Page 33 of Mistletoe Meet Cute
Camden
Thank you for taking care of Sophie for me. I don’t trust many people in this world, Holly. But I trust you with the only thing that matters.
Get some sleep, vixen.
My chest tightens in a way that has absolutely nothing to do with attraction and everything to do with the rare glimpse he’s giving me behind the shield he wears like armor.
I type back before I give myself a chance to overthink it.
Holly
Always, Grinch. Kick ass tomorrow. We’ll see you when you get home.
I toss the phone onto the counter and climb out of the tub, searching for a towel to warm my pebbled skin. But really, it’s not the cool air causing my shivers. It’s the thought ofhim.
I check on Sophie and Madden one more time before I crawl into bed and turn onLove Actuallyfor about the millionth time.
Oh my garland . . . I’m so screwed.
HOLLY
Dear Santa –
What exactly do you consider naughty... technically speaking?
—Holly’s Secret Thoughts
“What do you mean...exactly? I’m going to need details here, Holls. Was ityou’d look so pretty on your kneesflirting or more likea smile and a look in his eyekind of flirting?” Hadley looks away from the phone to apply her fake lashes as she gets ready for what’s always the longest day of Santa and Mrs. Claus duty of the week.
I love the holidays, but even I can admit Sundays suck this time of year at the vineyard.
“Seriously, Hades, it was a FaceTime. I was naked in the tub, and he was flirting. I’m going to need you to trust me on this,” I whisper-hiss, careful not to startle Sophie, who’s currently happily playing with the mirror on her exersaucer,while Madden rests his big, fat head next to the mirror, like it’s a struggle for him to hold it up. Lazy dog.
“Okay, fine. He was flirting. What’s the problem then? He’s a gorgeous single man, who’s obviously into you. He has a job, so that’s a plus. He has a kid you love. I mean, it’s still baggage, I guess. But she’s seriously cute...”
“Sophie isn’t baggage,” I bite back, annoyed at her even suggesting that. “He’s my boss.”
“For like another two months, Holls. This was never a permanent work situation. You’re going to get a job.”
“No one has called,” I softly argue, still frustrated with the lack of response.
“Seriously, sissy. You sent out résumés the week before Thanksgiving. What did you think was going to happen? The calls will come in January when everyone is out of the holiday mood and is done shopping online all day and actually working again. And when that happens and the season ends, Camden will no longer be your boss. But do you know what he could be?” She arches a brow as if baiting me.
I shake my head.
This ought to be good.
“He could be good in bed. Please, sweet baby Jesus, tell me that man is good in bed because he looks like he’s fucking phenomenal. He can be my father figure all day, every day, because I bet his dick’s bicker.”
I cackle because I can’t not. “Can we not quote Taylor, please?”
“I’ll be the devil she deals with any day. And besides, you smiled. Stopped stressing. It’s not like nannying for Sophie was ever going to be long-term. I say go for it. Flirt with him. Fuck him. Hell, marry the man, if you want. Or don’t. But whatever you do, don’t let the fact that you’re working for him for all of two months stop you from something that could be good foryou.” She paints her lips a raspberry red and blots them. “You deserve to be happy, Holly. Not all guys are lying, cheating bastards like Anson.”
“Thanks, Hadley.” I nibble my lip and look down at Sophie smiling at herself. “I know you’re right. It’s just hard.”
“Yeah well, hopefully he’s hard too.” She blows a kiss and winks. “Gotta go get felt up by Santa. Talk to you later.”
“Love you, Hades.”
