Holiday Bridal Wave - Gwyn McNamee Page 0,44

was the best decision that I have ever made. Really, there wasn’t even a choice.”

“We aren’t in the same situation, Art. You had a family that needed you. You had options that I don’t have.”

I’ve always worked for Warren Enterprises. This life is the only one I know. Artie had his law degree and the ability to use that any way he wanted. I have my business degree and a talent for corporate takeovers.

Where is that going to get me?

Artie sighs his frustration down the line. “Archie, don’t overlook the one thing, the one person, who could make you happiest. You should at least talk with Blaire. See where she stands. You never know what could be if you don’t try.”

His words offer no comfort. Only more confusion. “Okay, Art. Thanks. I’m going to go. I need to figure this out. I’ll talk to you later.”

“Archie, you already know what you need to do.”

The line goes dead, and I toss my phone onto my desk so I can scrub my hands down my face.

He makes it sound so easy. It’s not. He never gave a shit about Warren Enterprises. Not like me. It was always his to have by birthright. He never knew what it felt like to want this company with everything you have and know it would never happen. But now that I’m so close, I can’t let it go.

Artie is right about one thing, though. I do need to talk to Blaire. She’s the one real thing in my day-to-day life. That is definitely worth protecting, even if it’s never anything but her being the best damn assistant in the world.

Chapter 15

BLAIRE

I can’t believe I just stormed out of work like that, but I couldn’t stay there one more second. Archie’s refusal to even acknowledge something happened under the mistletoe was the last straw on an already hectic workday.

If I had stayed, I would have said or done something I would have regretted. Something that would have cost me a job I very much need.

I pull the cork from my favorite bottle of red wine and pour myself a hefty glass.

This day calls for it.

Wine in hand, I head toward my favorite chair in the living room, right next to the glittering Christmas tree. I set down my glass before I plop onto the comfy cushions and drag out my e-reader.

There’s nothing like getting lost in a good romance novel after a long, difficult day. Unlike the real world, the characters are guaranteed a happily ever after, and the men always come around instead of acting like arrogant assholes.

The knock at the door interrupts the first line I try to read.

Who in the world could that be?

I throw off the blanket from my lap, drop the e-reader onto the couch, and make my way toward the door. I’m not expecting anyone, and with all the creeps and weirdos in New York City, it pays to be cautious. I lift up onto my tiptoes to look through the peephole. My heart stops, and my breath catches.

Archie? What’s he doing here?

Maybe he came to fire me. I wouldn’t be surprised.

I glance down at myself. Archie has never seen me in anything but work attire, but I’m not taking the time to change out of my leggings, tank top, and cardigan just to look appropriate for my boss, who I’m probably just going to argue with anyway.

It’s best to just get this over with. Like ripping off a Band-Aid. I swing open the door with a scowl. My RBF is solid. “What are you doing here? Was there something I needed to do before I left work?”

He leans casually against the door jamb, his hands tucked into his pockets, and if I didn’t want to throttle him so much, I might find him extremely attractive right now.

“Blaire, can we talk?”

I prop my hands on my hips. “I thought we already did that. What could you possibly have to say, Archie?”

He sighs deeply while looking down at his shoes like the answers lie there at his feet. When he raises his eyes to meet mine again, the blue there has softened. “That I’m sorry.”

“Sorry for what, exactly?”

Ignoring my feelings? Making me feel like I didn’t matter? Or one of the other myriad reasons I’m so pissed off at him right now?

His gaze travels from my face down to my breasts. I peek down to see my nipples hard and pointing straight at him.

Damn, not wearing a bra.

I pull my cardigan tighter