Under the Mistletoe

Comfort Embrace

The next day at work, I could feel the tension in the air as I walked through the sleek glass doors of the office. The usual buzz of chatter and ringing phones felt muted, as if everyone sensed the storm brewing. I made my way to my desk, but before I could settle in, Mason’s voice echoed across the floor.

“May, my office. Now.”

A chill ran down my spine. What had happened now? I hurried to his office, my heart racing, Mason sounded angry. As I stepped inside, the door clicked shut behind me, and I was met with Mason’s icy demeanor. He didn’t even look up from his desk as I entered, the air thick with unspoken tension.

“Good morning, Mason,” I said, trying to inject some warmth into the cold atmosphere. My greeting fell flat as he remained silent, his eyes glued to the screen in front of him.

Finally, he slid a tablet across the desk toward me. I glanced down, and my breath caught in my throat. There it was—one of the photos from the news, Ben and I caught in a moment of a passionate kiss on the Ferris wheel.

Before I could gather my thoughts, Mason’s voice sliced through the silence. “Are you kidding me, May? What the hell were you thinking?”

I blinked, stunned. “Mason, I—”

“Are you a spy? Did you think you could just waltz into my life and then date him?” he snapped, his voice rising with each word. “Is that it? You’re feeding information back to him?”

My confusion morphed into frustration. Was he mad? I knew he was stressed since the meeting with Ben but to accuse me. “No! I’m not a spy, Mason! It was just a date! We’re adults who kissed; it’s not a conspiracy!”

Mason’s eyes narrowed, a flicker of disbelief crossing his face. “You told me you weren’t looking to date anyone. I asked you out and you declined, remember?"

I felt my heart race. “I didn’t plan this! Things just happened between us. I didn’t expect to end up on the news!”

“What does he have that I don’t?” Mason asked sternly, his eyes narrowing as he leaned forward in his chair. I felt my fists clench under the desk, frustration bubbling inside me. Was this why he was so angry? He was jealous? “I’m not dating Ben. We went out to dinner, and we kissed a couple of times. That’s it!” I shot back, trying to keep my voice steady despite the heat rising in my cheeks.

Mason’s expression hardened. “Ben? Already on nick names are we? I asked you out a few weeks back, and you declined. I have money too, May. I could support you, give you everything he can. What, just because his wallet’s a bit bigger than mine?”

I stared at him in disbelief, my heart pounding. “I am not dating anyone at the moment! And you’re my boss! I’m not mixing my work life with my personal life!” The words felt like a lifeline, a desperate attempt to reclaim some control over the spiraling situation.

Mason leaned back, arms crossed, his jaw tight. “You’re playing with fire, May. You’re in this position because of the choices you made. You could have had something more stable with me, and instead, you’re risking everything on a guy who’s probably just looking for a fling.”

“You can’t be serious, Mason. I’m doing my job, I havent done anything wrong.”

But just as quickly as his anger had flared, a strange calm washed over him. He leaned back in his chair, a contemplative look creeping into his eyes. “Wait a minute. Maybe we can turn this to our advantage.”

I stared at him, completely baffled. “What do you mean?”

“Think about it. You could use this situation,” he said, a calculating smile beginning to form. “If you play it right, you could get Benjamin to sign over shares to the company. He’s a billionaire; he has the resources we need.”

My jaw dropped. “You want me to manipulate him into giving us shares? Are you serious?”

Mason leaned forward, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. “You said it yourself: you’re adults. If he cares about you, he’ll listen. This could be a game-changer for us.”

I shook my head, the shock of his suggestion washing over me like ice water. “Mason, I’m not going to exploit my feelings for him.”

“Are you really that naive?” he shot back, the edge returning to his voice. “This is a golden opportunity, May. Don’t throw it away. You either do this, or you risk losing your job.”

I felt trapped, caught between my instincts and Mason’s cold pragmatism. The room felt smaller, the weight of his expectation pressing down on me. I didn’t know what to say, my mind racing as I tried to process this dramatic turn of events. I had just been approved for my new apartment the other day, and if I lost my job now, I’d only be able to pay rent for a few more months. I had only signed the papers yesterday and ordered furniture to be delivered.

Mason leaned back in his chair, a calculating look in his eyes. “You’re in a precarious position, May. You need this job, and you know it. The company needs those shares, and you have an in with him. Use it.”

I shook my head, my heart pounding. “That’s not who I am, Mason.”

He scoffed, his expression hardening. “Forget about your feelings; it’s about survival. The business world is ruthless, and you need to be too. You think Benjamin is going to care about your little romantic escapade when it comes to business? He’ll see you as a tool, and you need to use that to your advantage.”

I swallowed hard, trying to suppress the anger rising within me. “No. That’s unethical, Mason.”

He leaned forward, his voice low but intense. “Ethics don’t matter in this game. You want to keep your job, don’t you? Then you need to act. Benjamin has connections and resources that could elevate us. Don’t let your emotions cloud your judgment.”

I felt a wave of nausea wash over me. Mason’s cold, calculating demeanor was suffocating, and I couldn’t ignore the knot of anxiety tightening in my chest. “No," my voice weaker then what I wanted.

“Why not?” Mason pressed, his voice sharp. “You’re already in this situation. It’s not like you’re going in blind. You know what he wants, and if he cares about you, he’ll be open to it.”

My mind raced, torn between my dignity and morals or the looming threat of losing my job and starting from scratch, again. I could feel the walls closing in, the pressure mounting. “I won't do it Mason. I applied to work here to prove myself and my abilities."

He crossed his arms, his expression unyielding. “Grow up May. You will never make it in this world with that pathetic motto. I’m giving you a chance to turn this around. You either make the most of it, or you risk everything. Think about it: this could be the boost you need in your career. You want to be successful, right?”

Success. The word echoed in my mind, but at what cost? As much as I wanted to fight back, the reality of my situation loomed large. I couldn’t afford to lose everything I had worked for.

But I knew I couldn't do that to Ben. “No,” I stated firmly, rising from the chair, my resolve hardening. “I’m not doing that. I won’t destroy someone else’s hard work just because you don’t understand how to navigate the business world to achieve success.”

As I turned to leave, Mason slammed his hands down on the table, making me jump. “Listen here, May. I’m not giving you a choice. You make this deal for us, or else,” he growled, his voice low and threatening.

I shook my head, tears prickling at the corners of my eyes. “Too late, I quit,” I whispered, the words slipping out before I could second-guess myself.

Without waiting for his response, I bolted from the office, my heart pounding in my chest. I hurried down the stairs, desperate to escape the suffocating atmosphere. Once outside, I quickly called a cab, my hands shaking as I rattled off the address to my new apartment.

As the car pulled away from the curb, I glanced back through the rear window. There was Mason, his face twisted in anger, swearing and throwing his hands up in exasperation. A mix of relief and fear washed over me. I had stood my ground, but now I felt the weight of uncertainty bearing down on me.

The cab sped through the streets, soon enough we were out the front of my new apartments block. I made my way up to my apartment, opening the door and stepping inside. The smell of fresh paint mixed with the newness of the furniture filled the air. I wandered into the open living lounge room and sank onto the couch that had just been delivered today. Being on the second floor, the view outside my windows wasn’t the best, just a glimpse of the building across the street, but it was mine.

As I settled in, I felt the weight of everything crash over me. Tears began to flow freely, and I glanced down at my phone, ready to call Ben, but I hesitated. Instead, I dropped my phone onto the couch and let my sadness wash over me. I had a brand-new apartment, yet I felt like I would only be here for a fleeting nine months. Thank God I paid six months in advance when I signed. It gave me some breathing room to find a new job—hopefully one that would allow me to keep my apartment.

After letting my emotions run their course, I finally picked up my phone again, but froze as I saw the timer counting up on my call to Ben. My heart raced as I gently raised it to my ear, but there was nothing but silence. Swallowing hard, I hung up, mortified. Had he heard me crying? Oh God, how embarrassing.

Just then, a loud knock on my door made me jump. I quickly stood, racing to the kitchen sink to splash cold water on my face, hoping to compose myself before answering. I took a deep breath, trying to steady my racing heart, and made my way to the door.

When I opened it, I gasped. There stood Ben, his face set in a hard expression, his clothes rumpled as if he had rushed over. His eyes quickly scanned me, taking in the tear-stained cheeks and puffy eyes. My mouth opened and closed, unable to comprehend what was happening.

Without a word, Ben stepped forward, and before I knew it, I collided gently into his strong chest. He wrapped his arms around me, pulling me into a warm embrace that felt like a shield against the chaos of the world outside. I hugged him back tightly, allowing myself to sink into the comfort of his presence as he guided me inside.

He sat us down on the couch, his hand rubbing my back in soothing circles until the tension began to ease. “You okay now?” he murmured quietly, his voice low and calming. I felt the familiar blush creep across my cheeks, a mixture of embarrassment and warmth.

“Sorry. Um, how did you know where I lived?” I asked, confusion lacing my words.

Ben gave me a half-smile, one that held a hint of mischief. “I have my ways, May,” he answered, his eyes scanning my face with concern. “Is this about the news?”

I shook my head, feeling the tears prick at my eyes again. “No, not that.” I took a deep breath, trying to steady myself. “Nice place, by the way. Mason must be paying you well,” he grumbled, his tone shifting slightly.

At his comment, a tear slipped down my cheek. “Don’t get too attached. I lost my job today,” I muttered, my voice barely above a whisper as I fought to keep my composure.

“What? Mason fired you? I doubt that,” Ben pried, his brow furrowing as he leaned closer, scanning my eyes for the truth.

“No, he did. It was either use our ‘relationship’ to get shares or lose my job,” I said, finger-quoting the word and feeling the weight of the betrayal wash over me.

Ben’s expression hardened, and I could see the anger simmering beneath the surface. “That pompous weasel,” he growled under his breath, his jaw tightening. “Don’t worry, May. You can work for me. Mason didn’t deserve your brains and expertise. I’d give it three years before his company goes bankrupt,” he added with a grin that was both reassuring and defiant.

I couldn’t help but give a small laugh at his confidence, the sound breaking through the heaviness that had settled over me. “You really think so?”

“Absolutely,” he replied, his expression softening. “Mason’s too focused on his own agenda. Too concerned for the next big million dollar contract and not seeing the benefits of the smaller ones."

Ben’s expression turned serious as he faced me, his tone blunt and straightforward. “I’m sorry about the news, May. I should have known I couldn’t just take you out without some sort of story getting out. That’s my fault. But next time we go out, I’ll make arrangements to keep it quiet.”

His matter-of-factness caught me off guard, and I felt my cheeks color. “Next time?” I whispered, my heart racing at the thought.

“Yes, our next date,” he said with a grin, his confidence radiating.

I fumbled over my words, the reality of the situation settling in. “But I… we can’t date if I’m working for you,” I stammered, uncertainty creeping in.

Ben shook his head, dismissing my concerns. “We’ll keep it professional in the office. That won’t change.”

I nodded shyly, the weight of the situation pressing down on me. “Keep it a secret,” I stated, almost pleading.

His expression darkened slightly. “Hell no. My employees will know you’re mine. Are you ashamed of me?” His voice shifted from confident to offended, and I felt a rush of panic.

“No, no, no! Nothing like that,” I rushed to explain. “I just meant… how would they treat me or think of me dating you?”

He softened, shaking his head. “They’ll treat you with respect, just like they do with every other co-worker. And who cares what they think? I know this might be a shock, but some will be jealous and envious. I can’t control that. All I know is I enjoy spending time with you and want to be near you.”

His words sent my heart hammering in my chest. I felt the same pull toward him, the desire to be close, to share this connection. Ben reached out, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear, his fingers lingering before stroking my cheek. His eyes were glued to my lips, and I could see the intensity darkening in his gaze.

“f**k, I don’t know how to explain it,” he murmured, his voice dropping to a husky rasp. “But I’m drawn to you.”

I felt a rush of heat at his confession, and as he began to pull back, instinct took over. I quickly grabbed his tie, tugging him toward me until his lips met mine. The kiss ignited a spark, a rush of electricity that coursed through me. I melted against him, savoring the moment, feeling the world around us fade away.