All I want for Christmas

Chapter 5

AMELIA

I completed the work; I needed Cole to check it before I gave it to Carter.

I printed everything out and headed to his office, even though my stomach was in knots. He always made me feel like this, even back in high school.

I walked to his door and knocked.

"Come in," he called out.

I walked in and smiled as his head moved away from his computer to look at me.

He smiled.

"I have done what I can," I said as I sat in the chair in front of him. I placed my leg over the other and stared at him.

His eyes bore into me, but they slowly moved to my legs.

I felt a hot flush ripple through me. Was he checking me out?

I cleared my throat as his eyes darted to mine.

"As I was saying," I said smiling, placing the papers on my lap, "I completed everything, but I was wondering if you could check over my work."

Cole's eyes went to my face, his eyebrows knitted together. "Amelia, you don't have to have me check your work," he said, leaning back in his chair, "you are more than capable of your job."

I nodded.

"I know," I said, "I just want to ensure it is all above board. I mean, I had to read through it all; I just assumed it was all for you."

My mind went over the project. I knew what they planned to do, and it was all for Cole. Well, I assumed it was all for him. I didn't want to mess anything, especially not for him,

Cole looked at me, and a slow smile spread across his face.

"We are hoping too," he said, "I mean, it would be better to have our own legal team within the business."

I nodded.

"Yeah, it would," I said.

Cole looked at me, "I will have a look at it for you," he said, leaning forward on his chair as his eyes settled on mine.

I moved slightly in the chair and leaned forward, handing him the project papers.

Cole took them, leaned back, placed the papers in front of him, and started looking through the first page.

I couldn't help but look around his office.

I have been in here before, but never this long.

My eyes took in the room's interior, which was his taste. My eyes moved behind him, where there were photos, but one stood out above the rest. I knew it was Cole and Carter with their mum.

My heart ached; even though I had seen their mother a few times, whether in high school or coming here to the building, she was always lovely. She always spoke to me and even brought in cookies, especially when she heard about my mum being ill.

I cleared my throat and looked at Cole, who had his eyes on me.

My heart nearly fell out of my chest.

Cole looked at me, but there was something written on his face.

"You okay?" He asked.

I nodded but could feel tear prick my eyes. I needed to get out of here or even change the subject.

"Yeah," I murmured, but before I could finish, Cole cut me off. "I'm sorry to hear about your mum," he said, "she was an amazing woman."

I could feel the heartache rise again in my chest.