Total pages in book: 30
Estimated words: 27909 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 140(@200wpm)___ 112(@250wpm)___ 93(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 27909 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 140(@200wpm)___ 112(@250wpm)___ 93(@300wpm)
Cammie should have been here with him. He knew she’d adore the tasteful Christmas decorations and probably enjoy the string quartet playing on a stage in the corner. There were a few couples on the dance floor, and he was envious of them, even though he never danced in public. If Cammie were here and asked him, he had a feeling that he wouldn’t have been able to refuse.
He should never have promised her an interview without checking with Jenny first. He hadn’t intentionally lied to her. He’d just been too cocky, believing he’d have no trouble sweet-talking his sister into doing him a favor. Now, Cammie felt like she couldn’t trust him and he hated it.
He knew how hard the last few years had been for her and understood just how much significance she’d placed on this potential interview. It wasn’t just about a job for her. It had been a chance to reclaim her life after it had been so massively derailed by her mother’s diagnosis and death. Things he hadn’t known when he’d thrown out the offer to get her a meeting with Jenny.
It was a lesson he’d learned the hard way.
The client he’d been so gung-ho to impress, Spencer McClain, stood on the other side of the room, holding a glass of scotch in his hand and laughing at something Leo’s boss said. The man glanced around, and Leo knew McClain was looking for him. It was his responsibility to impress the big client, after all.
But he turned away, heading toward the bar to get himself another drink. At the moment, he wasn’t keen on jumping through hoops for the job. He still wanted McClain’s business, but thanks to Cammie, he was starting to realize that the world didn’t revolve around work.
There were more important things to worry about.
He never should have gone along with the fake-girlfriend lie, no matter what his boss wanted. Although, he couldn’t regret the request because it had led him to Cammie.
He pulled out his phone, planning to send her a text, even though she hadn’t responded to the others he’d sent today. Though he didn’t want to bombard her with messages, he couldn’t resist sending one more just to check in, on the off chance she might reply.
Merry Christmas, sweetheart. Is there any chance I could see you tomorrow?
He pressed send and hoped she’d say yes. If he had to leave his parents’ house a little early to spend time with Cammie, he would-although he hoped she’d just come with him to celebrate with his family. The thought of her being alone on the holiday was too much to bear.
His phone buzzed and he held his breath as he opened the text and read her reply.
Or you could see me right now.
He lifted his head and looked around until he spotted her standing inside the ballroom entrance, tucking her phone into her clutch. She glanced up and met his gaze, a smile on her beautiful face.
Everyone else in the banquet hall faded away until Cammie was the only person he saw. He was glad he hadn’t peeked at the dress when they bought it. She was stunning in the red dress with lace sleeves and a keyhole cutout above her chest, giving a glimpse of her cleavage. The dress was fitted, showing off her feminine curves and the slit up one side went all the way to her hip, revealing her sexy, toned leg.
He stared as she walked toward him, accepting in that drawn out moment that she owned him. With her beauty, sunshine and Christmas cheer, she’d snuck into his heart when he wasn’t looking. And she made him feel something brand new. A connection and a desire for more.
He pushed away from the bar and met her halfway, treating her to a slow smile. “You look beautiful,” he said, taking her hands and kissing her cheek. “I’m so glad you came. I’m sorry about—”
She placed a finger on his lips. “No apologies. I’m not here because I want an interview. I’m here because I just want to be with you.”
“That’s all I want too.” He pressed his lips to hers but kept the kiss brief, not wanting to get carried away in front of all his business associates. But later… he couldn’t wait to get her alone.
Sliding his hand in hers, he led her to the bar and ordered her a fruity cocktail since she didn’t like wine, and spent the next two hours walking around the party with Cammie on his arm.
There was no pretending, no lying, no making their relationship appear more serious. For him, what they had was more than enough, and it didn’t matter how long they had been seeing each other. They might be new and exciting, but their relationship was full of potential.