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)
This, he was comfortable discussing. “I’m a financial analyst at an investment company. Basically, I analyze investment opportunities and manage portfolios for my clients.”
“And you enjoy that?” she asked, her gaze on him so intent he believed she was truly interested in his career.
He paused at her question. He’d never thought about whether he enjoyed work. He liked the perks. The high pay. The job security and great health insurance.
But the work itself didn’t spark any excitement inside of him. “Honestly, I don’t like or dislike it. It’s just something that I do to live a comfortable life.”
“Wow.” Her eyes opened wide. “I can’t imagine devoting all of my time to something that I didn’t feel passionate about.”
The word passionate aroused other feelings inside him, ones that kept him up at night thinking about Cammie, her pouty lips and all the things she could do to him with them. But she was talking work so he refocused himself on the mundane.
She didn’t seem to mean her comment in a judgmental way, but her words got him thinking. Why was he spending so much time at the office? Sure, he made a lot of money, but he couldn’t remember the last time he did something enjoyable with it. The cash accumulated in his bank account and he spent most days behind a desk.
The one indulgence he allowed himself during the workday was his trip to the coffee shop. For the peppermint mocha, sure, but also to see the pretty barista with the great laugh.
Cammie propped her chin in her hand, watching him through curious eyes, and he felt an unfamiliar feeling of discomfort at the way she saw through him so easily. Though this was the beginning stage of getting acquainted, she was obviously an intuitive person. Smart. Curious.
The waitress arrived with their food, and Cammie changed the subject, which was a relief because Leo wasn’t prepared to evaluate his entire life at the moment.
As they ate, she talked about graphic design, and it quickly became apparent she was passionate about her chosen career and eager to land a job in her hoped-for profession. He made a mental note to reach out to his sister soon to arrange that interview.
They spent the rest of the meal learning things that any two people in a relationship would already know about one another, like their favorite books, foods and hobbies. When he mentioned the only hobby he did outside of work was going to the gym every day, she let out a loud sigh, as if she’d caught him in an embarrassing admission. Then, she covered her mouth with her napkin in embarrassment.
Still, at the mention of the gym, he didn’t miss the way her gaze appreciatively roamed over his chest or the flush on her pale cheeks as she studied him. She definitely felt the same burning attraction, and he wondered if he could convince her to come back to his apartment after a second date.
Then, he was startled to realize that he was thinking about taking her out again. He told himself that spending more time with her would be necessary to pull off their ruse, but that didn’t explain the anticipation thrumming through him at the possibility.
The bill came and Leo took the portfolio, paying the check and then leading her out of the restaurant.
They stepped toward his SUV, which had been brought around by the valet.
As he walked around to her side, she looked at him with a wicked gleam in her eyes. “I know you probably have to work early tomorrow, but what would you say about going someplace else tonight? Somewhere fun?”
That thrum of anticipation picked up inside him again, and he found himself mentally agreeing without thought. “Sure. What did you have in mind?”
She smiled. “A place with a little Christmas spirit,” she said, and he groaned.
Chapter Four
Bryant Park’s Winter Village, located in the heart of Manhattan, exuded Christmas magic. At least, Cammie thought so. One look at Leo revealed a less-than-impressed expression on his face, but she wasn’t going to let his mood deter her.
She loved the open-air holiday market set up with vendors selling everything from Christmas decorations and hand-crafted jewelry to home decor and, of course, food. The smell of pine permeated the air, overpowering the sometimes-unpleasant scents of the city, and everywhere she looked, there was garland, string lights, nutcrackers, wreaths, and Santa Claus figurines.
Everything screamed Christmas, and she loved it. “Isn’t this great?” she asked Leo, and to his credit, he tried to give her a smile. It just looked more like a grimace.
“Spending the evening in a crowded flea market during one of the busiest shopping seasons of the year? Sure, it’s great.”
Cammie chuckled and took his hand. “We’re not here to shop, you Grinch. Come on.”
She led him to the center of the market and a large ice-skating rink. On the way, they passed people gathered in dining areas under heated lamps or around covered fire pits. Others were shopping. Christmas music played, growing louder the closer they got to the rink. Unable to resist, Cammie hummed along to “Jingle Bell Rock”.