Claimed By My Boss

Chapter 3

I look towards the doors that lead to my freedom, but there's a swarm of people between them and me. And each one of those people is transfixed on Elijah. If I was to squeeze through the crowd now and leave, it would be painfully obvious. So I resign to hearing what he has to say. And then I'm leaving for sure.

"As you are all aware, every year at our much loved Christmas party, we have a gift for the most valued team member of the year. A lot of thought and consideration goes into choosing the winner each year. You are all so great that it is always a hard task, so if it's not your year this year, keep working hard and your time will come." He winks to the crowd, then looks at me. "So, without further ado, the winner of this year’s Christmas gift and therefore, most valued team member of 2024, is ... Grace Jefferson!"

"f**k sake!" I mutter as the room erupts into applause.

"Grace, please come up here and collect your well deserved gift." Elijah chirps with a fake politeness.

I reluctantly walk to the small stage that Elijah stands upon. Those I pass congratulate me and wish me well. I feel like telling them to calm down, it's probably a box of chocolates. But when I reach Elijah, he has a nicely decorated and wrapped basket in his hands. So some fancy chocolates then?

"Well done, Grace." He smiles as he hands me the basket. "Enjoy your gifts."

"Thank you." I scan his face for any sign of regret or embarrassment about what happened outside. But nothing. It may as well have never happened.

"Be careful, Grace. I'll be seeing you."

"See you Monday." I reply, my words trailing after him as he leaves me confused once more. Standing alone on the stage.

I truly am tired now. I find Sophia and say goodbye without giving her much of a chance to convince me to stay. I make it outside and wait in the snow for a taxi. I hug my basket, curious as to what all the little gifts are. Only right that I got employee of the year, I bust my ass in that place every day without so much as a thank you! The taxi ride home takes longer than it should because of the snow that is now a few inches deep. I spend the half hour in the car dodging the small talk on offer. Instead, I lean my head against the window and close my eyes, acting too tired to talk. I am too tired to talk. Not that that matters to my mother. She is in front of me as I close the front door and kick off my shoes. I groan in relief.

"I wasn't expecting you home this early! How was it? What's that you've got there?"

"Hey, mom. It was fine. Sophia came in the end, so it wasn't dreadful, and I won a prize for most valued employee." I lift the basket in explanation.

"Oh my! That's so wonderful, Grace. You really are so special, my girl. Well, aren't you going to open it?" My mom seems more excited about the gift than me.

"Maybe tomorrow, mom. I'm pretty exhausted. I just want to go to bed."

"Alright, lovey. You have a good sleep. Love you."

"Love you, mom." I kiss her on the cheek and stomp up the stairs feeling heavy.

I plop the basket on my bed and get into the fluffiest pyjamas I own. By the time I clean my face and tie my hair into a high bun, I look like a different person. Some couch goblin compared to the glamour of before. Although my eyes are heavy and begging for slumber, I can't help but open the basket of gifts. It's wrapped in clear plastic with a pretty bow. Several small, individually wrapped gifts lay on gold tissue paper and there's a card with my name on it. I open the card first.

Grace,

I hope this card finds you well. Well done on excelling with Kline & Co these past ten months.

Your work is second to none.

There is a lot more to say, but it would be better said in person.

I look forward to us getting to know each other a lot better.

Merry Christmas,

Elijah.

I stare at the card dumbfounded. His familiar handwriting now looks neat and fancy. What does he mean by get to know each other better? And what could he possibly have to say to me in person? Was he planning that kiss? Maybe he's just another pervert like old Bernard. I put the card in the envelope and stuff it into my drawer. I don't want my mother seeing that and asking another hundred questions.

I pick up a small box and admire the navy and gold wrapping before ripping it open. A small box. A piece of paper falls out as I lift the lid. It reads "You'll find me on the top floor, park 1A." The work carpark. It's a damn car key inside! I cover my mouth to ensure I don't scream. This cannot be real. No way in hell! It would explain why everyone was so happy for me. But how hasn't anyone mentioned this kind of thing before? Does every winner get a car?

Putting the key back in the box, I open the next one. I gasp in awe at the sheer sparkle coming from the diamond necklace looking up at me. The diamond is crescent-shaped, set in silver on a delicate chain. It's stamped 18ct wg and 1ct. So it's a real diamond and 18 carat white gold!! I hate how much I love it. I hate that Elijah has managed to amaze me this way.

The next parcel is a beautiful leather-bound journal and a fountain pen with my name etched into the side. Stunning. There was thought and planning that went into this. So, why then did he kiss me and make things weird? More weird. The last gift is another small box holding a key. A random key on a key-ring that is the initial G. For Grace. A lot of thought here. On the inside of the box's lid, a note: All will be explained in time.

I shake my head in utter confusion. I hide that key with the card in my drawer. There would be a million questions asked that I am unable to answer about that one. This is so, so weird.

I toss and turn in bed for what feels like hours. My brain is completely boggled trying to figure out what that key might be for. Probably a key to the offices so he can ask me to open. I laugh to myself. That would be a crappy gift! My memory slides back to that kiss. How unexpected it was, how... hot. When sleep finally consumes me, I dream of Elijah.