All I want for Christmas is...You.

PLANS FOR BRUNCH

NAILA'S POV

“Brunch?” Remy raised a brow.

My fingers flexed around the hem of my shirt. Okay, I had to inform my boss that I wouldn't be available the next day but he didn't look too happy about the newsㅡ a scowl visibly pulled at his lips when he heard Elias's name.

“Yeah…just to discuss some stuff.” I shrugged like it was something casual.

The look of irritation on his face didn't falter. “And is that supposed to be professional, Naila?”

My brow raised and I folded my arms this time. “What's that supposed to mean?”

I wasn't seeing things. Remy Sterling was actually…jealous. Of Elias? No way.

He ran a hand through his hair for the umpteenth time, looking conflicted. “If you needed some air, you could have let me know, Naila. I would have taken you out on the date.”

That made me pause and frown. “It's not a date.” I corrected.

“Sure it's not.” He scoffed under his breath.

Oh f**k him.

“Look, I couldn't turn him down. Not after what happened earlier. The last thing we need is him getting mad or anything.”

My words didn't seem to make any sense to Remyㅡ If anything, he looked even more pissed. But then, he sighed, “Whatever, if you go for the date, keep an eye on him. Let me know if he makes any weird comments, he's not too trustworthy.”

That made me pause.

Wait a second.

I was supposed to play cop or something? Anger flared in my veins and I fixed my gaze on him. “I'd have to decline, sir. I'm not going out for brunch to play business politics.”

That touched a nerve. His gaze darkened and he was suddenly taking a step closer to me. “It's already business politics, you just admitted that you're going on the brunch because you know his bad mood is bad for business. That's business politics. Unless you have some other reason why you're doing this?”

He was close. Way too close. But I didn't back down once. I didn't even know when the words slipped out. “Yeah, he's my ex anyways so this is a good time to rekindle anything between us. Not like there's a rule against that.” I huffed.

His eyes widened and I suddenly realized that I shouldn't have revealed that. “Ex?”

My jaw tightened and I refused to give him the satisfaction of getting any answers from me. “Forget it.”

Suddenly, he was crossing the remaining distance between us as his strong hand gripped my wrist, holding me in place. “Naila.” He snapped, pulling me closer to himself.

The sudden movement made me stagger but he held me tighter, careful not to do anything to disorient me.

“Oh godㅡ” I felt a wave of dizziness hit me, just as the look on his face morphed into one of concern.

“You okay?” He was suddenly looking confused. “Naila?” His grip loosened and his thumb rubbed slow circles on my hand.

“I'm fine…” I gagged slightly as my stomach churned.

We were close. Way too close. And he wasn't making any effort to back away.

Still trying to catch my breath, I slowly looked up at himㅡ wrong f*****g move.

His eyes were dark with concern, lips tight as he looked down at me. My heart jumpedㅡ a stupid little thing that made me finally snap out of it.

I jerked my hand away and straightened. “I'm fine. Just caught off guard. Don't ever do that again.”

For a second, he looked like he was about to argue. Then, he nodded and stepped back, shoving his hands into his pockets.

“Understood.” A pause. Thenㅡ “I shouldn't have…reacted that way… I apologize. Your personal life is none of my business.”

He sounded closed off. Resigned. Detached. And I hated the way my stomach churned at the realization.

It didn't matter.

*********

Warm water cascaded down my back, a rough sigh slipping out my lips as I turned off the shower.

Finally.

I could get ready for bed and forget everything that happened today.

Remy had been silent for the most of the day. It was almost like he was avoiding all the places where we would bump into each other.

Whatever.

I reached for my bathrobe and froze. s**t. It wasn't here.

With a groan, I grabbed the large fuzzy towel instead, wrapping it around my frame before stepping out of the bathroom quietly.

I was just going to slip into my dressing room andㅡ

“What are you doing here?” A very familiar voice had me stopping in my tracks as soon as I stepped out of the bathroom.

Lila?

I froze like a deer caught in headlights as I realized that I wasn't alone in the room.

Remy. Daniel. Lila. All standing there staring at me with eyes full blown wide.

Oh s**t!

My cheeks heated up and I fought the urge to scramble back into the bathroom.

“I don't understand what's going on here. Didn't you hear me? What are you doing here? Taking your bath here?” Lila snapped, getting closer.

My fingers curled at the edge of the towel and my eyes met Remy. He was staring transfixed, not even paying Lila any heed. It was like he was slowly ripping the piece of fabric off in his head, I suddenly felt naked in their presence despite the thick towel wrapped around me.

Daniel coughed and looked away. “Sorry, Mr Sterling didn't let us know he had a…guest.”

My cheeks flushed. “Oh.”

Remy seemed to snap out of it. “Right. Ughㅡ Calm down. Since she's my executive, I booked the suite for us both. She sleeps here too. Surely you didn't think I booked a suite to stay alone, did you?” He turned to Lila who looked scandalized. “I think that's enough for the day. Thanks for coming over and I'll keep your suggestions in mind. Good night.”

Lila didn't look like she wanted to leave. Far from it.

Oh, we could switch places alright.

I wouldn't mind that.

Daniel tugged at her sleeves, giving her a warning glance before he pulled her out of the room, shutting the door behind them.

“You didn't have to come out in…that. You could have asked me to get you a towel.” His voice was gruff as he looked away to allow me have a bit of dignity.

“Yeah well, when you're staying with someone, you should really let them know if you're having visitors over, okay? And I didn't need you to explain it to Lila, sir. I had it under control.”

His jaw ticked but he didn't look at me. “Sure, you did.”

My heart raced in my chest as I thought back to Lila.

Something told me this wasn't the end of this conversation.