Bellini was the most interesting, engaging, sexy woman he had ever met.
She always would be.
But he was in for another whirlwind of pain, and he knew it. Why was he setting himself up for this? He groaned. He knew the answer: He would take whatever time he could get with Bellini, whatever memories he could make, whatever laughter they would share, for however long he could, to hell with the consequences. Weeks of joy in exchange for more pain, but he simply couldn’t resist her. He loved her. With everything he had, he loved her.
“Damn,” he muttered.
21
Bellini and Maisie
To: Bellini O’Donnell
From: Maisie Brown
Subject: Mrs. Claus is waiting
I’m holding a shot of tequila while saying that I can’t wait to see what Roxy Belle is up to!
Your Dear Editor wants the first three chapters yesterday. Or, better yet, months ago. She has an edge to her voice. You know, themeanedge. I know you’re not afraid of her, but I am.
Please tell me the chapters are almost ready to go! Ring-a-ling-ling-ling! Those are the bells of the reindeer, and they want you to hurry!
Maisie
To: Maisie Brown
From: Bellini O’Donnell
Subject: The reindeer don’t wear bells that ring-a-ling-ling-ling
Maisie,
I am NOT QUITE ready to send you the first three chapters of my next Roxy Belle book, but I will be soon. As you know, I’m in the midst of planning a T and A Christmas show. It does not stand fortitsandass. It stands fortinselandAllI Want for Christmas Is Santa. I am swamped in details, and I’m running abar where, now and then, people are not being their “best selves” and get slightly out of control.
Silent Night, Holy Night, do not talk to Dear Editor if she gives you a fright.
Bellini
To: Bellini O’Donnell
From: Maisie Brown
Subject: Silent Nights are better
I know you haven’t written a word. You have a Christmas show called T and A? Are you serious? Who thought of that? Wait. Your mother.
I understand running a bar is a lot of work. Frankly, I’m having a hard time picturing you there, as I know you like to be a hermit, and you don’t drink. You’re a happy, sober hermit. A cat lady hermit. A cat lady hermit who writes beloved children’s books.
Please write, Bellini. Please. Whip something up. Send it over.
From Maisie, who likes Silent Nights where she doesn’t have to worry about writers like you.
To: Maisie Brown
From: Bellini O’Donnell
Subject: Post-Christmas writing
