A flirty remark was on the tip of her tongue when Michael – who had behaved like a total jackass from day one: going from hitting on her, to barely veiled homophobic comments when she’d told him she was gay, to bitterly fighting her for cases every day since – came walking toward them.

She rolled her eyes, good mood already soured, and prepared to step between this woman and this asshole. Because she was positive there was going to be some sort of snide remark about sexuality or a crude one about the mistletoe, especially based on the angry glare in his eyes.

Without taking his eyes off of her, he stepped up way too close to the blonde. “Hannah, dear, what are you doing with Caroline?”

The plate almost slipped from her hand in shock. Hannah, aka likely the most beautiful woman she’d ever seen, was married to Michael Dalton?

Those mesmerizing eyes widened in surprise at her name. “You’re Caroline?”

It shouldn’t matter what Michael Dalton went home to his wife and said about her. But she could only imagine the litany of comments he had behind her back, given what he said to her face. And, damn it, it did bother her.

Her smile turned purposefully icy as she addressed him. “Your wife isn’t allowed to make her own friends?”

“Right. Friends,” he sneered, eyes narrowing as he wrapped an arm around Hannah’s waist, who stepped dutifully against him.

Yikes and nope.

A whole slew of comments wanted to come out directed toward him but she held them back, as she typically did. Not worth it.

“Happy holidays,” she instead forced out, rolling her eyes. She figured Michael was the type of person who got annoyed at happy holidays vs Merry Christmas.

She flicked her eyes to Hannah, who seemed so easy to read only moments ago, and was now giving her a very guarded look. Of course, the universe saw it fit that this physically perfect woman was 1. Married to Michael and 2. Seemed to be not so perfect on the inside. No doubt sharing the same kind of shitty opinions as her husband.

Another small thing to add to her Christmas grievance list: the most gorgeous woman she’s ever felt any sort of instant vibe with, and it turns out she’s married to her nemesis.

Turning to walk away, she tossed the cookies in the trash.

***

She isn’t going to call, she tells herself again the next morning as she stares at the ceiling while lying in bed.

Hannah… well, she’s seen her more times than she can count over the seven years she and Michael worked together. More parties, different events, the odd day that Hannah was at the office to drop something off. And while she’s never been rude or derisive the way Michael often was, she wasn’t friendly, either. Not after that first time, anyway.