A Winter Romance

[DANI DRAKE]

Dani couldn’t let her feelings die. She’d tried so hard over the last few weeks to keep Sam from making her heart jump at every turn, but it was impossible. The friendlier they became, the more she wanted to become more than friends. Her day was instantly better with just a glimpse of Sam by this point. They often ate lunch together and Sam had kept his promise to go riding with her when he was able. Of course, no one but Jonah knew the extent of their friendship. It was better that way and Dani was well aware of it. That was why she was trying with all of her might to kill her budding infatuation with the man; yet it was so natural, so easy to fall for him, and she was beginning to grow weary of fighting it. So she silently enjoyed his warm smiles and dreamt of his soft green eyes. She wouldn’t even consider the possibility that he reciprocated her feelings. It would only hurt her further.

Thankfully, there was some distraction with the planning of the annual holiday party. Their building happened to house a beautiful conference room that could be converted into a classy party space. Everything was sleek oak and gleaming stainless steel with glass tabletops on the expansive round desk that allowed everyone in a meeting to see each other clearly. For the party, Dani was set up a table with a white table cloth draped over it to serve the catered meal of holiday classics—ham and turkey slices, mashed potatoes, stuffing, cranberries, bread, pies, cookies: the works. And best of all for these overworked lawyers, the alcohol was always in abundance. Dani hired a bartender to serve up the top shelf alcohol she rewarded her employees with. In this age of pinching pennies, it was the one day a year that Dani liked to splurge as a way of thanking her employees for all of their hard work. They certainly earned it.

Naturally, since it was an office party, they had to bring business into it. Every employee was encouraged to share their proudest moment throughout the year. This could entail excellent customer service, reaping the rewards of working your ass off on a project, or even a case that made you proud, regardless of the outcome. It was wonderful to hear all of the good her employees did and to see them show pride in their work. Dani loved to make her people happy. The presentation portion of the party was always informal and laidback, giving the feel of telling stories over dinner. She also liked to encourage gift exchange and always bought something nice for her staff, personalizing the gifts as well as she could. Dani liked to know her employees and she felt an individualized gift her staff members would actually want showed how much she appreciated them, something a generic, pretty pen or clock couldn’t do. Jasper insisted it was more work than it was worth, that it showed how young and inexperienced she was in how very friendly the gesture was, but Dani completely disagreed. She hoped she would never get to a point where she would prefer to give boring, general gifts rather than look up presents for each one of her people. The only general gifts she got were prizes for the holiday games they played. Often games would turn into funny conversations, followed by long and drifting conversations. Most years the party lasted well into the evening and it wasn’t uncommon for all employees to pour themselves into cabs so they could make it home in one piece.

This year everything came together smoothly and Dani found herself excited for the festivities. She’d worked hard on presents for everyone, but she was especially excited to give Sam his. Wrapped in a neat stack were three books she thought he would enjoy. One was on the history of British oppression in India, focusing heavily on Gandhi’s work to end that oppression, one a history of India’s law system and how it developed to the present day, and the third a novel she’d read in college by Shusaku Endo about several very different people struggling in their lives but are brought together and healed by a visit to India. She just hoped he hadn’t read any of them yet! As she lay the presents out on a table, the catering staff setting up in the background, she grinned silently to herself in satisfaction. She was like a kid on Christmas day, but not for her own presents—she just wanted to see how other people were with the gifts she was giving!

The click of the door to the wide room caught her attention and she turned to look at who had walked in. It was all of the apprentices, including Sam, and she smiled brightly at them. The emerald green of her blouse brought out more of the green in her twinkling eyes, her black skirt accentuating her figure well without being provocative. She wore a small diamond shaped pendant around her neck, a blood red garnet glittering in the center of a border of diamonds. “Welcome to the party, everyone!” Their eyes travelled around the tastefully decorated room, though she noted Sam’s eyes lingered on her a little longer than anyone else’s. Latoria distracted Dani once more as she shook her raven-haired head. “Girl, you outdid yourself this year!” Dani smiled wider, giggling a little. “You all deserved it!” A group of the junior partners pushed in behind the apprentices and Lee whistled at the spread of food being set out on the table. “That looks so much better than my table looks at Christmas. But don’t tell my wife I said that.” Dani grinned as she made her way over to the elongated, square desk in the middle of the room. “I won’t if you all move out of the doorway. Make yourselves comfortable!” Her eyes caught Sam’s and she discreetly pointed at the seat next to the one she was taking, indicating she was hoping he would sit next to her. They were friends, after all.

[SAM HOLDER]

Things at work were going well for Sam. He was doing well with his apprenticeship, and he felt strongly it had nothing to do with the fact he was friends with his boss. Sure, her liking him may have made things easier, but he was certain his mind and skills were what made him good at his job. He hoped he could continue to impress the senior lawyers so that he might land a real job there in the future, or at the very least gain some excellent letters of recommendation. He worked hard and he stayed late most nights, and as far as he knew there were nothing but words of praise for his performance. It helped that he looked forward to coming to work every day to see his boss. Sam knew he could never pursue anything with Dani, and truth be told the thought of dating was a scary one, not that he thought she was interested anyway. Still, he genuinely enjoyed her company and he has to bashfully admit he liked looking at her. She was beautiful and young, maybe too young for him, and smart. She was also married to her work, which he could appreciate since he was the same way these days. Still, he often found himself looking at her for a bit too long as she passed through the office, blue tooth pressed to her ear, accordion folders stuck under her arm, her high heels click clacking against the floor. It was hard to ignore her, and she made it all but impossible to do so.

Sam struggled with the thought of getting her a gift for the holidays. He didn't intend on buying things for any of his other co-workers and to give something to the boss might be seen as brown nosing. The other apprentices already suspected their friendship since they sometimes chatted at work and when he ended up in her office he stayed for much longer than any of the others. Buying her something might really make them assume things that simply weren't true. But there was a rumor that Dani bought the entire staff presents every year and he didn't want to be empty handed if that were the case. So he decided that he would get her something and keep it hidden in a drawer and give it to her privately if that was the case. If not he had the receipt and he could always return it so as not to look like a fool for giving her a gift. Often he felt he had been over thinking the entire thing. It was just a Christmas present, after all!

The evening of the party Sam made sure to dress a little extra nice. His hair was slicked to the side and his face was freshly shaven. He'd splashed a bit of cologne on and found himself checking his appearance again and again. He dressed nice for work everyday, but going to a party seemed a much more festive occasion. He wore a brown tweed suit, the same color as his hair and freckles, with blue plaid stripes running through it, his vest matching. The tie he wore was the same blue as the stripes, giving him a very old fashioned sort of look. He felt almost silly, but liked the look and it was a bit different than what he normally wore. It had been a gift from his grandfather when he'd gotten the apprenticeship position at Drake's firm, and he had yet to wear it.

Sam was quiet, as usual, around the office as they arrived for the party, making some small talk with coworkers about their holiday plans since they didn't get much time during the day to chit chat. He found he had little to say. He was having dinner with his grandfather and that side of the family and would be leaving shortly after to have dessert with his father, step-mother and sister, who he had heard already pitched two fits about having to stay in with family that night. Apparently there were some "amazing" parties she was missing. When the doors finally opened, Sam got in line to file in with everyone else. The smell hit him as soon as the doors opened, making his mouth water and his stomach grumble appreciatively. Whatever they were having, it smelled incredible. When he finally walked in he eyed the food with hungry eyes, excited about the meal they were having. His favorite things were laid on the table, and all looked like it had come from some gourmet restaurant! It was like a magazine spread. But the thing that caught his eye the most was Dani herself.

All Sam could do was stare at the young woman he swore he wouldn't stare at tonight. Her outfit was sexy and conservative all at the same time, the emerald green of her shirt making her eyes pop in a way he wasn't used to. He swallowed hard as his eyes lingered, hers meeting his and making his cheeks flush slightly as he smiled softly, a greeting. She greeted her guests before Latoria grabbed her attention, reminding Sam it was time to look away. "Jeez, That's a lot of food." Michael whispered next to him, making Sam turn his head and grin wider. "There's a lot of us to eat it." He offered back and the other man grinned. "Yeah, I guess. Still, This wasn't what I expected. Did you know it was going to be sit down like this?" Sam shook his head, looking back towards Dani as she moved towards the table. "No." He said softly. "I'm as surprised as you." Dani caught his eye again and he saw her point towards a chair. It was a quick gesture, one he knew was for his eyes only and he gave a slight nod before turning back to Michael. "Better grab a seat before they're all taken. How about down there?" He suggested and the man nodded, looking around. "Uh, sure. That works." Sam casually made his way down to the spot Dani had pointed to and took a seat, waiting patiently for Dani to finish up whatever she was doing before she came over and sat down beside him. "Do you do this every year?" He asked curiously. "I've never worked anywhere that had a spread like this during the holidays. Not that I've had many jobs like this.." His smile was sweet and slight, feeling a little bashful as he caught himself watching her again. He pulled his eyes away, looking around shyly to see if anyone saw him looking at Dani, but no one seemed to notice or care. Everyone was talking! It was a party, after all.

[DANI DRAKE]

Dani glanced as more of the senior partners made it into the room, Jasper making his way toward her with a big grin. “This might be even better than last year!”[/i] She smiled graciously, her eyes torn between looking at him and watching Sam approach. Her heart fluttered in her throat, finding his old-fashioned sense of style very charming…and distracting. Quickly, she began to pull her chair out and she moved to sit in it while looking at Jasper. “You know I always try to do better the next year!” She’d only been doing this for three years, her brother having planned the parties before her and her father before that. It was a tradition, but she had to admit, her parties were always warmer than any she had been to previously—and she was always required to attend these, even when she was a girl. Taking her seat, she saw Sam had already taken his with the newest member of the staff, Michael. He was younger than Sam and definitely beefier, but he had a kind face with a charming smile. Dani smiled at both men, making herself comfortable. “Do you do this every year?” Sam asked. “I’ve never worked anywhere that had a spread like this during the holidays. Not that I’ve had many jobs like this…” Dani smiled wider at his sweet, bashful grin, his husky voice talking softly like his question was a secret. Of course, Michael looked between the two, obviously curious himself. “I haven’t either.”[/i] She shrugged her shoulders. “I like to go all out for the holidays. Without much of a family to celebrate with, this gives me a chance to celebrate with my work family. It’s also my way of thanking you all for all of the hard work you’ve done here. It’s a tradition for the Drakes to treat their employees to an early Christmas dinner, but I have to say, my parties are the best. All the parties I went to growing up sucked compared to mine.” She grinned playfully, not even noticing Jasper taking his seat next to her.

“I take offense to that! I planned most of those parties until your brother was old enough to do it!”[/i] Dani turned her smile to Jasper and then bit her lip, giving Sam and Michael a dramatically nervous look. When they laughed, so did she, turning her attention back to Jasper. “But now that I think of it, you always did seem very reticent at the parties. You were such a solemn child.”[/i] Because her brother beat her regularly into submission and she was terrified to do something that would set him off. Her back still bore the evidence of what happened when she angered him. Just the memory dampened her mood, the phantom smell of burning flesh making her feel nauseous. To brush off the briefly sad and disturbed look from her face, she patted Jasper’s arm affectionately and forced a smile to her mouth. “Let’s not go into tales about my childhood. I’m afraid you’re going to say something embarrassing.” “Like how adorable you were in your frilly dresses and pigtails?”[/i] Her smile was genuine this time as she looked up at the ceiling in feigned exasperation. “Yes, like that.” Jasper laughed and she did too, looking at Sam and Michael with slightly flushed cheeks. Her eyes darted up to see Jonah slipping into the room. Immediately some of her unease melted away. She always felt safe when Jonah was around, even from dark memories that normally just haunted her dreams.

Her eyes went back to Michael, smiling warmly at him. It was almost funny to see the slight way he tensed whenever she looked at him. He had slightly big ears and they often turned pink when she was around. “What are you doing for the holidays, Michael?” “Going home to see my family in Sacramento.”[/i] Her head tilted to the side slightly as she smiled wider. “Oh, how nice! That’s a gorgeous area.” Michael’s neck was starting to turn pink as he grinned wider too. “It sure is. I’ll be happy to be home again.”[/i] “I’m sure. It’s always nice to be around the people and places you grew up with.” Her eyes turned back to Sam’s, wishing it was just the two of them talking. “And what are you up to for the holidays, Sam? Are you spending Christmas with your family?” She was envious that he had a family to spend the holidays with. His family might not have been perfect, not from his description of them, but his father seemed nice enough, as did his grandfather, and Dani would have given anything to have the same. It was so lonely to have no one at the holidays. All she had was Jonah. She loved the man, but he was so somber—it would have been nice to have somebody to really celebrate with. For a second she wondered what Christmas would be like if she spent it with Sam, but almost immediately wiped that thought away. She knew that wasn’t possible…

[SAM HOLDER]

“I like to go all out for the holidays. Without much of a family to celebrate with, this gives me a chance to celebrate with my work family." Sam felt his cheeks flush slightly. He'd forgotten she didn't really have family, which saddened him. "It’s also my way of thanking you all for all of the hard work you’ve done here. It’s a tradition for the Drakes to treat their employees to an early Christmas dinner, but I have to say, my parties are the best. All the parties I went to growing up sucked compared to mine.” “I take offense to that!" Sam had seen Jasper sit down, but was curious as to his statement. "I planned most of those parties until your brother was old enough to do it!” Sam watched Dani as she gave a playfully nervous look and then eased, smiling and letting out a soft chuckle. How long had Jasper known Dani? “But now that I think of it, you always did seem very reticent at the parties. You were such a solemn child.” His brows furrowed ever so slightly. Was she? Sam found that hard to believe. She was so happy and full of life now. He knew a bit about her past, what little she'd told him, but being a "solemn child" wasn't something he expected. “Let’s not go into tales about my childhood. I’m afraid you’re going to say something embarrassing.” “Like how adorable you were in your frilly dresses and pigtails?” “Yes, like that.” The pair laughed and Sam couldn't help but grin as well, though he felt uneasy about this new found information about young Dani. Maybe because she'd lost her parents so young? That was probably it.

Dani focused her attention back on Sam and Michael, though she directed her questions about holiday plans to Michael. Sam sat and listened quietly, looking around the room as it began to fill up, many of the staff finding seats and getting comfortable. "I’m sure. It’s always nice to be around the people and places you grew up with.” Sam looked back to Dani and Michael, who seemed a little unsure about conversing so easily with his boss. It was sweet in a way. He wasn't nearly as cut throat as some of the other apprentices. “And what are you up to for the holidays, Sam? Are you spending Christmas with your family?” He suddenly felt a little guilty for having family to spend time with over the holidays. He nodded, leaning back and poking at his napkin. "Yes. My grandfathers asked me to come for supper, but I'm leaving right after to have dessert with my father and his family." He left the part out about how they would inevitably end up drinking a bit of wine and playing charades or some other game. His step-mother came from a large family where games were always played on the holidays, which were a very big deal. Most of her family lived in the central U.S. though, so they rarely saw them, but sometimes one or two of her sisters would fly in for Christmas with their families, making it a much bigger affair. Sam didn't think any of them were coming this year. He liked the games, though. They were fun and festive and so very different than the uptight stuffy way his grandfather liked to host the holidays, as if making it boring and lavish would somehow pay more tribute to Jesus or something.

"Nothing too special." He added, not wanting his plans to sound exciting enough to upset her. He thought briefly of inviting her to tag along, at least for dessert, but thought better of it. Michael was still sitting right there and he didn't want the other man to get the wrong idea. He didn't want his family to get the wrong idea, either. Inviting a pretty girl over for the holidays would surely mean they were seeing each other, which wasn't the case. Besides, he was sure Dani wouldn't want a pity invite, anyway. "So, uhh.. do we just dig in, or is there a speech or something first?" He asked looking around at the people still talking, none of the food being touched. He eyed the bar and then turned back to Dani and Michael. "Either of you want a drink before we eat?" He offered, definitely wanting a glass of wine before they started supper.

[DANI DRAKE]

Sam nodded and leaned back, a strange sort of guilty look on his face. Did he think Dani resented him for having a family to spend the holidays with? On the contrary, she was happy for him—she was happy for anyone that had loved ones to spend time with. “Yes, my grandfather’s asked me to come for supper, but I’m leaving right after to have dessert with my father and his family.” Dani smiled wide, giving a soft, “Oh, how nice!” He’d mentioned a bratty little sister and she wondered if the girl would still be bratty on Christmas. Did they look anything alike? Did he look like his father? She was suddenly full of questions about his family that she didn’t think would be appropriate to ask in front of Michael and Jasper. “Nothing too special.” On the contrary, it was special. Even if it was boring being with his grandfather or irritating to be around his little sister, it would all be so precious in hindsight if he lost them. But she wouldn’t lecture him on that score. It wasn’t a point that left her in bitter need of giving a lecture, nor did she feel it was her place to do so. Instead she shrugged and grinned. “Better than what I usually end up doing. I usually order Chinese and marathon Christmas movies.” The men smiled, amused, and she gave a soft giggle.

“So, uhh…do we just dig in, or is there a speech or something first?” Dani smiled. “There are a couple speeches first. But the bar is open.” “Either of you want a drink before we eat?” Sam was very considerate. Michael asked for a Jack and Coke and Dani settled for a glass of white wine. “Bourbon on the rocks for me, please.”[/i] Jasper put in his order without even being asked and Dani smiled over at Sam. He wasn’t going to have enough hands for all those drinks. “I’ll come with you.” They got up and made their way to the bar, falling into step beside each other. “Jasper always assumes you young bloods are asking him what he wants to drink. He’s a little full of himself.” Her smile was playful as she looked up at him. Sam asked how long she’d known Jasper and she suddenly realized she’d never explained their relationship. “I’ve known Jasper all my life.” They reached the bar and she ordered a glass of pinot grigio and Jasper’s bourbon and then let Sam order his and Michael’s drinks. While the bartender went off to make their drinks, she looked back to Sam. “I used to call him Uncle Jasper when I was young. After my parents died, he became mine and my brother’s legal guardian; he also took over the company until my brother was old enough to take it over. Now that my brother’s gone, he still helps me out a lot with running some of the finer details of the firm. He’s arrogant and sneaky, but he’s a good man.” The bartender placed their drinks on the counter and she took hers and Jasper’s while Sam grabbed his and Michael’s. She smiled up at him as they made their way back to the table. “From what you’ve told me about your grandfather, it sounds like they would get along well.” His response made her laugh and she wished there was a way for the two of them to just spend the evening in their own conversation. Alas, being the big boss meant she had to chitchat with everyone.

As Sam and Dani returned to their seats, she took a scope of the room and noticed everyone was in attendance. Jasper nudged her arm gently. “Shall we start?”[/i] Dani nodded and took a sip of her wine, smiling at Sam afterward. “Show time!” she said softly. She pushed herself to her feet and spread her hands to call everyone’s attention. All eyes turned to her and she smiled warmly. “Welcome everybody! I just wanted to say a few words before we get this party started.” Rick, one of the senior partners, whooped loudly, making everyone laugh. She said a few words of thanks for everyone and their efforts throughout the year and what her vision was for next year: more cases, more wins, and maybe a few more staff events because they all worked too hard. “But before we focus too much on the future, I want to look a little bit more at the past year. Like we do every year, I want everyone to come up with something they were particularly proud of this year. Even if you’re new—” At this she looked pointedly at Sam and Michael, making some chuckle and everyone smile while the guys turned two shades of pink. She looked back out at everyone. “I’d like everyone to come up with at least one thing, even if it was just how you brightened a client’s day. So think about that while you’re enjoying food and drinks, if you can. Now, without further ado, let’s eat!” Everyone got to their feet and made for the buffet tables. She fell in line next to Sam and grinned up at him. “Did I embarrass you enough?” she asked playfully.

[SAM HOLDER]

Michael and Dani both told him what they wanted, and just as he was getting up Jasper shot his order out as well. Sam pursed his lips. He hadn't asked JAsper because he thought the man wasn't really in their conversation, but apparently he thought he was. Could he handle four drinks? As it was he wasn't sure he could carry the three. Luckily Dani jumped at the opportunity to help and he smiled at her, relieved she would. “Jasper always assumes you young bloods are asking him what he wants to drink. He’s a little full of himself.” Her smile was playful and Sam laughed softly in return. "It's fine. I didn't know he was even listening to us." He admitted as they strolled together to the bar. "How long have you known Jasper?" He asked curiously since he'd mentioned knowing her as a girl. Must be weird to work with him. “I’ve known Jasper all my life.” It was the direct answer and Sam assumed she didn't want to divulge too much, which he understood. Dani ordered hers and Jaspers drinks and then Sam ordered Michael's and his own, a pinot grigio like Dani. “I used to call him Uncle Jasper when I was young. After my parents died, he became mine and my brother’s legal guardian; he also took over the company until my brother was old enough to take it over. Now that my brother’s gone, he still helps me out a lot with running some of the finer details of the firm. He’s arrogant and sneaky, but he’s a good man.” Sam nodded and smiled. The man was a bit arrogant, but he certainly wouldn't say that. So Jaspe as almost like her adoptive father in a way. He wondered how that worked out for her. "That's cool." He said softly, not sure what else to say. “From what you’ve told me about your grandfather, it sounds like they would get along well.” It made him smile and his gaze fell on hers, his eyes soft as he shrugged. "Two arrogant and sneaky men getting along well? I guess it's possible." His tone was teasing and she gave a laugh which in turn made him laugh.

Sam and Dani returned and sam set Michael's glass down in front of him. Jasper asked if they could begin and Dani smiled. Sam's stomach gave a grumble of relief as if to say finally! Dani got up and called everyone's attention, welcoming them before going on with her speech. She thanked everyone and gave them all a pat on the back for a job well done this year. Sam looked around the room. Some people were paying attention, others whispering quietly to each other, and others still checking emails on their phones. Did they ever stop working? He supposed if you had a big case, dinner party or not, you had to check your emails. Lord knew he had to do that some nights while preparing documents and gathering information. “But before we focus too much on the future, I want to look a little bit more at the past year. Like we do every year, I want everyone to come up with something they were particularly proud of this year. Even if you’re new—” Sam had turned his attention back to Dani as her eyes met his. Did she need to point out he was new? Sam blushed a little and looked at Michael, cocking a brow at the slightly younger man who grinned back sheepishly. “I’d like everyone to come up with at least one thing, even if it was just how you brightened a client’s day. So think about that while you’re enjoying food and drinks, if you can. Now, without further ado, let’s eat!”

Everyone got to their feet and made for the buffet tables, including Sam. Dani sidled up next to him and beamed at him. “Did I embarrass you enough?” she asked playfully and he rolled his shoulders. "Not yet. You haven't made me tell my moment of pride yet, which I still need to think about." His smile was sweet but maybe a little nervous. "Just don't make me go first." He pleaded softly. Her reply made him laugh as they moved up towards the buffet table. He grabbed a plate and began filling it with all sorts of delicious foods. His mouth began to water just looking at it, piping hot and smelling wonderful. "This looks so good." He said under his breath to no one in particular, just excited about eating. He filled his plate far more than he expected to, taking a bit of everything until it all overflowed into a heap. He made his way back to his plate and waited for Dani who had been much more reasonable with her selection. "No fair, you've had this before and knew what to pick. Now I look like a pig compared to you." He teased, though he wasn't really that embarrassed about it all. He would leave satisfied. "So is this instead of a Christmas bonus?" He asked in a tease, sipping his wine before pushing a fork full of green beans into his mouth.

[DANI DRAKE]

Sam rolled his broad shoulders at Dani’s question. “Not yet. You haven’t made me tell my moment of pride yet, which I still need to think about.” The smile he gave was sweet and nervous and Dani couldn’t help but think of how adorable he was. “Just don’t make me go first.” She grinned wider. “Okay. Michael can go first.” Sam laughed and so did she, glancing over to Jonah at his back table. He was watching the two of them with a disapproving frown which made Dani’s smile fade a little. Jonah knew how much time she and Sam were spending together and though he didn’t say it outright, she knew he feared that it was a conflict of interest. He didn’t think it was a good idea for her to date or even be interested in one of her employees. “This looks so good.” Sam’s comment brought her attention back to him and she giggled. “You’re looking at it like you haven’t eaten in days,” she teased. They loaded their plates, Dani preferring to have lean meats like the duck and the turkey as opposed to the fatty ham, though it did smell good. She some mashed potatoes, stuffing and green beans and of course a roll. Overall, it was a simple meal, one she could be happy with. Sam on the other hand had almost overloaded his plate. For someone so lean, he sure did eat a lot! They went back to their spots at the table and Sam looked between their plates. “No fair, you’ve had this before and knew what to pick. Now I look like a pig compared to you.” Dani laughed, taking her seat once more. “You’re supposed to eat a lot! Otherwise this will all go to waste.” “So is this instead of a Christmas bonus?” Her eyes widened like he’d just revealed something he shouldn’t have. “Hey, you’re not supposed to know about the Christmas bonus!” she teased, grinning afterward. “You’ll just have to wait until Christmas to see if there’s a bonus or not. Santa’s the one that brings them. I have nothing to do with it.” She rolled her eyes up to the ceiling and took a sip of her wine, dramatizing her innocence.

The party continued strong. There were drinks and laughter and dessert was served after their filling dinner. Everyone was served their choice of apple pie a la mode, a brownie with peppermint ice cream on top or a bowl of peppermint and cookie dough ice cream with whipped cream, chocolate sprinkles and a cherry on top. Dani went with the ice cream option and she enjoyed the cool taste in her mouth with the wine. All the while she chatted with Sam, Michael and Jasper about their best Christmas memories and what they had planned for New Year’s. Michael talked more about home and how he might meet his new nephew who was due to be born any day now. He was a sweet guy and Dani wondered if he was really cut out for this business. Maybe she would take him on as a sort of apprentice soon, help him to learn a little more how to balance being cutthroat and being compassionate. The more they drank, the more he loosened up and let more of his fun side come out. That just got Dani laughing, especially since the alcohol was starting to go to her head too. Sam was laughing too and they were all getting pretty into telling each other jokes. She knew that they had to get to sharing before she got too toasted, though, so she resolved to get to her feet and start the sharing off.

“Okay everyone! You’ve had plenty of time to consider your moments of pride from this year. I will start with my own moment of pride. There was a woman whose case I had been working for about a year. Her name was Natasha. She was kidnapped and sold into slavery right in Portland. She had no family in the United States—all of her family was still in the Ukraine. When she was sold into slavery, they assumed she was dead and grieved for her. Finally she was able to escape and she was living in a women’s shelter for five months while I worked on prosecuting her kidnapper. It was difficult getting any charges to stick to him—he had a very good defense attorney. Finally we got him with indisputable evidence that showed not only did he kidnap Natasha but he was involved in several other kidnappings as well. He was sentence to twenty-five years. By the time he gets out, he’ll be eligible for senior citizen’s discounts.” A round of chuckling reverberated quietly as all eyes glued to her. “When I talked to Natasha after the trial, she cried because she was so happy. She told me she had gotten a real job as a secretary and was able to get in contact with her family back in the Ukraine. Last month she was able to move out of the shelter with another woman she met there and is living independently. She told me it was all thanks to me that she was putting her life back together and able to begin healing. That will probably remain one of my proudest moments.” A round of applause sounded around the room and she smiled wide. “Now for the new people. Michael, you start!” She hadn’t been kidding about that!

The stories continued one by one for about an hour and Dani enjoyed Sam’s story, even though it was short. There were a wide range of them and they only got funnier as they all drank more. Rick Colt’s story was more tongue-in-cheek than anything else, but it only made the whole thing funnier. It was important to have laughter around the holidays. Dani was feeling pretty buzzed by the time they reached the last story. It was a good thing she had the desk for support at her thighs as she stood up once more. “Thank you everyone for your stories! They were so insightful and it’s so good to hear that you all have experiences that have made you proud this year. Please give yourselves another round of applause.” Everyone did so but she could see Joseph McConnell, one of the senior partners, rolling his eyes. Well, she couldn’t please everyone. “I’m sure we all appreciate hearing the work you’ve done.” “I’m not.”[/i] Joseph’s deep voice broke through the room and silenced everyone. All eyes were traveling between the two nervously and Dani’s brow furrowed. Was he going to argue with her? She didn’t do well with being disrespected, but she swallowed the bitter pill, frowning at the severe looking older man. His black eyes met hers sternly. “Your brother didn’t make us do this childish sharing when he was in charge. In fact, he didn’t care about these hard luck cases we seem to specialize in these days. He aimed for high profile cases, ones that actually presented a challenge. Your brother knew how running a firm works—it’s a cutthroat business and he always came out on top. Our win ratio has gone down so much because now we seem to catch cases that are so difficult to present with any surety. We’re lawyers, not kindergarteners—so why are we doing show and tell? If you’re going to run this firm, Dani, you can’t let it go so soft. You need to be more like your brother.”[/i] The silence left in the wake of his words was palpable.

Dani’s heart was drumming in her ears. Her stomach was six feet under and she felt nauseous with embarrassment and rage. She didn’t want to be like her brother. She would never be like her brother. But did that really mean she would run the firm into the ground? After swallowing hard, she found her voice again. “I appreciate your feedback, Joseph. I can tell you that I have done what I believe is best for this firm’s reputation—for my family’s reputation. Yes, the Drakes have been perceived as brilliant lawyers and politicians, but our reputation has also become synonymous with greed and cruelty. Many of you have seen me in the courtroom—you know I can be cutthroat. But that is not how I will run my business. I want my firm and family’s reputation to be associated with justice, not greed. My brother ran this firm with one thing in mind—profit. His only passion was wealth and fame. I will never be like him. I believe my business can be used to do some small amount of good in this world. And I believe that sharing what we are proud of helps to boost our motivation to continue to do this good. If you have a problem with this Joseph, you are welcome to leave. I’m sure one of our junior partners would love the promotion.” Her face was stony and her eyes fierce. No one could see that inside she was shaking. “Go’n ‘head, girl!” Latoria cry out with a sassy snap. Most people laughed nervously, the tension easing a bit, but Dani’s gazed stayed locked on Joseph’s. He glared back at her for a long minute before his eyes finally dropped to his drink, his mouth pursing bitterly. She lifted her glass in a toast and forced her mouth into a small smile. Everyone but Joseph raised their glass in return, Jasper looking up at her with pride and concern. “May the next year be as full of successes as this one has been. To us.” “To us.” The room echoed with the chorus repeated by all those around the table. She took a deep drink and finished her glass, trying to find her strength again. Her legs felt like jelly and her head throbbed with her brother’s words. “You may have a gift, but you’ll never be better than me, Dani. You’ll never amount to anything on your own.”[/b] She felt sick and tears were stinging the backs of her eyes. Leaning down to Jasper, she said softly, “I’m going to take a break. Please take care of this for me.” He gave her a worrisome look. “Are you alright?”[/b] She pushed a small smile to her mouth, struggling to keep the tears out of her voice. “Yeah, I just need a minute…” she all but whispered. He nodded and she did too, turning towards the doors quickly and making a hasty retreat.

Out in the hall, the tears burned in her eyes. How could anyone tell her to be like her brother? They could never know what kind of monster he was. She knew it was the alcohol in her that was making her head spin and her emotions overflow. It was a mistake to get so drunk. The elevator button lit up when she pressed it and she waited with her eyes closed, trying to will the tears not to fall. A soft footstep caught her attention and when she opened her eyes, she saw Jonah walking towards her. “He was out of line.”[/i] She nodded, wanting desperately to be alone so she could cry. She didn’t even want Jonah to see how hurt she was, but he always knew. His big hand rested on her shoulder. “You are a million times the person that your brother was. Don’t you know that?”[/i] His gruff voice was soft and gentle and she wanted to wrap her arms around him and sob until she couldn’t anymore. Instead she rested her hand on the one on her shoulder, giving a big-eyed, teary smile. “Thank you, Jonah…” she whispered. He was so good to her…but she wasn’t very convinced of his words at the moment. Her brother would never break down like this. The elevator dinged and the golden doors slid open. She walked in, releasing Jonah. “Would you like me to come up with you?”[/i] Shaking her head, she rested her back against the back wall. “That’s okay, Jonah. But thank you.” And with his worried blue eyes still on her, the doors slid shut. That’s when the tears began to flow freely. She sobbed into her hands, Joseph McConnell’s words and her brother’s words twisting and flying through her head so fast it was hard to stand. When the elevator doors opened, she all but ran to her office where she shut the door and sunk down to the couch, weak with her emotions. If only they could understand how hard she had worked to be where she was now, what she had endured. If only they knew her true motivation…but they could never know. They could never understand.

[SAM HOLDER]

Her big eyes widened further and he had to keep himself from smirking at the look she gave him. “Hey, you’re not supposed to know about the Christmas bonus! You’ll just have to wait until Christmas to see if there’s a bonus or not. Santa’s the one that brings them. I have nothing to do with it.” The smile broke his lips and he nodded, looking at his food as she did her best to seem innocent. "Yeah, yeah.. we'll see what Santa brings." He teased back. Dinner went on pleasantly from there. He was glad he'd met Dani's eyes and that they had a chance to sit and talk, even if Michael was there. He didn't talk to the guy much during work hours, but he have the vague feeling that would probably change come next week. He seemed down to earth and after a couple of drinks became funnier and more chatty. When dessert came around Sam chose the brownie, admitting he was sort of a sucker for chocolate and mint mixed. In fact one of his favorite things were thin mint cookies, which he also admitted while talking to his boss and co-worker, admitting he often bought a dozen boxes come Girl Scout time to last him a while and it wasn't unlikely for him to ration them out. Of course he probably wouldn't have offered this information had he not been under the influence of plenty of liquid courage. He was glad he programmed some cab numbers into his phone earlier just in case he drank too much.

Before he knew it the meal was coming to an end and it was time for everyone to go ahead and tell their pride moment. It was something Sam was dreading. He didn't have any really good stories, especially since he didn't really work with any clients yet. He was enraptured by her story, again finding himself completely amazed that someone so young could be so amazing at her job. Next she asked Michael to share, and Sam grinned at the look on the guys face when he was thrown on the spot like that. Unfortunately Sam went next and he told a story about how he'd helped Nathan, one of the other apprentices, with a big job, spending some of his free time to help get the work done and out in time. It wasn't nearly as impressive as Dani's story, but he wasn't exactly a lawyer there and he was a bit limited with how long he'd actually been with the firm. Nathan seemed a bit uncomfortable with the share since it probably made him seem incompetent, but it wasn't a secret that Sam had helped.

The stories continued and some were funnier than others. In the end Sam thought the tradition was actually kind of nice. “I’m sure we all appreciate hearing the work you’ve done.” “I’m not.” Sam, along with many others, looked to see Joseph as he talked back to Dani. Why was he being a dick when spirits were so high? “Your brother didn’t make us do this childish sharing when he was in charge. In fact, he didn’t care about these hard luck cases we seem to specialize in these days. He aimed for high profile cases, ones that actually presented a challenge. Your brother knew how running a firm works—it’s a cutthroat business and he always came out on top. Our win ratio has gone down so much because now we seem to catch cases that are so difficult to present with any surety. We’re lawyers, not kindergarteners—so why are we doing show and tell? If you’re going to run this firm, Dani, you can’t let it go so soft. You need to be more like your brother.” Sam's stomach twisted angrily and he glowered at the older man. He knew that Dani didn't care for the way her brother had run things, which was why she changed them. He didn't know the depths of her relationship with the dead man, but he knew it wasn't good. Sam didn't need to look at Dani to know she was enraged, but her eyes alone said everything. This man had cut her very deeply and Sam suddenly felt more than a little defensive. He wanted to say something, but it certainly wasn't his place to. “I appreciate your feedback, Joseph. I can tell you that I have done what I believe is best for this firm’s reputation—for my family’s reputation. Yes, the Drakes have been perceived as brilliant lawyers and politicians, but our reputation has also become synonymous with greed and cruelty. Many of you have seen me in the courtroom—you know I can be cutthroat. But that is not how I will run my business. I want my firm and family’s reputation to be associated with justice, not greed. My brother ran this firm with one thing in mind—profit. His only passion was wealth and fame. I will never be like him. I believe my business can be used to do some small amount of good in this world. And I believe that sharing what we are proud of helps to boost our motivation to continue to do this good. If you have a problem with this Joseph, you are welcome to leave. I’m sure one of our junior partners would love the promotion.” He didn't smile, still angry for her, but proud at the way she stood up for herself. There was a cheer from Latoria somewhere in the room, and some nervous laughs after, but that was it. Everyone's eyes, including Sam's, went between Joseph and Dani to see what was going to happen. Finally Joseph let his eyes fall down in defeat, but Sam had the sickening feeling that he wouldn't be staying at the firm for much longer. If Dani didn't find a way to get him out, he would leave of his own accord.

Dani raised her glass and made a toast. Sam followed her lead, unnerved by the showdown that had just taken place. After the toast he had every intention to ask if she was alright, but she immediately whispered something to Jasper and excused herself. His eyes followed her to the door as he chewed on his bottom lip. Every ounce of him wanted to follow her, but he didn't want to seem suspicious. Why would he need to follow her? He saw Jonah leave after her and felt antsy once more. Something was wrong. She wasn't okay. They were friends, and friends checked on each other. Period. End of story. He got up and excused himself to Michael, making his way towards the door. He didn't realize how buzzed he was until he was moving, his legs feeling like jelly. He got into the hallway just in time to see the elevator doors shutting, Jonah still there. "Where did she go?" He asked in his rusty voice. Jonah seemed stone faced and unyielding. It was clear he wasn't interested in sharing that information. He explained she didn't want to be bothered and he pursed his lips, looking to the elevator. He could see that it was moving up in floors. Jonah advised him to leave her alone and he stood there unsure what to do. Should he follow her? Would she want him there? He knew where she was going simply by where the elevator was heading. "I'm just going to check on her." He said in a soft, nervous voice, turning away and heading to the stairwell. He would get up to her office faster that way, and maybe moving his legs would help sober him some more.

It was weird being in the office after hours. It was dark and though the heat was on, it seemed almost cold in there. Maybe it was the chill from the disagreement creeping its way through the walls and tainting the building. Sam shivered and looked around, seeing the door to Dani's office closed though the light was on. He took a deep breath and made his way to her office. He knocked gently, his teeth scraping over his bottom lip. "Dani, it's Sam." He said just loud enough for her to hear. "Are you alright? I, uhh.. I'm sorry about what Joseph said. He was out of line, which I guess you know, just.. I mean.." He licked his lips, his forehead pressing onto the door as he desperately tried to think of something that didn't sound completely idiotic. "I just wanted to check on you, make sure you were okay. I can go if you want, I don't need to stay, or.. we could talk if you wanted. Because you don't have to be alone.. umm.." He gently banged his forehead against the door, his eyes squeezing tight. "I'm shit with words right now, I drank too much. I can go, I just wanted you to know I'm here. For you, if, uhh.. yah know, if that's what you wanted. Because I want that. I mean.. okay, well.. have I made myself sound like a complete moron yet or should I keep rambling at your office door..?" He bit his lip again, the door opening a little making him stumble forward. He caught his footing and grabbed the door frame, unsure what sort of state she would be in when he got a good look at her.

[DANI DRAKE]

Dani had her damp face behind her hands, feeling like she was swaying with the way her head spun every time she sucked in a sobbing breath. She was knocked out of her reverie by the sound of a soft knock at the door. With a soft gasp, she took her hands away and looked at the door. Had Jonah followed her up? That was unlike him… “Dani, it’s Sam.” The voice was so soft, but she heard it loud and clear and she could feel her heart jump despite herself. He’d actually followed her… “Are you alright? I, huh…I’m sorry about what Joseph said. He was out of line, which I guess you know, just…I mean…” Dani rose to her feet and silently padded to the door so she could hear him better, not saying anything to fill the awkward silence. At least her tears had slowed in her effort to hear Sam’s words. “I just wanted to check on you, make sure you were okay. I can go if you want, I don’t need to stay, or…we could talk if you wanted. Because you don’t have to be alone…umm…” More tears welled in her eyes and she held her breath to keep from sobbing. She didn’t have to be alone…it was such a new concept to her that it hurt. Sam could be there for her… “I’m shit with words right now, I drank too much. I can go, I just wanted you to know I’m here. For you, if, huh…yah know, if that’s what you wanted. Because I want that.” Her palm was pressed against the door now, sobbing gently with both agony and happiness. It hurt to be reminded of how alone she had been all of these years, but she wasn’t alone anymore. Sam was right on the other side of that door. He wanted to be there… “I mean…okay, well…have I made myself sound like a complete moron yet or should I keep rambling at your office door…?” Afraid he would leave, she quickly grabbed the handle and took a breath big enough to relax her pained expression. When she opened the door, her big, sea blue eyes looked up into the woodsy tones of his, two more tears rolling down her cheeks. She felt dizzy and lightheaded both from lack of oxygen and from alcohol and she could see Sam was struggling with it too. It didn’t matter. They were both drunk and going off emotion. “You can come in…” she said softly, her hands wiping at her tear stained cheeks. At least she wore waterproof mascara.

When Sam was in her office, Dani closed the door behind him but didn’t think to lock it. It wasn’t like anyone else would come up here anyway. She looked up at Sam, her eyes red-rimmed with tears. As soon as she saw the concern on his handsome, freckled face, she felt the tears burning in her eyes again and her face scrunched up into a mask of hurt. She tried to hide her tears by wiping them as soon as they fell, but they were rolling down her cheeks too quickly to stop them. “I’m sorry. I drank too much and now I can’t stop crying.” She sniffled and sobbed, resolving to shield her face behind her hands. “I don’t usually cry in front of—hic! Other people.” Sniffing again, she was distracted from her embarrassment by the feel of a hand on her shoulder. She looked up with mild surprise at Sam standing in front of her, pure worry etched on his face. It wasn’t appropriate to let a subordinate comfort her. It wasn’t appropriate to cry so shamelessly in front of her employee. But she didn’t care about appropriate right now. Sam was her friend, one of her only friends, and she needed his comfort like she hadn’t needed anyone’s comfort since her childhood. Her arms reached out and wrapped around Sam's torso, her face burying in his chest. When she felt Sam’s arms coil around her in return, she felt the little restraint she had disappear. She cried uninhibited for a couple minutes, just letting her emotions run their course. Sam didn’t understand why she was so upset, but it didn’t seem to matter—he just continued to hold her tightly. And after a few long minutes, her sobbing quieted and for the first time, she felt like she wanted to talk about her brother. She turned her head slightly, resting her left cheek against Sam’s solid chest and she let his heartbeat and warmth steady her.

“I know it seems silly to let something like that affect me so much. My brother is dead, why should it matter when other people compare me to him and find me wanting? But nobody knows what he was really like. Nobody but me, Jasper and Jonah. He was all handsome smiles and cool-headed in front of other people, maybe with the occasional outburst when he was particularly upset. But at the end of the day he had to take his frustrations out on something…someone. Sometimes he’d pick up a prostitute and smack her around before he had his way with her, making sure to degrade her as thoroughly as possible. But most of the time he just took it out on me. I was an expert at covering up bruises by the time I was nine.” The more she talked, the more she eased into Sam. Her eyes opened, staring blankly at the pattern of Sam’s suit jacket. “If he’d had a particularly difficult day, he’d do worse. Tie me down to the bed…shove a sock in my mouth to muffle my screams…every time, he made sure to give me a new scar. And he’d…” Her stomach roiled, the burn marks on her back almost hissing again, the bile in her throat rising as she remembered her brother tearing her bottoms away, forcing his way into her…She cringed and pushed her forehead into Sam’s chest again, needing to forget how that felt. No one needed that image in their head and she wasn’t about to put it in Sam’s. “How could anyone want me to be more like him? The worst part is I can’t even explain how disgusting that thought even is to me. I loved my brother for the sick, demented man-child that he was…he was still the one that raised me…but I could never be like him.”

She pulled back a little from where she was nuzzled into Sam’s chest, looking up into his kind, sweet face. Maybe she was making him uncomfortable, but the thought barely registered in her alcohol-hazed mind. He’d offered his comfort and she was indulging in it. “I’ve never told anyone about my brother before…I’ve never really had anyone to comfort me before. Everybody else just leaves me alone when I’m upset. I tell them to, but I don’t really mean it…” A small smile came to her face as she studied Sam’s warm eyes and handsome features. “Thanks for coming. And for listening. And for liking me the way I am. Flaws and all.” She smiled a little more, her arms still wrapped around him. It didn’t even occur to her to let go. It felt good to hold onto someone like this. It felt good to hold onto Sam like this.

[SAM HOLDER]

Her eyes were wet and her cheeks flushed, showing she had been crying. He didn't really expect her to look so distraught, and he suddenly felt unsure if he should have come. "You can come in…” He swallowed and moved into the office as she wiped at her cheeks. Same felt awful for her. He knew how much she tried to do good, and it was terrible she took that mans words so deeply to heart. She had to know she was better than that.. Sam turned and looked at her once more, her face heavy with sadness. His lips pursed lightly and his brows lowered over his darkened eyes, distraught by the sight of her. He was used to seeing Dani either happy or hard at work. To see her like this was upsetting to say the least, and very unexpected. She seemed even more human to him now. “I’m sorry. I drank too much and now I can’t stop crying.” She sobbed gently, trying to hide her face from him. He couldn't blame her.. He was her subordinate and crying in front of him, friend or not, was probably some sort of rule that wasn't supposed to be broken. At least in the industry they worked in. “I don’t usually cry in front of—hic! Other people.” She sniffed and he moved closer, sliding a hand gently onto her shoulder in an attempt to try and comfort her. "It's alright, I don't mind." He offered in a hushed voice. Her reddened eyes were on his again and he could see the battle in her eyes. He swallowed, gazing back at her. Finally she gave in to herself and wrapped her arms around him.

Sam was surprised at the way she clung to him, but he never let it show in the way he reacted. His arms laced around her body, holding her tight and close, somehow knowing it was all she needed. He didn't hold back, the alcohol helped with that, simply holding her close, hoping to come off more tender than he felt. Sam was nervous embracing her this way. He liked Dani. He'd come to terms with it a while ago, but had never expected to act on any of those weird, confusing feelings. She was his boss. And now she was his friend.. and more so she was crying in his arms. How could he comfort her without it becoming too uncomfortable for them in the future? How did one do that? Her body heaved with sobs, and her tears dried on his shirt, all the while Sam kept her close. Soon the sobs slowed and her body eased as nature took its course and her mind told her it was time to calm down. “I know it seems silly to let something like that affect me so much. My brother is dead, why should it matter when other people compare me to him and find me wanting?" Sam didn't think it silly at all. He could, to some degree, understand her pain. "But nobody knows what he was really like. Nobody but me, Jasper and Jonah. He was all handsome smiles and cool-headed in front of other people, maybe with the occasional outburst when he was particularly upset. But at the end of the day he had to take his frustrations out on something…someone. Sometimes he’d pick up a prostitute and smack her around before he had his way with her, making sure to degrade her as thoroughly as possible. But most of the time he just took it out on me. I was an expert at covering up bruises by the time I was nine.” Sam's heart began to race as she talked. The liquor made him feel hazy, but her words sobered him and made him feel something deeper. Her brother had abused her.. How could anyone abuse Dani? She was as close to perfect as Sam had ever found. "If he’d had a particularly difficult day, he’d do worse. Tie me down to the bed…shove a sock in my mouth to muffle my screams…every time, he made sure to give me a new scar. And he’d…” His body tensed with this strange, new found knowledge of her past. Her brother had done things to her that no one should do to anyone, especially a family member. He wondered if she paused because the more meant he'd done things with her a brother should never do with their sister. His grip on her body tightened slightly, protectively, angrily.. “How could anyone want me to be more like him? The worst part is I can’t even explain how disgusting that thought even is to me. I loved my brother for the sick, demented man-child that he was…he was still the one that raised me…but I could never be like him.” She didn't have it in her to be like him even if she wanted to, Sam knew that for certain. He swallowed hard, not sure how to process this knowledge. What does one say when they're given anothers deepest secret?

Dani pulled back a little and Sam gulped, looking down and meeting her eyes. He looked sad and unsure, and he didn't really want to let go just yet. “I’ve never told anyone about my brother before…I’ve never really had anyone to comfort me before. Everybody else just leaves me alone when I’m upset. I tell them to, but I don’t really mean it…” He'd really been her first confidant? How could that be? How had she not found someone else to talk to about this before? Her brother had been dead for years! She smiled a little, but he didn't return it. “Thanks for coming. And for listening. And for liking me the way I am. Flaws and all.” He swallowed again, hard, looking over her damp, angelic face that was trying so hard to look brave and strong, when there really was just a girl there who needed to be cared for and understood. He hated that he wanted to kiss her. This was the worst possible time to want to do something like that, and the alcohol surely wasn't helping any. "I see no flaws." He said in his soft, raspy voice. He leaned forward and pressed his lips to her forehead kindly, sighing at the same time, the hot air from his nose warming her flesh lightly. "You never cease to amaze me.. you're an inspiration. I wish I were as strong as you." He offered still in that soft voice. His left arm loosened from her back and slid to her cheek, drying it, though he refused to look in her eyes again as he kept his mouth hovering at her forehead. He knew if he looked at her again he might not have the strength to hold back. "Thank you for trusting me. I wish I had more to say.. I wish I had something to tell you to make it better.." Sam shut his eyes and sighed again, the hand that had wiped her cheek moving to rest gently at her neck, cupping the soft, fragrant skin. "I'm glad you're not like him. Working for your brother instead of you sounds terrible." He smiled slightly, his weird attempt to try and lighten the mood. "You at least feed us on holidays.."

[DANI DRAKE]

Sam looked down at her seriously and for a moment Dani wondered if she had said too much. When she was drunk, it seemed she couldn’t keep her darkest secrets locked up anymore. Or maybe it was because she had always found Sam so easy to talk to. He thought of her as chatty even, which was a word nobody else used to describe her. Had she finally said too much? “I see no flaws.” His answer was soft in his raspy voice and that combined with the words served to send a thrill all through her. Not only was she relieved she hadn’t said something to finally chase him away, but she was completely flattered and amazed by his statement. She had so many flaws, she found it difficult to believe there was even one person alive that didn’t see any of them. As the smile grew on her face, it froze as her whole world spun for an instant. It was the instant Sam brought his mouth to her forehead. The gesture was small and sweet, but Dani felt the earth shake beneath her and her heart stopped as she gazed with wide eyes at his chest. He kissed her…Dani couldn’t remember ever receiving a kiss that wasn’t on her mouth that so affected her. She felt his breath in her hair and it seemed to spark the searing heat that flooded her whole head. “You never cease to amaze me…you’re an inspiration. I wish I were as strong as you.” Dani’s vision misted as tears flooded to her still wide eyes. It was so sweet of him to express such admiration. Her heart pounded and she closed her eyes to try and steady her reeling thoughts.

She feared Sam was releasing her when she felt his arm loosen around her, but Dani’s heart raced faster as the hand slid to her burning cheek, wiping the tears away. Sam still didn’t look at her, yet the affection in his actions was clear. He wouldn’t risk these caresses and this kind of comforting unless he meant something by it. Sam was a serious man…and she must have meant a great deal to him. God knew he meant a great deal to her, more with each comforting touch. “Thank you for trusting me. I wish I had more to say…I wish I had something to tell you to make it better…” His hand slid down to her neck, cradling it gently. Surely he could feel how fast her pulse was throbbing… “I’m glad you’re not like him. Working for your brother instead of you sounds terrible.” She could feel the gentle smile on his lips hovering just above her forehead. “You at least feed us on holidays…” Dani gave a soft, breathy giggle, one of her hands sliding from his back to his chest. She liked being held like this by him. It was too hard to resist how she felt when he was encouraging her with each second he kept her close. She nudged his face back a bit by looking up at him. He seemed reluctant to look in her eyes, but he did and she smiled warmly. “Thank you. I really can’t say that enough. Just you being here is enough to make me feel better.” Her cheeks flushed even more as she worried over how much those words revealed her true feelings for him. But he had come to comfort her, was holding her, and looking down at her with such affection…did it matter if she said how she felt now? The alcohol gave her courage and she bit her bottom lip as she finally decided to take a leap of faith.

“That is…you always make me feel better when you’re around. There are times when I’m by myself that I wish you were there. I…uh…” She had been holding his gaze until then, but now her eyes fell to his chest, wondering if she should continue. Was it even possible for her to have anything more than friendship with Sam? Would he even want it? She closed her eyes and felt the words bubbling to the surface before she could even stop them. “I like you. A lot. I’ve known it pretty much since that day we first went riding together. And I know I shouldn’t say that to an employee, I know how bad it sounds, but…I can’t really help it.” When she looked up at Sam, she noticed how close his face was. She flushed more, her eyes a little wider with anxiety, and her heart about to jump out of her chest. Her eyes dropped to his lips and then flitted back to his warm, hazel eyes. “I have a huge crush on you, Sam. And if that freaks you out, please tell me and I promise to back off.” Her heart jumped into her throat as it looked like Sam leaned in closer. She was all but panting, looking between his eyes and his lips. “Unless you feel the same…” she said in a voice just above a whisper, her eyes fixed on his. Her breath hung on his lips, hoping he did feel the same, praying that he would take a leap of faith too.

[SAM HOLDER]

Sam smiled softly at the breathy laughed she offered in response to his joke. Her hand slipped to his chest and he shut his eyes. He liked the way she felt there in his arms far more than he knew he should. She was his boss.. Every alarm rang in his mind. His grandfather would have a field day about this sort of conduct, not that Sam ever intended to tell him about it, but God forbid he were to find out! Dani nudged his face to meet hers and he swallowed before allowing his eyes to make contact with hers. Why did she need to be so beautiful? This would be so much easier if she were old and ugly. “Thank you. I really can’t say that enough. Just you being here is enough to make me feel better.” Her cheeks flushed and she chewed her bottom lip. His eyes lingered on her mouth a second before meeting her eyes once more and he forced a smile, nodding. “That is…you always make me feel better when you’re around. There are times when I’m by myself that I wish you were there. I…uh…” Her words surprised him and her eyes left his in.. was it embarrassment? Anxiety? both, maybe? His heart fluttered as he absorbed this reality. She thought of him. She might like him.. was it ethical to let your boss like you? He couldn't process these thoughts properly!

“I like you. A lot. I’ve known it pretty much since that day we first went riding together. And I know I shouldn’t say that to an employee, I know how bad it sounds, but…I can’t really help it.” He was moving closer to her and not realizing it, drinking every one of her words as though he had been traveling in the heat for hours with no water. She liked him! “I have a huge crush on you, Sam. And if that freaks you out, please tell me and I promise to back off.”She was panting softly and Sam found he was losing his ability to hold back. The fears in his mind seemed to melt as the urge to kiss her grew stronger and stronger. How could he possibly be freaked out right now? In the morning, when he wasn't under the influence, perhaps, but now? Now the last thing he wanted was for her to back off. “Unless you feel the same…” "Of course I feel the same." It was such an obvious answer at the moment, and his mouth found hers easily. The hand at her neck kept her close as his lips pressed firmly to hers. His mind seemed to race and stand completely idle at the same time. Was this really happening?

Sam pulled Dani closer to him as his tongue pressed forward, parting her lips and caressing her tongue gently. He was losing himself in her, intoxicated with her essence. He'd dreamed of doing this plenty but had scolded himself for simply thinking it over and over, and here he was, making out with his boss. His BOSS! Sam pulled away suddenly, but kept close. "No.." He said nervously, finding her eyes and searching them. He still had his head about him, and he needed to use it! "Dani I like you. I like you much more than I should considering our relationship." He admitted nervously, the hand at her neck gliding down her arm as his eyes dropped, afraid that if he looked into the sea colored eyes again that he might lose his ability to say no once more. "I don't want to hurt things.. I don't want you to feel used, or taken advantage of.. and with everything you told me, I.." His hand moved back up, stroking her cheek gently and pushing a few stray hairs away from her eyes. "I would hate for things to change. I mean.. I want them to, just.." He ran a hand over his face having no idea how to convey his feelings or what he was even trying to say. "I could never forgive myself if I hurt you, or made things weird for you at work, and.. this apprenticeship is important and I don't want to screw it up. I don't know what to do.." He admitted, his eyes trailing down to her perfect lips once more. "I think about kissing you all the time.." He admitted in his raspy voice, his cheeks flushing deeply. "I'd wager half the men or more in this office do the same.. you're gorgeous." He gulped, his lips pursing. "Inside and out. I feel like an idiot, ugh.. just tell me to shut up already." He tried to force a laugh, pulling his eyes away from her, his cheeks still deeply pink from his confession. Didn't she have a rock in there for him to hide under?

[DANI DRAKE]

“Of course I feel the same.” Dani’s heart leapt into her throat, making her breath catch as her eyes gazed into Sam's with amazement. Before she could say anything, his mouth was on hers and she closed her eyes instinctively. His hand cradled her neck, keeping her close and he kissed her deeply and Dani melted into him. One hand rested on his freckled cheek, confirming that this was real—she was really kissing Sam! Her lips kissed him back passionately, a soft breath escaping her nose as she felt his tongue part her lips and seek out her own. Their tongues danced against each other and her free arm slid around his shoulders to keep him close. Her whole body was tingling with pure joy and excitement. She was kissing Sam! Finally, after all of those fantasies of doing so, it was happening! But too soon and too suddenly, Sam was pulling away from her. Her eyes opened in surprise, looking into his own as her heart began to sink and her face filled with dread. She had upset him after all. She always tried to be so logical, and she knew she shouldn’t be doing this, but she wanted to kiss him again… “No…” Their eyes met and she wanted to cry again. She’d just thrown herself at one of her employees and been rejected—she felt the shame rising from her toes. “Dani I like you. I like you much more than I should considering our relationship.” Her eyes glittered with tears, watching his eyes drop and feeling the hand at her neck falling to slide along her arm. She had let her desire blind her and it was so embarrassing to admit that she had lost her head. Even now she didn’t want to gain it back, but Sam’s rejection was forcing her to search for her logic. She looked at his mouth as she spoke, too humiliated to look in his eyes.

“I don’t want to hurt things…I don’t want you to feel used, or taken advantage of…and with everything you told me, I…” She wanted to argue. Of course he wouldn’t take advantage of her! How could he take advantage of her when she wanted this as badly as he did? His hand came back to her cheek and she closed her eyes momentarily to try and stop her tears from falling. Still, her eyes were glassy as she looked up into his once more, disappointment sending her stomach to the floor. “I would hate for things to chance. I mean…I want them to, just…” The alcohol kept her from keeping a cool head and already she could feel hope stirring in her heart again as she watched Sam struggle with his words. “I could never forgive myself if I hurt you, or made things weird for you at work, and…this apprenticeship is important and I don’t want to screw it up. I don’t know what to do…” She swallowed hard, flushing again as Sam’s eyes fell to her lips once more. “I think about kissing you all the time…” Her stomach fluttered again, rising off the floor and finding its way into her throat now. Already flushed cheeks turned redder as Dani admitted to herself that she too thought about kissing him all the time. She looked at his lips and felt the longing even now, her disappointment slowly burning away. It burned faster when she saw how red Sam’s cheeks were. “I’d wager half the men or more in this office do the same…you’re gorgeous. Inside and out.” Her heart was hammering against her rib cage again, flushing at the compliments. She didn’t care if other men wanted to kiss her, just as long as Sam did. And he thought she was gorgeous… “I feel like an idiot, ugh…just tell me to shut up already.” He tried to force a laugh, but she was unconvinced. Still, she gave a small smile and glanced at his lips again. “Okay…” she said softly, standing on tiptoe so she could get close to his lips again. Her hand on his cheek coaxed him forward while the hand on his neck slid into his dark, auburn hair. This time she kissed him, her lips soft and sweet against his. He was hesitant but before long his lips were leaning into hers and she remained for a long moment, simply indulging in his kiss.

When she did pull away, she didn’t go far, her thumb brushing along his high cheekbone as her big eyes opened to his. “I know I should be more hesitant. All these months I have been, knowing I shouldn’t care for you the way I do. But…no matter how I try to stop myself, I can’t help feeling the way I do. You’re so kind to me and I feel like I could tell you anything and you wouldn’t judge me. We’re so similar and…you’re so handsome.” Her cheeks flushed more, a bashful smile playing at her lips. “I don’t care anymore about the rules. No one has to know about this but us. I just don’t want to pretend anymore…” She brushed her fingers through his hair affectionately, her lips brushing his as she spoke so softly only the two of them would hear. “I want you…more than I’ve ever wanted anything…” His lips closed the distance between them and she whimpered gently at the force of his kiss. She matched it, both of her arms twining around his shoulders and her heart raced with their fervent kisses. If she could have it her way, their lips would stay glued together like this forever. He pulled her body closer to his, his embrace tight, and she parted their lips only for a moment to let out a soft gasp. Like magnets, their lips melded together again and it felt like the whole world was melting away around them. Her fingers mussed his hair and she sighed into his mouth, her body flush against his. For once in her life, she was allowing herself to indulge her every desire.

[SAM HOLDER]

Dani gave a small smile and uttered a soft “Okay…” before standing on her toes to kiss him again. Her hands coaxed his face closer, and though he was unsure at first, he quickly relaxed into her lips embrace wanting this more than he could fight it. Their mouths moved gracefully against each other and Sam didn't dare to stop it again, not willing to reject her affection again, but before long it was she who was pulling back, his heart throbbing suddenly in fear of what she would say. Her thumb brushed his cheek and coaxed his eyes open to meet hers, gulping. “I know I should be more hesitant. All these months I have been, knowing I shouldn’t care for you the way I do. But…no matter how I try to stop myself, I can’t help feeling the way I do. You’re so kind to me and I feel like I could tell you anything and you wouldn’t judge me. We’re so similar and…you’re so handsome.” He blushed and let out a shy, breathy laugh at her compliment. Handsome? He'd never had a girl say that to him. “I don’t care anymore about the rules. No one has to know about this but us. I just don’t want to pretend anymore…” He didn't either, and he found himself slowly nodding in agreement. They could do this.. It wouldn't hurt anything.. the feelings between them were mutual and they were consenting adults.. Her fingers slipped through his hair and his moved to do the same, gently messing up her manicured locks. “I want you…more than I’ve ever wanted anything…” Her words had a magnetic pull on him and he leaned forward, kissing her harder than he had before. His hands became more insistent as they pawed at her, one in her hair the other at her side. Dani wrapped her arms around his shoulders pulling herself closer as her lips moved as fervently as his. It was easy to get lost in her.. There was something about Dani that made him lose himself, and the liquor was making it harder to control.

Sam pulled Dani closer to his body, the heat of her own making him high with need. He stumbled forward with her, nearly tripping on something thanks to his stupid limp, but it didn't deter either one of them. He moved them to the couch in her office, spinning so he could sit, pulling her down with him. It took Dani only a second to climb onto his lap, straddling it so she could continue to kiss him. This was far more comfortable than their standing position where he had to bend down so much to reach her lips. With her on him like this he allowed his hands to wander a little more freely, his hand sliding down from her hair to rub down her back, the silky texture of her blouse oddly erotic. Sam didn't dare tug at the blouse that was tucked into the tight skirt which had wiggled its way up her legs a little. Instead he let his free hand run down to her thigh, caressing it over her stockings. He wanted to touch her, feel her soft delicate skin, but even in his inebriated state he wouldn't dare push further than he already had, afraid of her thinking his intentions were dirtier than they were even in this compromising position. He shifted as a bulge grew in his pants, afraid she would feel the evidence of his excitement at the way she was kissing him.

"IT's warm in here.." He huffed suddenly, pulling away from her mouth momentarily. "I'm, uh.. just going to take off my jacket." He explained, pulling his hands away and wiggling a little to get out of his coat, again not wanting to give her the wrong idea that he was trying to strip or anything. Dani's small hands pushed at the coat, freeing him from the extra layer and immediately he felt better. Sam loosened his tie so he could breath better and then slid his hands back onto Dani, on at the small of her back, his thumb nudging the hem of her skirt, the other at her waist, feeling her tiny frame from above her blouse. "H-how far do you want to go tonight?" He inquired nervously, suddenly feeling more like a high schooler than a law apprentice in his thirties. "This is fine! I'd be happy with this for the rest of my life." He breathed and then blushed. "That sounds pathetic.. you know what I mean.." He gulped and kissed her again simply to shut himself up.

[DANI DRAKE]

Dani lost herself completely in Sam’s kiss. He kept her close against him as he began to stumble forward, sending her backward on unsteady legs. She whimpered softly when she felt him trip a little on his bad leg, but was too absorbed in his lips to pull away. He must have felt the same. It wasn’t until the backs of her legs felt leather that she realized Sam had been headed towards her couch. Immediately her face flushed deep red, picturing that Sam would lay her down on it. Instead, he spun them around so that he could sit on the couch and bring her down into his lap. While the position still made her heart race, it at least gave her the option of getting up if she changed her mind about this whole thing. But there was something even more intoxicating about this position than she had expected. Her hands easily cupped Sam’s face and she could kiss him more deeply now that he wasn’t bending down to kiss her. When his hand slipped from her long, dark hair and ran down her back, she felt a thrill of delight. Her mouth pressed harder into his, one of her hands slipping to the back of his neck, expecting his hand to move over the rise of her backside. Instead it slipped down immediately to her thigh and the warmth of his large hand seeped through her stockings and set her blood pumping faster through her veins. But his hands didn’t venture under her clothes, which only made Dani hotter with anticipation. She sighed into his lips, adoring every touch and brush of their mouths as if it would be gone in a heartbeat. It didn’t matter if they simply stayed like this, kissing the night away—she would be happy just to be in Sam’s arms.

“It’s warm in here…” Her eyes opened halfway as the feel of cool air on her lips woke her out of her blissful intoxication for a moment. From the way Sam huffed the words, she could tell he was as riled as she was. "I'm, uh…just going to take off my jacket." Dani bit her lip to avoid grinning at Sam’s bashful announcement. Was he trying to play off the fact that he wanted her? She suspected, but she said nothing as her hands moved to his jacket, pushing it from his shoulders and down his arms to help him. When he was free of it, she slung the jacket on the arm of the couch before letting her hands come to his chest, watching as he loosened his tie. Her stomach flipped in her gut, full of anxiety and desire all at once. His hands came back around her, one resting at her waist and the other slipping to her back, his thumb tracing the hem of her skirt. Her cheeks must have been glowing, they felt so hot. "H-how far do you want to go tonight?" The question stopped her heart for a minute, her adrenaline surging through her. It was just like when she’d lost her virginity in high school. Sam’s face was pinker than she’d ever seen it. "This is fine! I'd be happy with this for the rest of my life." She bit her bottom lip again as her lips curled up in an amused smile. Would Sam really be happy just kissing her forever? There was such sincerity in his voice that she couldn’t help but feel incredibly flattered. She felt the same way about him, and if they really felt the same, then she knew he was positively smitten with her. That endeared him to her more than she could describe at the moment. He looked so nervous and disappointed with his own words, but she simply watched him, not sure what to say yet. "That sounds pathetic…you know what I mean…" She actually giggled softly before his lips came to hers again. The kiss quickly grew passionate, her hands balling up gently at his chest. Maybe it was the alcohol, maybe it was her emotional sensitivity, or maybe it was just the rush of Sam’s kisses going to her head, but she suddenly had no doubt of what she wanted.

It didn’t occur to her that it was against every professional rule to sleep with her employee, because Sam wasn’t just an employee. He was her friend, her confidant, the one she dreamt about being with. She hadn’t crushed on someone so hard since high school and she found it confusing, immature, unwise, and yet so invigorating. Just the touch of his hand on her, no matter how platonic its intention, sent shocks through her entire body. Sam made her feel alive again and she didn’t want it to stop—especially not now when she was finally getting everything she wanted. Her hands came to his tie and she slowly began to undo it, pulling her mouth back from his reluctantly. Her lips remained close, but she pulled back enough to look into his eyes with her flushed cheeks betraying her nervousness. “I don’t really want to stop.” Her confession was spoken softly, the words barely able to make it out of her anxious throat. She leaned in and kissed him again, her hands slipping his tie from around his neck and dropping it to the ground somewhere. Her hands came back to his face, her mouth separating from his just enough to brush her nose across his and open her eyes to his once more. “Is that okay?” she asked gently. Sam’s response drew a smile from her before he brought her into another deep kiss. Dani let out a soft whimper as her body pressed even closer to his.

Sam’s hands wandered freely now, causing Dani’s heart to jump into her throat while her stomach clenched excitedly. It had been so long since she’d gone this far with anyone and even longer since it was with someone whose touch thrilled her so much. Their tongues twined around each other’s sensually and Dani gave a soft moan as her hands ran down Sam’s torso before tracing back up again. His body was hard underneath and it only excited Dani further. Her hips lowered down towards his until her lap was pressed firmly against it and she felt something else hard between them. Knowing she had such an effect on Sam sent a rush of warmth between her legs and she gasped faintly against his lips. She kept her mouth from his for the moment and opened her eyes, her forehead rested against his. Their eyes locked, both panting and completely enthralled with the other. Her nimble fingers began to undo the buttons of his shirt, watching the lust in his eyes build as she did so, his own hands tugging to free her blouse from her skirt. They were captivated by each other and Dani had never felt anything like it. She leaned in and kissed Sam again, her hands done unbuttoning his shirt and now feeling under his undershirt and over the heat of the freckled skin beneath. His body was hard and lean and Dani found it threw more fuel on the fire burning deep in the pit of her stomach. Still, he seemed hesitant to reach beneath her clothes, so she reached for one of the hands at her waist. Her mouth hovered over his, panting softly as she opened her eyes to his. She watched his hazel eyes as she pushed his hand slowly beneath her shirt, the lust in her own eyes growing as she felt the heat of his delightfully rough-skinned hand sliding across her soft skin. Her lips brushed his as she breathed against them, “Touch me, Sam.”