Total pages in book: 22
Estimated words: 20786 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 104(@200wpm)___ 83(@250wpm)___ 69(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 20786 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 104(@200wpm)___ 83(@250wpm)___ 69(@300wpm)
“Not a problem. She’s going to love it.”
“I hope so.” I ordered her a present or two as well, but now I wanted to go into town and do some shopping too. Maybe there are some other trinkets I can find her. We both walk out together, so I can head into town.
I drive through the hustle and bustle of the Christmas town with a different perspective, and I feel lighter. I call my assistant, needing her to make some arrangements for me. She takes forever to answer, but I’m still in a great mood. “Hello, Sarah.”
“What’s with that voice? Someone’s cheerful. Are you actually getting some writing done?”
“Yes, but that’s not why. I need you to look into making this my permanent home.”
“What?”
“Yes. I’m making it my permanent home, and if I get my way, I’ll be getting married.”
“So, I should say congratulations are in order.”
“Damn right. Merry Christmas, Sarah. Tell that asshole you married that I guess he’s all right, and I hope he has a good one too.”
“I heard that.”
“Does he always listen in on your calls?” I ask, chuckling.
“No, but—never mind.” Her voice is different than normal.
“We were having sex, thank you. Is there anything that you need that can’t wait until my wife is thoroughly fucked?” he says with grunt.
“Call me later.” I end the call and laugh. He’s a dick, but I can’t say I blame him. If I was balls deep in Holiday and her phone rang, I’d toss that fucker across the room.
I pull into a parking spot across from the bakery and walk into a mad house. I can’t see Holiday because she’s so small, but Glen spots me standing at the doorway. He waves me over and I come around to the front.
“Come on to the back. She’s in the kitchen and waiting for you.”
I step inside and see my pretty girl with her hair up in a bun, dancing around the room to Feliz Navidad while mixing a bowl of frosting.
“So damn sexy,” I growl. She gasps and nearly sends the bowl tumbling, but I’m quick to catch it and set it on the counter.
“My hero.” She throws her arms around my neck and jumps up, clamping her thighs to my hips. “That deserves a sweet kiss.”
We share a deep, tongue-twirling kiss until there’s a beeping going off, and then she jumps back. “Sorry, the oven.”
“Do you need help?”
“No, just super busy. Sorry, it’s crazy today with the last-minute shoppers stopping in for treats, and of course the treats for the party.”
“Oh, I didn’t know you supply them.”
“Yes. I bake all the cookies and cakes. Others bring desserts, but these are my Christmas gift to the town. A little party thing I do every year.”
“You’re so cute.”
“I have some running around to do. Are you sure there’s nothing you need me to do for you?”
“Um… Well, I need to make two deliveries, and I don’t have a guy for that anymore.”
“Come on, sweetheart. Give it to me and I’ll make it happen.”
It takes twenty minutes for us to load the truck with the desserts for the party as well as the other drop-off, and then I give her a kiss before taking off to make them. I have the addresses, and the first one is easy. It takes me ten minutes, but since the party one has five hundred cookies and two large Christmas cakes, I carefully handle them, and the director meets me outside. “Wow, who are you?”
“I’m James, and I’ll be helping Holiday out today.”
“Oh, okay. Thank you. I was worried when they weren’t here yet. I figured she was busy, but we like to have everything set up, and we need it safely delivered. You’re a doll.”
“How long have you been doing this tradition?”
“Since nineteen ten.”
“Wow, it’s an amazing tradition.”
“Will you be joining us this evening?”
“Yes, Holiday and I will be coming.”
“Holiday’s actually coming?” the director’s eyes opened wide.
“Yes.”
“She never….”
“Why doesn’t she come to the parties?” My brows furrow. She mentioned the Christmas event to me.
“Since her parents died in a car accident. They died coming from a party in the city. Completely intoxicated, they drove back because that’s the kind of people they were. They crashed halfway home. She hasn’t been to a party since.” I don’t believe that’s why she hasn’t been to a party, but it could be one of the reasons.
“Well, it’s been a pleasure, but I have to get back before she panics about her truck. See you later.” I take my leave, load the empty rolling cart into the back of the truck, and head back to the bakery. The trip took longer than I expected, and it’s nearly four. I drop off the truck in the back and then walk in. Bethany’s in the process of washing dishes.
“She’s clearing up front. The store’s almost closed. We have pretty much nothing left. I don’t know how she does it, but she manages to bake just the right amount.”