ALLISON

Oh, God.

My pulse races the closer we get to one another. How does a guy manage to make walking even look so sexy? The confidence in each step toward me leaves me mesmerized.

The Santa hat he is wearing adds a fantasy in my mind I never knew I was into. I wish he was sliding down my chimney. I would love to be on his naughty list.

Am I staring at him? Shit!

Seeking a distraction, I glance nervously at my phone when it buzzes, attempting to alleviate the tension in my body by redirecting my focus briefly away from him.

Drake's text catches my eye: "Call me ASAP. They've slashed the operation managers' bonuses as well."

My heart sinks. I close my eyes briefly. "Fantastic," I mutter under my breath.

"Hey, Nick. What's up?" I try to keep my voice steady, hoping he doesn't notice the slight break. I discreetly clear my throat. This guy has a knack for making me as jittery as a schoolgirl.

"Do you have a minute, or is now a bad time?" he asks, motioning toward my phone.

"Right now is fine. I can deal with that later." I pocket my phone " So, what's up? Is everything okay?" I inquire, curious about what this might be about.

I hold my breath. Seeing someone as charming and alluring as him makes me weak in the knees, but I know I have to keep things professional.

After all, we are colleagues, an obstacle that is hard enough to overcome.

"Maybe away from everyone. Can we go to your office?" he suggests.

I feel my face heat up as a wave of fear and excitement washes over me.

I hadn't expected to be alone with Nick today, but here we are.

He makes me nervous, but the thrill that accompanies being in his presence is undeniable. Even though I know it is wrong, I can't help how I feel.

But the thought of telling Nick no seems rude. Fuck.

"Sure," I respond, immediately second-guessing my decision. Why did you just agree to that Allie? I yell at myself silently in my head.

He places one palm on the lower region of my back and motions for me to walk ahead with the other. Even through my clothes, I am overwhelmed by the warmth of his touch.

Goosebumps appear on my skin as a shiver runs up my spine.

But before I can even process what's happening, he abruptly removes his hand like he realizes he shouldn't be touching me.

Feeling his fingertips slip away, a wave of relief washes over me, but there is an air of sadness too once the contact has been severed.

It's a strange combination of emotions to grapple with. However, as undeniable as the attraction may be, it's something I can't entertain, for several crucial reasons.

I mentally scold myself. What in the name of all that is holy are you doing?

I know what people will think if they see this. See us in my office alone. I manage to regain my senses before it becomes an irreversible mistake.

"Actually, can we chat here?" I awkwardly halt, adding, "I need to oversee everything if that's all right?" It's an excuse, a way to ensure we remain in the open.

Between the way he is looking at me and the way I am having a hard time controlling myself around him, I need to tread carefully, especially after what happened last year, and particularly because Nick stirs emotions in me that I shouldn't be feeling as his boss.

"Oh... sure. No problem," he responds, his expression showing a hint of confusion at my sudden shift in plans, but as always, Nick remains kind and understanding.

He turns and moves closer to me. His musky scent fills my nostrils, making my desire burn like the fire of a thousand suns.

I look at his face and enjoy the sight of his stubble - so rugged yet incredibly appealing.

My mind conjures up an image of him between my legs with the roughness of his facial hair against my sensitive skin as he tantalizes me with his tongue.

I then find myself studying his lush lips that I wish were all mine to have, to nibble on, to tease.