Total pages in book: 41
Estimated words: 38786 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 194(@200wpm)___ 155(@250wpm)___ 129(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 38786 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 194(@200wpm)___ 155(@250wpm)___ 129(@300wpm)
Thank fuck Maryann agreed to interview Kelsey instead of Harrold Marigold. He’s rumored to have broken a handful of his employee’s hearts. I know for a fact he has. More than one of them have been clients of mine.
After a second look at the images causing my skyrocketing temperature, I store my phone in my pocket like the lingerie picks haven’t made everything a tight squeeze, then spin to face my sister. “Just a proposal Emma sent through. Nothing interesting”
“You are such a liar.” Casey throws a balled dishtowel at my head before balancing her elbows on the island she just scrubbed clean.
Our mother’s wedding is in this hotel, so Casey has access to a massive kitchen downstairs, but she’s reserved my kitchen for the baker to finalize the finicky toppers of the two-tiered cake.
“It’s Kelsey, isn’t it?” I don’t get a word out. “Don’t try to deny it. I can see it all over your face. It hasn’t gleamed this brightly since Christmas Eve twenty years ago.”
That was the year before she told me Santa isn’t real.
I refused to speak to her for a month after she ruined my childhood.
I’m on the cusp of spilling every sordid detail of my feelings for Kelsey, but before I can, Casey continues spilling secrets. “Santa is telling everyone he’s responsible for your pairing.”
“What?” I only speak one word, but it is barely audible through my shocked chuckle.
Casey nods. “Charity Santa… the one who’s been following you all over town.”
I knew I wasn’t going crazy.
“He’s taking full credit for your relationship with Kelsey. He even said he—”
She’s interrupted by the trill of the hotel’s landline.
I point at her in warning that our conversation isn’t over before I answer the call. “Hello?”
“Mr. Kringle—”
“Please call me Zane,” I beg. “Especially at this time of year.”
The receptionist at the hotel giggles before addressing me as requested. “Zane, the baker you’re expecting has arrived.”
“Great. Send her up, please.”
When she hums in approval of my request, I disconnect our call as the buzzer at my suite rings.
Damn, that was quick.
My strides to the door double when I recall Kelsey’s interview should have ended by now. Maryann was beside herself when I let drop that I was looking at investing with a new stockbroking firm when I called to cancel Harrold’s yearly reservation with my company.
She admitted she had been trying to poach Kelsey from Black Industries for years, and wondered if she could be persuaded to return to a corporate role for a senior position with Marigold’s.
I warned her that she’s probably too late, Kelsey’s determination is unyielding when it comes to her goals, but that there was only one way for her to find out. She had to call Kelsey and ask.
Kelsey seemed excited to have been offered an interview, so I’m interested to learn if she accepted their proposal or if she’s going to continue forging ahead with plans that have been at a stalemate the past two years.
I’ll call her for an update as soon as I’ve let Noelle in.
When I open my front door, the person on the other side isn’t who I’m anticipating. I only glanced his way for two seconds yesterday afternoon, but not even the hideous cut of his tailored suit can conceal his identity.
Why the fuck is Kelsey’s ex standing outside my apartment?
“Peter…” I have to force his name out of my mouth, not to mention the rest of my greeting. “What are you doing here?”
I’m given an answer by Casey, who has just picked up my phone, instead of the douche across from me. “It’s Emma. She said it’s urgent. Something about the refund you processed this morning.” Casey stops halfway into the entryway when she notices Peter. Her brows furrow as she mumbles to herself, “I thought Mom hired Noelle to make her cake?”
“She did.” I offer an introduction I’m confident Peter doesn’t deserve. “Casey, this is Peter, Kelsey’s ex. Peter, this is Casey, my sister.”
“Ohh… shoot,” Casey whispers heavily before diverting her focus to my cell phone squashed to her ear. “He’s going to have to call you back.” As she returns to the kitchen, I hear her say, “He’s talking to Kelsey’s ex. Kelsey… the woman he’s…”
I wait for her words to fade to silence before focusing on Peter. He looks angry. Good. His devastation might be the only way I’ll keep my fists balled at my side. I’ve witnessed a ton of sly tactics when a relationship ends, but Peter’s antics are by far the worst.
A reason for the downfall in his mood is unearthed when he says, “Ex? You introduced me as Kelsey’s ex?”
“Yeah. That’s how it generally works when you cheat. They become your ex, and you become theirs.”
“I didn’t cheat.” He has absolutely no class when he spits out, “Fingering someone isn’t cheating.”