I purse my lips, wondering how the hell I’m going to get her to see things my way and how I’m going to change my own ways — more problems to solve. Luckily, I am one hell of a problem solver. One thing I sure as hell need is a new damn coat. This thing is ruined. When I was young and poor, this would easily get patched up with a thing of duct tape or sewn up, but now, I can’t be seen walking around with a giant strip of duct tape or a crooked stitch.
“I need to get going. I’ll be back later on today, okay?”
“Are you seriously leaving? I still have a tree to decorate.” I glare at my sister.
“Nice try with that shit. Now, I told you I’ll be back later if you need anything else hung up. If not, I’ll be back to join youfor dinner.” She’s always trying to get me in the Christmas spirit, but that’s not going to work.
“Okay,” she says. I walk away, pulling out my phone as I do. My gaze lifts up toward the house across the street, and I discreetly take down her address, typing it into my phone before walking straight over to my new SUV. My old vehicle was in an accident last week when my driver, Maxim hit a deer after he dropped off medical supplies to his mother, and thankfully, he had only minor scrapes and cuts.
I make a U-turn out of her cul-de-sac and then drive back to the main road as the snow picks up. Damn it, I hate winter and, most importantly, Christmas. It’s the time of year when everyone pretends to be happy for others when they’re miserable themselves. They waste their hard-earned money and time buying gifts for people who don’t even appreciate the effort. Some people work themselves to death. I can’t even understand how my sister still manages to love the holiday after what it did to our parents.
My father was perpetually drunk, and my mother pretended to be happy when my grandparents would visit and spew their judgments about how she could do nothing right. It’s probably the one thing my sister and I managed to get right — no in-laws. They are the worst. She saw what mothers-in-law were like and wants nothing to do with them. I’ve never seen her with a boyfriend or even a girlfriend. She may love Christmas, but she doesn’t have anyone to share it with. It’s why I’m here. It’s why I will always be there for her as long as she needs me.
My mind goes to the woman whom I scared off—the cute, petite, cinnamon-colored girl with bright caramel eyes and puffy pink lips. Damn, I can picture her bright pink cheeks as the cold air swept through the area. Does she even realize what an image she created?
The beauty before me had held me captive. It was so perfect that I forgot the moment of fear and anger that had filled me. I press my voice button on the phone and call my assistant.
“Hello, Mr. Ames.”
“I need you to do me a favor.” There are going to be some major changes in my life, and I need her assistance more than ever.
“Of course, Sir.”
“I’m heading into the office, and I might need to take some time off.” She coughs on the other end. I twist my lips in annoyance. Yes, we have almost two weeks until the holiday. It’s not like we are days away. People work on Christmas Day. “Don’t act like it’s a big deal.”
“Sir, you haven’t had time off in…”
“In ten years. I know.” It’s another fucking reason I hate Christmas. My mother was killed in a car accident while Christmas shopping, looking for a stupid gift for the neighbor who was having an affair with my father. I found out after my mother died. Since then, I haven’t spoken to either of them. I’d just made my first million. I’d been so happy to share the news with my mother on the phone. We were talking about how it would be a great Christmas, and she couldn’t wait until there were grandbabies so that Christmas would be like magic again.
“Sir?” My assistant’s voice chirps through my distasteful memories.
“Yes?” I respond.
“I said, what do you need me to do?”
“Oh, yes. Prepare the meeting materials with Ace Investments and Devlin Securities tomorrow.”
“Oh. Okay. I’ll take care of that as soon as I get home.”
“I said take care of it tomorrow.”
“Thank you.”
I’m a brutal boss, but I understand it’s Sunday. I consider having her look up the woman who lives across from my sister, but then I don’t want her in my personal life. I don’t like anyone in my private life. Not that I have one to begin with. I have almost every dollar I earned plus interest that I didn’t reinvest back into my financial firm because I don’t have a life outside of work.
I drive straight to my condo building and sigh at the large wreath that hangs above the garage entrance. If that falls on someone’s car, that will be a massive lawsuit. I can’t believe they wasted funds on that bullshit. I pull into my personal spot and then park. Cutting the engine, I get a text from my sister.
Chloe: Are you really coming back tonight? I can make dinner?
Parker: I am, but I can pick up dinner. What do you want?
I go upstairs, take a quick shower, and then put on new clothes. Then I head to my laptop in my office.Let’s find out who you are, little pink princess.I entered her address for the property records, finding the owner to be Caroline Cole. Next, I’m pulling a quick background search on my little beauty just to learn a bit of basics because I can’t help myself.
And two hours later, my phone rings. “Hey, dick. Where are you?” my sister complains. Fuck. I completely let time get away from me.
“Oh shit. Sorry, Sis. I’m on my way right now. I got carried away with work.” I quickly tuck everything into my office drawer and turn off my laptop. Then I lock my office and slip on my winter coat and scarf. I’m glad I was smart enough to wear my other coat to do outdoor work.
“I’m sure. What’s new?” she scoffs because it’s the truth, or at least that’s almost always the case.
