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)
My dinner makes me sleepy, so I set my plate on the coffee table and cover myself with the blanket on the back of the sofa. Slowly, I fall asleep, missing the rest of It’s a Wonderful Life.
My phone rings in the silence, shocking me to sit up straight. Picking it up because it’s probably my sister or mother at this hour, but it’s neither. Smiling like a fool, I answered it. “Hello.”
“Hello, beautiful. I hope I’m not bothering you so late.”
“You’re not,” I answer with a yawn.
“I’m sorry I woke you up, baby, but I’ll have to cancel our morning breakfast.”
“It’s okay.”
“No, it’s not, Lola. The thought of missing out on time with you actually pisses me off, but today’s meeting didn’t go as planned and the only way I can make it work is going to a morning meeting to follow up.”
“I understand. We’ll see each other tomorrow, and then you can take me to dinner to make it up to me.”
“That is perfect, my love.”
“Good. Now go back to bed, my sweet Lola and I’ll see you tomorrow.” We hang up and I fall back asleep, enjoying dreams of Trent until my alarm goes off.
Chapter Three
Trent
I’ve thought about her all day and it killed me to not call her again, but restraint was a must. Dennis reminded me of my obligations to the town and the mall. I had to consider the event tomorrow, and the ramifications if I ruined the visit with Santa by pushing Lola too soon, too fast. The change in plans gave me a brief chance to call her, even though it took away from our morning together. After it’s over, I won’t stop until she comes with my name on her lips.
Lola’s reaction to my attention had matched mine, so I know she feels the hunger. All I need to do is make her realize that it’s not just driving me and that I want more than to be inside her tight, young body. I want to possess her for the rest of our days. She’s a Christmas gift I’ll cherish forever.
“Are you ready to head to the mall?” Dennis asks, smiling from ear to ear as I slide into the back of my SUV.
“Stop that. You look like a mental patient.”
“At least I’m not behaving like one. I’m glad the investors understood we had an issue at the mall that had your mind preoccupied.”
“A lot of things are going to change, so you’re going to see a new side of me.”
“I can see.” He chuckles and goes through his phone and notes. The meeting finished just in time for us to make it to the mall to get dressed and for a few minutes to see my woman. It’s been a messy morning, but at least it’s all squared away and I have time to focus on my happiness, which includes Lola.
“So are you going to propose to her on Christmas?”
“I’ll see how it goes. At the latest she’ll be my fiancée by New Year’s Day.” I spent the time away from her, purchasing the ring I’ll be giving to her along with a dozen other gifts for Christmas.
“I’m surprised if you make it that long. One look at her and you seem so different.”
“The right woman can do that to you.” I checked my messages, and she hasn’t replied to the one I sent her this morning. Marianne has already spoken to Dennis to say that Lola’s there, so I know she’s safe, but it doesn’t explain why she didn’t respond to me.
The drive takes almost an hour, cutting my time extremely close. The snow and an accident on the expressway slowed travel to a near crawl. I dash into the mall like a bat out of hell while Dennis tries to keep up behind me.
When I make it to the secured dressing area, I see her, stopping my heart instantly. God, she’s perfection. “I’m so sorry.” I close the distance between us and pull her into my arms. “Good morning, wife.” My mouth slants over hers, pressing our lips together in our first kiss. I pull back and stare into her light brown eyes. “How come you didn’t answer my messages or calls this morning?”
“I forgot my phone at the house.” I don’t like that she forgot it because anything could have happened to her on the way to the mall, including an accident like the one we saw on the way in.
“Well, I messaged to say I was running behind. I hope you weren’t waiting too long for me.” She blushes, but before she can respond, Marianne approaches.
“Good morning, Santa. You better get dressed,” Marianne says, stepping between us with my suit in her hands before stuffing them against my chest.
“We don’t have much time before we get started.”