

  “We’re here,” Trevor announces with enthusiasm, attempting to inspire me to move.

  I look up, my arms wrapped around my body and my teeth chattering. Before I can give it one last attempt, strong arms wrap around me and scoop me up.

  Gazing up into a concerned face, I sigh in relief.

  At least I found Jack Morgan.

  Eight

  Jack

  “You’re crazy,” I grumble under my breath as I carry her inside. I didn’t believe it when Hank, a local from town who plows my driveway, called to tell me he was bringing a pretty redhead to the cabin tonight. I was hoping he was talking about Jillian, but knew there was no way she’d be here tonight.

  “Crazy determined,” she retorts through chattering teeth.

  “Crazy cold,” I mutter and set her on the couch in front of the fireplace. I rub her arms and legs to inspire circulation. She doesn’t stop staring at me.

  Her cheeks are flushed, probably a combination of frost, embarrassment, and more than a little rage.

  “What brings you to these parts?” It’s a joke, but it falls flat.

  Jillian shakes her head and angry tears leak out.

  “We need to get you warmed up. Then we can get to the point of your visit. You came a long way to tell me how much you hate me…again.”

  I remove her lightweight jacket. It’s soaked all the way through. What was she thinking wearing these clothes here? To the Adirondack Mountains? Lifting the hem of her sweater, I try to lift it over her head.

  She locks her arms to her chest. “What are you doing?”

  “Listen, sexy, it’s not like I haven’t seen this before.” She only glares at me. “There’s a hot tub on the porch. You’ll warm right up.” She juts her chin up. “And a fireplace going. I’ll bring you tea or cocoa.” She looks unmoved. “Or wine.” Nothing. “Liquor?” I groan. “I give up. You’re still going in the hot tub. And since these are your only clothes, it’d be a shame to get them wet.”

  She stands up so quickly she nearly loses her balance. “What happened to my bag? Shit. I must’ve dropped it in the snow on the ride up here, my hands were so numb.”

  Shaking her head, she eases her sweater up and over her head, leaving her standing there in a red bra, leggings, and black boots. Slowly she tugs the rest of her clothes off.

  I know what her peaches and cream skin looks like. How could I forget, but I don’t stare at her body even though I’d like to. Instead, I focus on her sapphire-blue eyes. “I know what you’re doing.”

  “What?” She bats her lashes at me.

  Showing me her sassy side. I want to grab her and throw her down to the floor and ravage her right here. “You’re offering yourself in exchange for their jobs. Admit it.”

  She shrugs one shoulder. “Hot tub is that way?” Jillian walks past me, slightly huddled, shaking, and completely naked.

  As she passes me, I take in her perfectly round ass. I’m instantly hard. “Red, you’re going to be the death of me.” I run to the linen closet and grab towels. In my room, I undress and pull two robes out of my closet and slip a condom in my pocket. You never know. Finally, I make one last stop in the kitchen for the bottle of wine I uncorked earlier and a couple stemless wine glasses. I make it outside just in time to see her slide into the water. Oh, this is going to be a long night.

  Hanging up her robe and towels, I pop the wine open and pour two glasses. “Better?”

  The muscles in her face and neck relax. The hot water is thawing her body. Maybe it’ll work wonders on her mood, too.

  “Have a drink.” I pass her the glass. “What should we drink to?”

  Turning to face me, she says, “I like to drink to second chances and new beginnings.”

  Smirking at her, I say, “You would.” I hang my robe up and climb into the hot tub, my glass in hand. “Think there’s any redemption in the world for a guy like me?”

  Nine

  Jillian

  Oh. My. God. My eyes are glued to Jack while he gets in the hot tub. His body is chiseled. He has a six-pack. All of a sudden I’m warm in places the bubbling water hasn’t touched.

  And I hate myself for it.

  Why does he have to be sexy? And why the hell is he being so nice to me? Worst of all, why do I think I’m going to try to twist that to my advantage?

  “Redemption? For a guy like you?” I tilt my head as if pondering the question. “Maybe. I guess it depends….” I stare at him straight on and wait. I’ve been in sales long enough to know the one who speaks first loses. And I’m done losing.

  Jack runs his tongue along his full bottom lip and sinks shoulder-deep in the water. Slowly, he moves closer to me. I hold my breath wanting to know what’s coming next. All thoughts of b
eing frostbit are gone, replaced by a burning need to kiss him.

  Jack reaches out and runs his thumb along my lips. “Does it depend on whether or not I hire back your staff?” He’s acting as if I ran the place when we both know I didn’t. Taking a sip of the wine, I shrug. This stuff is good. It tastes oaky and expensive. “Not entirely, but it couldn’t hurt.” I can tell my eyes are sparkling with mischief based on the sexy quirk of his lips and the look of desire in his eyes.

  I wait as he draws closer. I gasp as he hauls me into his arms. “Since you want me to play Santa and give the gift of employment, Jill, why don’t you sit here and plead your case?” He settles me on his lap.

  Feeling emboldened, I give him a playful smirk and turn to straddle him. His mouth falls open. “Sorry. I like to look a person in the eye while I’m negotiating.” Leaning in, I whisper in his ear, “I’m a pretty good negotiator.” My breasts graze his muscled chest and he lets out a sexy groan.

  “Is this a game to you?” His voice comes out hoarse and his fingers dig into my hips, drawing me closer to him. He’s hard.

  Licking my lips, I say, “It’s easier to do this if I pretend it is. After all, you’re the one playing with people’s lives.” I inhale deeply. I hadn’t anticipated how much his body would affect me, hadn’t considered how much I want to be with him—and remember it this time. The last time was all a blur, but there’s still an attraction between us, a pull toward him I can’t deny.

  “You’re asking me to completely go against my usual business practices. They were created by my father and helped him build our family business. I, in turn, created an empire. But I’m supposed to change all of this for what? For you?” His voice is passionate, but not angry. From the furrow in his brow, the creases around his eyes, he seems to be asking me this because he’s not entirely opposed to doing it. “Normally I wouldn’t have even kept you on, but I thought I might enjoy having you work under me.”

  I look up at him under damp lashes. “I think I’ll enjoy working under you, too.”

  He sucks in a sharp breath.

  Sliding up and down his length, I create sweet friction. My heart pumps loud in my chest. “But really, what’s it going to take for you to reconsider your position on everyone’s employment?” As much as I want him, I came here for a reason.

  “Red, I can’t think past your position on my lap at the moment.”

  Ten

  Jack

  I almost regret my comment, as truthful as it is, since it means she gradually, almost reluctantly, removes herself from my lap. I’m torn. On one hand, I’m completely cool with letting her use her body to get my attention and maybe even get her way. On the other hand, I don’t like opening myself up like this, but there’s something about Jillian I can’t shake. She’s unlike anyone I’ve ever known, and I’ve known a lot of women. Not to mention, the intense attraction we have.

  After she moves to the other side of the hot tub, we stare at each other, both determined to stay the course, afraid of appearing weak or potentially caving.

  Jillian licks her lips and all I can think about is how good those lips would feel wrapped around my dick. I groan. “Red, what’d you have to go and do that for? Don’t you know that’s how I ended up taking you back to my place that night?”

  She lets out a deep and throaty laugh. “Guess what? This time I’m already here.”

  Swimming over to her, unable to handle the distance for another second, I put my hands on either side of her body, caging her in. “About that. Why would you come here? Leave yourself alone and vulnerable with me?”

  Her head tilts to the side. “I figured alone might be good for an honest and open conversation. No one to put on airs for.” She shrugs a shoulder. “As for being vulnerable, you’ve already had your way with me once. What do I have to lose?”

  This time I lick my lips and stare deeply into her eyes. I have a response, but I’m not sure I should share it. After all, I’d be admitting that I’m at risk of losing my heart. Fuck. Who am I kidding? I could lose myself completely to a woman like her. I shake my head. “Nothing, I guess.”

  “So what are your terms?” She juts her chin out as if to prove that she’s strong, brave, and ready to handle anything.

  “My terms?” I open my arms out wide. “Look around. What could I possibly want? What do you have to offer?” I wait her out to see what’s on the table. Of course, I want her again, but I want her to want me, too. For me to enjoy the experience, I’d prefer we share a mutual attraction.

  Jillian’s face lights up in a wicked smile. “Christmas together.”

  Really? I take a long sip of my wine and set it back down. “Maybe I wanted to spend it alone.”

  She piles her long red hair on top of her head and winds a hair tie from her wrist around it, making a sexy bun and exposing her shoulders, making it even harder to think. “Maybe. Or maybe you thought you didn’t have a better option.” She glances around the back deck and into the house through the French patio doors. “Looks like you’re not even in the spirit yet. What if I help you have the most amazing Christmas ever? See if I can’t warm Ebenezer’s heart, so to speak.”

  She can warm more than my heart, that’s for sure. I study her face. “Is that all?”

  Her brow arches up. “What more would you like?”

  My cheeks heat up. What the fuck? Am I blushing? No way. I’ll have to turn the temperature of the hot tub down. “Christmas together it is. So, what’s the plan, Red?”

  Ducking her head under my arm, she makes her way to the stairs. “I guess I need to take stock of the place to see what I have to work with. Coming?” She gets out and the water speckles her porcelain skin.

  “I’d follow your naked ass anywhere,” I grumble under my breath. “Sadly, I think you already know that.”

  She doesn’t say anything, but her chuckle tells me all I need to know.

  Eleven

  Jillian

  I reach for the bathrobe Jack placed on the hook for me, but before I can take it, he grabs it and holds it out for me. I almost hate myself for how much I’m awed by these tiny chivalrous acts when he was so terrible to so many people at the office. Cinching the robe around my waist, I turn and look at him. “Thank you,” I murmur while trying to ignore the fact that he hasn’t put his robe on yet.

  “What?” he asks, following the path of my eyes.

  “I guess it’s true what they say about shrinkage.” My lips quiver with the attempt to hide my smile.

  Jack shakes his head and puts his robe on. “Come on.”

  Following him inside, he takes me to the kitchen. Even though I saw it when I walked in, I didn’t fully take it all in, since I was mostly frozen solid and in shock. It’s enormous. He could cater parties here with twenty cooks and they wouldn’t run into each other. There are two massive ovens and the island is the size of my apartment. “You ever throw parties here?”

  Jack is busy mixing us drinks. “I built it this way so I can host big parties. I’ve had a couple, but certainly not as many as you’d think. The place is ten years old.” He has a contemplative edge to his voice.

  I lean against the island and take it all in. If I lived here, I’d be hosting parties all the time. How could you not with this view and all the space? “I could have some fun in this kitchen.” And now that I’m feeling more myself, I’m determined to stay busy or I’ll soon be feeling him.

  He comes up to me, handing me another drink. “You’re right. We could have fun in here.”

  Ignoring his joke, I ask, “What’s in the glass?”

  “Crown and Coke. The Crown will take the edge off and the caffeine will keep us alert. I don’t want to miss a minute of the perfect Christmas you’re giving me.” He leans into me and clinks his tumbler to mine and takes a sip.

  I feel the warmth of his body through both layers of both our robes. My heart rate picks up.

  Needing some space to keep my head on straight, I roll my eyes and move to check out the refrig
erator. “Huh, I had you pegged as a ham guy.”

  He groans and comes up next to me. “Because I’m such a pig?”

  “Your words, not mine. But if the snout fits.” I snicker before adding, “But I suppose I can roast a turducken.”

  “Paws off my bird, Red. No one’s roasting it but me.” He closes the door.

  I put my hands up in surrender. “Fine. I’ll make something else…like eggnog.”

  Grimacing, he says, “Never drink the stuff.”

  Opening several cabinets, I finally find the pantry. “Never drank. I promise you’ll be lapping mine up.” And the gauntlet is thrown.

  There are plenty of staples to bake cookies and I let out a happy sigh.

  Jack takes a seat on one of the bar stools around the island. “What was that for?”

  “I see plenty here to keep me busy,” I say, my tone laced with enthusiasm.

  Jack licks his lips and gives me the most devilish grin. “I see plenty to keep me busy, too.”

  A swarm of butterflies flap their wings in my belly. Calm down, Jill. “Can we be serious for a minute?” I take a seat next to him.

  Turning toward me he chuckles. “We can try.”

  Blowing out a breath, I say, “I was going to be spending the holidays alone. That’s why I had no reason not to chase you here and why I had every reason to leave the city.”

  His warm eyes hold mine and one of his hands comes up to massage the back of my neck. “How does someone as beautiful and smart and funny as you not have anyone to share the holidays with?”

  I stare down at my hands. “Just unlucky, I guess.”

  He hauls me up into his arms. “New deal. We make this Christmas special for you, too.”

  Damn him and his thoughtful words.