Free Kisses on Her Christmas List by Susan Meier Page A

“She’ll just come with us.”
    Since she’d promised herself she would distance herself from Rory and Finley, Shannon didn’t argue that Finley would be bored. Instead, she set her briefcase on her desk then led the Wallaces into the hall again.
    â€œAccounting is in the suite closest to the door. Buyers are in the next suite. Advertising and PR are in the third suite and the human resources department is on the fifth floor. They need extra space for testing and continuing education so they have half the floor. The cafeteria has the other.” She met Rory’s gaze. “So where to first?”
    With a quick glance down at Finley, he said, “Let’s just stay behind the door for as long as we can.”
    Understanding that he didn’t want to take Finley out into the decorations and music until he had to, Shannon said, “How about buyers then?”
    â€œSounds great.”
    She led Rory and Finley to the first door and opened it onto a narrow office with a row of desks that led to an executive office in the back. Papers were everywhere. Invoices, catalogues, samples.
    Shannon faced him. “I’m sure you’re not surprised that we’re finalizing our spring merchandise.”
    He laughed. “Not in the least.”
    She stopped at the first desk. “Lisa, Robbie, Jennifer, Bill…” All four employees glanced up at her. “This is Rory Wallace. He’s our first prospective buyer.”
    Everyone perked up. Superenthusiastic hellos greeted Rory. He stifled a laugh. Everybody was clearly trying to give a good first impression.
    He met Missy McConnell, the head buyer, then Shannon herded him and Finley out of that office and into accounting. Five desks had been crammed into the narrow space and everyone sat staring at a computer screen.
    Having already established a drill, Shannon simply introduced people as she walked by their desks. Though this group looked a little more wary than the enthusiastic buyers, Rory nodded and smiled.
    In department three, advertising and PR, copy layout littered a big table in the center of a much wider main room. Employees sat at drafting table desks. The department head, John Wilder, was just a tad too happy for Rory’s tastes. Finley wasn’t thrilled with him, either.
    â€œSo are you going to sit on Santa’s lap?”
    Finley’s little mouth tuned down into her perfect U frown. “No.”
    â€œAh. Too old for that now, huh?”
    â€œNo, I don’t believe he exists.”
    John laughed, but Finley tugged on Rory’s hand. “I don’t like it here.”
    Rory covered for her with a little laugh. “We’ve been meeting people since we arrived. She’s probably ready for a break.”
    Shannon moved them toward the door. “That’s a great idea.” In the hall, she stooped in front of Finley. “How about if we go up to the cafeteria and have a soda?”
    Her little mouth pulled down even farther. “I want to go home.”
    Shannon shot a glance up at Rory, and he crouched beside Finley. Putting his hands on her shoulders, he said, “I told you this would be boring and you said you didn’t care as long as we went to the beach afterward.”
    Her bottom lip puffed out. “I know.”
    â€œSo you’ve got to keep up your end of the bargain.”
    Her lip quivered. “I don’t have anything to do while you talk.”
    â€œThings will slow down this afternoon and we’ll stay in one department. We’ll find you a chair and you can sit and play on your computer.”
    â€œIt’s noisy when you talk.”
    â€œIt is,” Shannon agreed suddenly. “And lots of those offices don’t have room for an extra chair.”
    Rory glanced up at her, mortified that she was agreeing with Finley, ruining his defense.
    â€œSo why don’t we set you up in my office? Wendy will be right outside the door, if you