Page 23 of Strictly Business

As I survey the room, the opulence of the Forrester International holiday party at the flagship resort and casino hits me with full force. Every corner drips with extravagance, from the shimmering chandeliers to the lavish buffet and carving stations that look like they cost a fortune. I can't help but shake my head at my mother's flair for the dramatic, her need to make everything a spectacle. Dad, as always, is indulging her every whim. He's so smitten with her; it's almost touching. If they weren't relentlessly scrutinizing every aspect of my life, I might find their love story endearing. I hope to find love as profound as theirs, but that's a distant dream.

My gaze drifts across the room, settling on Genesis. She's unknowingly challenged my ego and my patience for the last ten years, even more so since she re-entered my life this past month. I've watched her all evening since I escorted her to the buffet. I didn't want to come off as overbearing or too invested, so I left her to mingle with Robyn and the other Forrester employees. But I plan to ask her for a dance later when the music starts—if she’ll even say yes.

Watching her interact with Talon irks me more than I'd like to admit. His hug lingers a bit too long, stirring a discomfort of jealousy I can't quite shake, even though I know they're just friends. Meanwhile, Talon seems distracted by Kiri, one of our talented executive producers. She seems to have a calming effect on him, which is a Christmas miracle.

Throughout the evening, Genesis and I exchanged several glances. It's like we're both seeking each other out, but she looks away every time our eyes meet. It's frustrating, this cat-and-mouse game. I need to bridge this distance between us, but I'm at a loss for how. Her recent revelation that she believes I'm the reason she got her job at Forrester has left me unsettled. When I asked Knox about it, his evasive response suggested he knew more than he was letting on. But he's too wrapped up in his own drama, trying to catch Robyn’s attention, especially after their awkward encounter earlier. I hope he finds what he's looking for, but tonight, my focus is elsewhere—on a certain elusive beauty who’s captured my attention in a way no one else ever has.

"Happy holidays, son," my father's voice pulls me back from my thoughts. I take a sip of my scotch, a reflex I wish didn't accompany hearing his voice, but it's become a habit.

I brace myself, knowing I've probably done something to displease him. It's just a matter of figuring out what. "Hello, Father, happy holidays to you too," I reply, keeping my tone neutral.

"Hell of a party our team has thrown tonight, wouldn't you say?" he remarks, surveying the crowd with pride.

"Nice indeed," I respond, my gaze drifting over the guests. "Must have cost a fair amount."

"Not like we can't afford it," he retorts, a hint of boastfulness in his voice as he sips his drink.

I merely hum in response, uninterested in discussing our family's wealth. My attention is drawn back to Genesis, who's laughing at something Talon says, with Robyn smiling nearby. I envy his ability to draw such joy from her. I'm determined to break through to her, to prove that what we could have is worth exploring, especially now that she's working on 'The Bachelor' series at Forrester Media.

My father's voice cuts through my thoughts yet again. "Seems a young journalist has caught your eye and not just professionally. Am I correct, son?"

I glance at him, then quickly back to the crowd, moving toward the dance floor as the live band starts a festive and lively Christmas tune. I won't admit my feelings for Genesis to him.

"I have no idea what you're talking about, Father," I lie.

He echoes my earlier hum. "If you're trying to hide your feelings for Miss Jones, you're doing a poor job. Your constant concern over her interactions, assignments and personal life in meetings doesn't go unnoticed. You don't pay this much attention to anyone else here."

I start to protest but then falter. He's right. I've been too invested in her affairs. "That's not true, I—"

He interrupts, "She is quite lovely and sharp, too. No surprise your mother insisted on hiring her after hearing your high praise."

I narrow my eyes, feeling a mix of surprise and irritation. "Mother hired her based on my comments? I never mentioned Genesis to her."

He smirks. "You said enough indirectly. But be cautious; don't let her distract from our business objectives—just some fatherly advice." He pats my shoulder and moves away.

And just like that, the pieces fall into place. Genesis's belief that I influenced her hiring, and my mother's meddling, makes sense now. I'm left feeling both exposed and frustrated. My family is always playing puppeteer with my life. Damn it, indeed.

* * *

Genesis

Swirling the last of my champagne in the glass, I find myself swaying gently to the rhythm of an upbeat Christmas tune played by the live band. The party's festive atmosphere is infectious, and despite my initial reservations, I'm actually having a good time. The dance floor is a whirl of colors and laughter, with my colleagues from Forrester International enjoying themselves uninhibitedly. It's a welcome change from the usual corporate stiffness.

Out of the corner of my eye, I catch a glimpse of Robyn and Knox discreetly exiting the dance floor. He seems to be leading her away from the ballroom, presumably to have a private conversation. A smile tugs at my lips; I've been rooting for those two to figure things out.

Turning back to the party, I notice Talon is talking to Kiri again. Their earlier heated exchange seems to have mellowed into something more amicable. Talon confided in me earlier about his feelings for her, and it looks like he's making his intentions clear. Knowing the drama that often surrounds the Forrester men and their love interests, I can't help but wonder how this will unfold.

They can save the drama for their mama!

I take another sip of champagne, the bubbles playfully tickling my nose, and let out a soft giggle at my own internal joke about the Forrester family dynamics. It feels good to let loose a little and bask in the holiday season's warmth and joy.

As for Reece, I've managed to keep my distance since he escorted me to the buffet. He got caught up with some other partygoers, and I took the opportunity to slip away. I can't deny that there's a part of me that's relieved; the back-and-forth between us has been emotionally draining, and I'm not ready to confront whatever it is that's simmering between us. Plus, staying off his mother's radar seems like the wisest course-of-action.

I've felt Reece's gaze on me several times throughout the evening. It's like a physical touch, burning and intense. There's no denying the magnetic pull between us, and every time our eyes meet, my heart races. He's a vision tonight, his suit fitting him perfectly, accentuating his broad shoulders and lean frame. Memories of our encounters, the feel of his lips on mine, the way his hands felt on my body, keep flashing in my mind, making it hard to focus on anything else.

But I shake those thoughts away, determined to keep the night about the celebration and not about my complicated feelings for Reece. With my article on Knox nearing completion, I remind myself that there's more work to be done and more stories to tell. Mr. February awaits, and with him, new challenges and distractions.

For now, I'll enjoy the music, the laughter, and the holiday spirit. Tonight, I'm just Genesis Jones, letting go and living in the moment.