Total pages in book: 19
Estimated words: 17651 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 88(@200wpm)___ 71(@250wpm)___ 59(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 17651 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 88(@200wpm)___ 71(@250wpm)___ 59(@300wpm)
“The mall will be doing a Santa as long as it remains successful, but that’s up to the management to keep it up and running.” I give her a pointed look. She’s got the job in the bag, and I know she’s capable of making this place run like a well-oiled machine, so there’s no issue as long as she keeps her confidence up.
“We can make it happen, but what is going to happen when you leave? And I’m not talking about the mall. I’m talking about my sister.”
“The city is less than a half hour away. It’s not like we’ll live far. If she wants to still live here, we will.”
“You’d move for her.”
“I’d do anything for her.”
“I wish I had a man like you.” A growl comes from behind us, and I turn to see Dennis. I do my best not to laugh because I’ve noticed the two of them have been dancing around each other for months.
“Maybe you’ll find someone who knows what they want and takes it. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a lot to deal with before I have lunch with Lola.” I walk toward my office and close the door, ignoring Dennis, who pulls Marianne into the janitor’s closet.
Dropping into my chair, I smile and think of what I have planned for my sweet Lola when she arrives soon. Pushing her into the office and taking her again is all I can think about. In order to get that done, I have to manage some actual work, so I get my ass moving and act like the damn owner of this mall.
It’s ten after eleven, and she’s not at the mall. I call her phone, and it goes straight to voicemail. Dialing Marianne, she picks up on the first ring. “Where’s Lola?”
“I don’t know. She wasn’t supposed to be here until two.”
“She was supposed to meet me at eleven, and her phone is going to voicemail.”
“That’s not like her, but it’s only twelve after.” I can hear the panic in her voice matching mine. “The Holiday Hills police are on the other line.”
She hangs up on me, and I’m out of my office, searching for her. When I see Dennis, I shout, “Where’s Marianne?”
“Food Court.”
I dash that way and see her mouth wide open, tears falling. I’m at her side with Dennis behind me. “What’s going on?”
“Lola’s in the hospital,” she chokes out between sobs.
“What? Let’s go.”
“Dennis, please stay here and handle everything,” Marianne says.
“Of course, love.”
Chapter Eight
Lola
Stepping out of the shower, my heart is practically singing. Trent has opened up my heart in a new way. I’ve people and children, but I never loved a man before, and I know that in such a short time, I’ve fallen in love even if I’m not ready to admit it aloud because everyone will think I’m nuts.
My mother called me this morning after Trent left to grill me about our relationship, and I told her he’s coming to Christmas tomorrow. My dad’s ready to grill him, which I doubt will bother Trent. There’s something in his confidence that makes me believe nothing can rattle Trent Nicholas.
I quickly dry my hair and get dressed, checking the clock. It’s ten which gives me enough time to get prettied up, feed, and play with Jinx before meeting Trent. Smiling like a lovesick puppy, I hurry up and head into the kitchen to get Jinx’s favorite pate ready.
“Here’s your food, kitty,” I call Jinx. I can’t find him, which is strange. Normally, he’s eager for the wet bites that I get him before I leave for the day. “Jinx, kitty. Where are you? Come on; I’ve got to get out of here and meet Trent now.” I head into the living room with the open, smelly container in my hand and gasp. Ryan is standing there with my cat in his arms, holding a gun aimed at me.
“What are you doing here?”
“You betrayed me, Lola. I watched for hours in line as you let that bastard flirt with you. I thought maybe it was for show, but no… you let him touch you, kiss you, fuck you.” His eyes are wild. Having to make my escape, the only thing I can think of is Jinx.
I stick out my arms and plead while waving the kitty food. Instantly, he reacts, clawing at Ryan’s face and arms to escape and go for his food. It works, and he lets the cat go, grabbing at his face in pain, and allowing me to run. I dash toward the back door, but I’m not that fast, and my house is a little too cluttered; I bang into my kitchen chair. I reach the back door, which is locked. I get it open and a foot out into the snow when Ryan reaches me. He slams my face on the edge of the door. I feel the blood in my mouth, and then he drags me back into the house, slamming the door shut.