Total pages in book: 33
Estimated words: 31582 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 158(@200wpm)___ 126(@250wpm)___ 105(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 31582 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 158(@200wpm)___ 126(@250wpm)___ 105(@300wpm)
“Yes. I’m on my way back, but I have a super big issue. Our boss just asked—or rather strong-armed me—into cooking dinner for his family at Franco’s house.”
“When?”
“Tomorrow night.”
“What? That’s Christmas Eve.”
“Yeah. I know. They said we can stay in a wing of the castle all by ourselves.”
“Castle? Are we flying out to Europe tonight?”
“No. It’s in Rochester. Please, Anabelle. It’s a big deal to him and his family.”
“Girl, did you forget? I have a meeting downtown tomorrow afternoon.”
“Shit. I’m so sorry. I totally freaking spazzed and forgot. Damn it. What about our usual Christmas together?”
“I can come over on Christmas morning. It’s not a big deal, and we can call Mom and Dad, and they won’t even notice that we didn’t spend the entire holiday together.”
“That’s a good idea.” My parents are living it up in Florida and only feel comfortable knowing that we’re safe and happy together until we create our own families.
“You know I’ve always been the one getting in trouble.” Yes. She’s the outgoing, fun-loving sister, and I’m the quiet one.
“I can always count on you for a getaway plan.”
“Speaking of getaway, what are you feeling when it comes to seeing that handsome beast hidden in that massive castle?”
“Nothing. I’m good.”
“Bullshit. Get home so we can gossip and I can help you pack.” I smile because she hit the nail on the head. I’m giddy and nervous at the same time. I’m glad I ate a few hours ago because my stomach has been doing flips since Fabio asked me to do him this favor.
“Fine. I’m on my way.” What can I say anyway? That I’m scared shitless to see him and not because of how he may look, but that maybe I read Fabio wrong and Franco has no interest in me.
****
I’ve hardly gotten a wink of sleep, dreams and nightmares blending together and startling me awake by six in the morning. I wrap myself in my fuzzy pink robe that only goes to the bottom of my butt and rush into the kitchen to make a pot of coffee before dashing into the bathroom and fixing my hair.
I don’t usually put on a lot of makeup even though my sister and I are model material, but since I’m going to a private event, I want to look gorgeous and yet subtle. My long blonde hair is going to flow free after I give it a few barrel curls, and while I’m cooking, I’ll toss it up in a cute ponytail.
“Wow, looking sexy this morning,” Anabelle teases, stepping into the bathroom with her sleepy eyes and finishing up with a long yawn. “Damn, you’re lucky I smell coffee.” For as nice as this two-bedroom house is, it only has one bathroom, which means we share it.
“I’m just trying to make sure I’m not haggard.”
“Damn right. Maybe seeing you again will get the beast to take you on the dining room table.” She wags her brows.
“A girl can dream.”
“So true. Does he have a brother? Other than your boss?”
“Nope. I think he has another cousin, though.”
“Well good to know. Now hurry your ass up because I need to get ready too.” She slaps my ass and dashes out of the room with a giggle. I smile to myself, hoping that this day goes well. My heart can’t stop pounding as I think about how soon I’ll see Franco. A shiver passes through my body, energy humming through my veins at just the thought of his hand touching mine to welcome me.
I hit the road, using my GPS to get there on time, but as luck would have it I’m about five minutes into my trip when I get a flat tire. “Son of a bitch.”
I find a place open that gets my tire ready to go, but now I’m behind by nearly an hour. I shoot a text to Fabio, letting him know I’m finally about to leave. He replies with a quick, Be safe. Tell your sister I’ll want to talk shop tonight.
Sorry, she’s not going to be able to make it until tomorrow.
Damn. Well, that’s fine. It’ll be a nice addition to our party.
I drive for the next forty-five minutes, taking it slower than normal because the roads are icy. We had a great big storm run through less than a week ago, but after they cleaned it up, we were hit with a couple of rainstorms, icing the roads. Now the snow is falling again, getting heavier and heavier as I drive. It’s been a fun start to the holiday season. I love the snow, but I hate the ice and cold.
Nearly an hour and a half into the drive, I’m listening to Christmas music to calm my nerves. “I saw Mommy kissing Santa Claus,” I belt out, imagining it was about Franco and me, having a family and forgetting ourselves on Christmas Eve as we slip the presents under the tree. It’s a silly fantasy, but my heart can’t shake it. Next up is Please Come Home for Christmas, and I feel it deep in my soul. It’s just ending when my phone goes off. Luckily it’s on my Bluetooth because I’m starting to lose sight of the road in front of me. Shit. “Hello?”