Oops, I slept With The Boss

Chapter 2

December 21st – 5:43 PM

Holly arrived at the Hardy Enterprises Christmas party venue with just over an hour before the official start time, her coat buttoned tightly to her chin despite the warmth of the hotel ballroom. She'd promised Janet from Accounting she'd help set up, and a promise was a promise, even on the day her relationship imploded.

"Holly! Thank goodness you're here," Janet called, waving from across the ballroom where she stood surrounded by boxes of decorations. "The catering staff is running behind, and we need all these centerpieces arranged."

"Ready and happy to help," Holly replied, making her way through the half-decorated space. The hotel ballroom was slowly transforming with thousands of twinkling lights, elaborate ice sculptures, and festive greenery.

"You didn't have to keep your coat on," Janet remarked, eyeing Holly's bundled appearance. "It's warm in here."

Holly clutched the lapels of her coat tighter. "I'm a bit chilly, actually. Poor circulation."

The truth was, she wasn't ready to reveal Darcy's red dress... not yet at least. The transformation her roommates had orchestrated felt like armor she wasn't prepared to don until absolutely necessary. For now, hiding behind her practical winter coat felt safer.

"Suit yourself," Janet shrugged. "Start with these centerpieces. Each table gets one arrangement and three candles."

For the next hour, Holly threw herself into the task, grateful for the distraction. With each centerpiece she arranged, each string of lights she untangled, she worked, trying not to think too much.

"You're still wearing that coat?" Janet asked, appearing at her elbow with two glasses of champagne as setup neared completion. "The heating in here is cranked to tropical so the ladies can wear sleeveless dresses. You must be roasting."

Holly accepted the champagne gratefully. "I'm fine, really."

"Well, you've been a lifesaver," Janet declared, raising her glass. "Cheers to friends who show up when needed, and a job well done."

"Unlike certain unfaithful boyfriends," Holly murmured, then downed her champagne in one swallow.

Janet's eyebrows shot up. "Trouble in paradise?" She’d talked to Janet about Toby.

"Paradise was a mirage," Holly replied, setting down the empty glass. "Turns out Toby has a fiancée I knew nothing about. He made me feel like a bloody fool."

"That absolute weasel!" Janet gasped. "Today? You found out today?"

Holly nodded, fighting the lump forming in her throat. "Just before I got ready. When she answered his phone."

"Oh, honey." Janet squeezed her arm. "And you still came to help set up? You're either a saint or a masochist."

"Maybe both," Holly admitted with a weak smile.

"Well, you are better off without him. Guests will be arriving any minute," Janet said, glancing at her watch. "Why don't you take a moment to freshen up? And maybe lose the coat before you pass out from heatstroke?"

Holly hesitated, then nodded. "You're right. I should..." Because Janet was right—it was warm in here.

In the ladies' room, Holly stared at her reflection. Her makeup was still impeccable thanks to Darcy's expert application, only her eyes betrayed the emotional upset of today. Taking a deep breath, she unbuttoned her coat and slipped it off, letting it fall to her elbows, turning this way and that to look at herself.

The woman in the mirror was almost unrecognizable, curves accentuated by the clinging red fabric with its daring neckline, her legs elongated by the dress's hem that stopped just above her knees. Darcy's work had transformed her from invisible filing clerk to someone who would draw attention.

"This is for you," Holly told her reflection firmly. "Not for Toby. Not for anyone else."

With newfound determination, she folded her coat over her arm and returned to the ballroom, which was now filling with guests in cocktail attire. Holly felt eyes on her as she moved through the crowd, the attention both thrilling and terrifying.

She grabbed another glass of champagne from a passing server and downed it quickly, liquid courage to face the night ahead. If she kept them coming, she would be fine.

"Slow down there, Thompson," Janet appeared at her elbow, eyes wide as she took in Holly's transformation. "The night is young. And holy hell, where have you been hiding that dress? And that figure?"

"Under sensible cardigans, flat shoes, and self-doubt," Holly replied, her lips quirking into a small smile.

Janet looked her up and down appreciatively. "Well, if your goal was to make Toby regret his life choices, mission well and truly accomplished. You look absolutely stunning."

"Thanks," Holly said, accepting another champagne from a passing server. "Just hope the asshole doesn't turn up, he was my plus one."

Janet patted her arm. "Well, if he does, he is going to be sorry."

At the front of the room, a stage had been set up. The executive team was assembling, led by Conner Hardy himself. Holly had seen the CEO from afar before, but tonight he commanded attention in a perfectly tailored tuxedo, his broad shoulders and powerful presence drawing every eye in the room.

"Is it just me, or does Mr. Hardy look especially edible tonight?" Janet whispered.

"Janet!" Holly hissed, but she couldn't disagree. Conner Hardy was undeniably attractive, with his intense gray eyes and the hint of silver at his temples despite only being in his early thirties.

"What? I'm married, not dead," Janet laughed. "Besides, everyone knows he's as cold as ice. Married to the company. The man probably schedules time to breathe, let alone time to fuck."

Holly covered her mouth to stifle a laugh, accepting yet another glass of champagne from a server. The alcohol was beginning to warm her from the inside out, blurring the edges of her heartbreak.

Conner stepped to the microphone, and the room fell silent.

"Good evening, everyone." His voice was deep, authoritative. "Thank you for another exceptional year at Hardy Enterprises."

As he launched into his speech, Holly found herself mesmerized. There was something magnetic about him, a gravity that pulled at her even from across the room. She took another sip of champagne, then another. She began to wonder what he looked like naked.

"And now," Conner continued, "I'm pleased to announce this year's bonuses."

A rustle of excitement went through the crowd.

"Due to our record-breaking fourth quarter, all employees will receive a twenty percent bonus, to be paid before Christmas."

The room erupted in cheers. Twenty percent was unheard of, especially for someone at Holly's level. It would mean she could actually buy Sage and Darcy real Christmas gifts, maybe even pay down some of her student loans.

As the celebration continued, Holly found herself at the bar, ordering something stronger than champagne. Three drinks in, the pain of Toby's betrayal had dulled to a distant ache, replaced by a reckless sort of freedom. She could do whatever, or whomever, she liked. She didn't answer to anyone.

"Another," she said to the bartender, sliding her empty glass across the counter. She knew spirits were bad for her—they went to her head faster.

"I think you've had enough," a deep voice said beside her.

Holly turned, a retort ready on her lips, and found herself looking up into the steel-gray eyes of Conner Hardy.

"Excuse me?" she managed.

"I said," he repeated, leaning closer, "I think you've had enough to drink, Miss…?"

She supplied automatically. "Holly."

"Holly, is that some kind of joke?"

"You think my name is a joke?"

Conner tilted his head and looked at her. "Sorry, I thought with the time of year… I thought for a moment you were making a joke. Let me guess, your birthday is any day now? I mean, had it been after Christmas, it's more likely you would have been named Eve, but then again, we do have Christmas Eve."

Was he being an ass on purpose?

"Actually, my birthday is Christmas Eve," Holly replied, lifting her chin defiantly. "My parents thought they were being clever."

Something flickered in Conner's eyes, surprise, perhaps, or amusement. "Well, that's... festive." His gaze swept over her, lingering on the red dress that hugged her curves. "As is your attire."