After seeing his father’s profligate ways almost destroy the family business, Ransom Burke has instituted a firm policy of no work fraternization. When his longtime lover leaves him for a woman, Ransom vows never again to let anyone get close to him. He informs all future lovers he’ll shower them with gifts as long as they remain monogamous. However, at the first sign of straying, they’ll receive a bouquet of white roses tipped with gold and the affair will be over. Man after man chooses straying over Ransom until the day the very appealing Parrish Rutledge comes to work for him. That means Parrish will forever be out of his reach. Parrish has been alone since he was sixteen, having been tossed out when his older brother discovered he was gay. He’s immediately attracted to his new boss, but even though he dreams of Ransom, he knows, due to the company policy, it can’t go anywhere. But in the aftermath of the office Christmas party, things change between them, and Parrish is given a choice: keep his job and know he can never again see Ransom as anything other than his boss, or quit and become his lover. The one is unthinkable, and as for the other, Ransom is a serial monogamist who doesn’t have the best track record. Parrish’s choice will either lead to a Christmas Day where once again he’ll be alone, or the best present ever will be under his tree.

The Best

“You do good work. Felicia…Mrs. Campbell…thinks so, too. She concurs that you’ll be a good replacement.”


There, you see?he told himself. It’s all about business.“Thank you, sir. I appreciate your confidence in me. I’ll make sure to notify the temp agency—”


“Do that. Mrs. Campbell would have, but she only discovered the situation on Friday afternoon and notified me over the weekend. You’ll be employed directly by Burke, Burke, and Hammett from now on.”


“I’m keeping her position open, of course. She’s been my assistant since before my father…retired, and she’s a gem. However, she isn’t certain if she’ll be returning.”


“I’m sorry to hear that. I enjoyed working with her. However, I promise I’ll do my very best for you.”


“Oh.” He glanced at the second cup, then gazed up at his boss. “Would you want this coffee? It’s a Cafe Americano with two extra shots of espresso, breva with half and half.”


Chapter 10