James’s POV

“Merry Christmas, my dear friend,” I raised my glass when Mike walked into my working station.

“Merry Christmas to you,” he chuckled with a bit of surprise in his eyes.

“Come on. Take today off and be my friend. You can continue with the formality after today,” I requested sincerely, pouring wine into another glass for him. I didn't want to feed his ego, but I always wished he would act like someone I've known since childhood rather than a total stranger most of the ...