Free The Assistant by Ramona Gray Page B

some
point during the holidays.  He always does.”
    Amanda rolled her eyes.  “He’s such a
Grinch.  You’re not spending Christmas alone, are you?”
    “No.  I have a friend who owns a cabin. 
I’m going up Christmas Eve and will spend a few days with her and her family.”
    “Nice.”  Amanda took another sip of her
wine.  “You could always ask Jamie if he wanted to spend some time with you.  I
bet he’d jump at the chance.”
    “Give it a rest, Amanda,” I advised
lightly.
    She shrugged.  “I just want you to have
some fun, that’s all.”  She lowered her voice as Jamie started toward us. 
“Speak of the devil.”
    “Hello, ladies.  Enjoying the party?” 
Jamie smiled cheerfully at us.
    “You know it.  Although not as much as some
of us are.”  Amanda laughed. 
    “Oh good grief,” I said.
    Peter and Lisa were bumping and grinding
against each other in front of the band as a few of our co-workers cheered them
on.  As we watched, Peter grabbed Lisa, dipped her dramatically and kissed her
passionately.
    “Isn’t Lisa married?”  I asked.
    Amanda shook her head.  “Nah, her and Cliff
separated two months ago.”
    Peter’s hand drifted to Lisa’s ass and
squeezed firmly and my eyes widened.  “I had no idea Peter was like this.  He’s
always so quiet.”
    Jamie snickered.  “He’s an accountant.  We’re
naughty, baby.”
    I laughed as Amanda tipped her glass toward
us.  “Well, I’ll just leave you two alone to get better acquainted, shall I?”
    She gave us an exaggerated wink and I
flushed lightly as Jamie chuckled before taking a drink of his beer.
    “You’ve been avoiding me, Ms. Jones.”
    “I haven’t,” I protested.  “I’ve been
working my ass off to get this damn party ready in time.”
    “Well, you’ve done a lovely job.”  He
raised his beer bottle and I clinked it lightly with my wine glass.
    “To Ms. Jones.  The best party planner in
the business.”
    “Thank you, Mr. Parker.”  I took a sip of
wine as loud cheering came from the direction of the band.
    “Oh good Lord,” I groaned.  Peter was stripping
off his jacket and unbuttoning the first few buttons of his shirt.  As we
watched, he dropped to the floor and began to break dance to the delight of our
coworkers.
    Jamie took my arm.  “Come on, let’s go
somewhere a little quieter.”
    He led me to the far end of the lobby.  There
was no one near us and I admired the twinkling lights that were strung along
the wall as Jamie stroked my arm lightly.
    “Are you around for the holidays?”  He
asked.  “I thought maybe we could get together for drinks.”
    “Actually, I’ll be out of town.”  I gave
him an apologetic smile.
    “That’s too bad.”  He glanced up and then
gave me an innocent look.  “Well, looks like we’re caught under the mistletoe.”
    I stared up at the small plant twisted
around one of the light fixtures before giving him a suspicious look.  “Did you
move me here on purpose?”
    He grinned.  “Guilty as charged, Ms.
Jones.”
    He put his arm around my waist and drew me
up against his hard body.  “I know you’re dying to find out what it’s like to
kiss this handsome devil.”
    A small smile crossed my face and I closed
my eyes and puckered my lips in an exaggerated pout.
    “Nice.”  He laughed before placing a soft
kiss on my lips.
    I opened my eyes and grinned at him. 
“Merry Christmas, Jamie.”
    He kissed me again, this time with an open
mouth, and I didn’t protest when he slipped his tongue between my lips and
stroked my tongue.  It was a warm and soft kiss and he tightened his arm around
my waist and pulled me closer. 
    As we kissed I couldn’t help comparing his
gentle coaxing kiss to the rough, demanding ones of Aiden.  I preferred
Aiden’s, I thought dimly as Jamie deepened the kiss.  I craved the way he took
my mouth like it was his every right, like he knew exactly how badly I needed
him and what he would –
    “Ms.