Heating Up the Holidays 3-Story Bundle(12)

“Thanks,” I say, already turning.

“Ms. Miller,” she says, drawing my attention again.

“Yes?”

“I’m Maggie, and Mr. Ward reminded me that I am only cranky once a month and occasionally during a crisis. Lucky you got both in one day. I’m sorry and thank you for trying to cover my ass.”

I gape. “He said that to you?”

“Well, I said that to him on another occasion. He just repeated it. Welcome on board. I promise to show you I mean it soon.”

I’m confused all over again about my boss, who Natalie has painted as a monster but is now portrayed as thoughtful and involved with his employees. “Thank you, Maggie. And everything is fine with me, so don’t worry about it. But I better run.”

“Yes, of course. Go. I’ll set up the email and bring it and your paperwork to you.”

I rush out of the door and don’t stop until I am shut inside the empty elevator. Staring at the floors dinging by, I am transported to another elevator ride and that moment when Mr. Ward’s body first absorbed mine, and I can almost feel the heat that rushed through me. I squeeze my eyes shut with the memory of his hardness cradling my body and decide that, while I am confused about most everything right now, my attraction to my boss is crystal clear. And if I don’t find a way to get it under control, it will be obvious to him and everyone else, too.

* * *

“Where have you been?” Dana demands when I exit into the lobby of the corporate offices.

“Human resources,” I say, and I don’t stop. My cell starts ringing and I dig it from my purse as I add, “I need to handle something for Mr. Ward.”

“Hello?” I say, answering the call.

“Are you there yet?”

“No. Not yet. I can email it from my personal account if I need to.”

“That’s okay. Just try to find the files. Where are you?”

“Walking in to your office.” I open the door and flip on the light, and the scent of him rushes over me. I shiver with the impact but shove past it, ignoring the seating area. I round the conference table to my left, heading for the massive black-and-glass desk at the center of the room.

“Are you at my desk?”

“Sitting down now,” I say, setting my briefcase and purse on the floor and letting the cushy leather absorb me. “Let me put you on speaker.” I hit the button and then say, “Okay. Where do I look?”

“Left drawer, in a file marked New York Ventures.”

I thumb through the files. “Got it.”

“Perfect. This is highly confidential. I want it sent on our server and email. I have a scanner attached to my computer, so power up.”

“I have your email and documents,” Maggie announces at the door.

“Oh, good,” I say. “Thank you. Can I bring you the documents in a bit? I just need the email immediately.”

She rushes forward and, oddly, Mr. Ward says nothing, like he doesn’t want her to know he’s on the line. “Here’s the email.” She opens her folder and pulls out a sheet of paper. “If you want to power up, I’ll show you how to log in.”

“Yes, please.” I punch a button of the computer, and for Mr. Ward’s benefit I say, “Powering up now.” Maggie’s gaze lands on the report on the desk, lingering a bit too intently it seems, and I get a funny feeling deep in my gut. She’s been around a lot longer than me so this shouldn’t bother, but it just feels like she’s being nosy. I shut the file and frown at the flashing green light on the computer screen. “What do I do now?”

Maggie motions to the computer. “Key in your first and last name.”

“Where?” I ask, thinking I must be blind or doing something wrong.

Frowning, Maggie comes around the desk, and her eyes go wide. “Oh. Oh, my. That’s not good.”

“What’s not good?” Mr. Ward demands.

Maggie jumps and presses her hand to her chest. “Mr. Ward. I didn’t know you were on the phone. The screen is flashing with a green line. I think your computer has crashed.”

“It’s not only his computer,” Dana says, appearing in the doorway. “It’s everyone’s.”

“Call tech support immediately,” Maggie instructs.

“That’s the first thing I did,” Dana quickly assures her. “They said the servers are down and they will be in touch.”

“Take me off speaker,” Mr. Ward orders.

I grab the phone and hit the button, then put it to my ear. “I’m here.”

“Dana knows the airline I charter. Tell her my meeting has been canceled and to get the plane ready within the hour. I’m headed to the airport.”