Page 10 of My XOXO Holidate

“The lobby? Why?”

“Ineedto.”

Why does Mia have to be so difficult?

“No one’s allowed in the building. They’re even evacuating the hotel rooms. Did you lose something?”

“I guess you could say that.”

“Let’s get the hell out of here.” Mia takes me by the hand and leads me across the crowded parking lot as my head is on a swivel, searching for my date.

My fairytale evening ends. No horse-drawn carriage and no prince charming. Only a twenty-five dollar wet updo that’s fallen to my shoulders, a soaked dress, a soggy box of chocolates, and a ride back to Mia’s apartment in a car that feels more like a pumpkin.

4

Sam

I slam the refrigerator door and pad to the living room. My brother comes out of the bathroom and runs his hand through his freshly washed hair.

Steve crosses his arms and tilts his head. “So, how wasyourevening?” He takes a seat on the couch. I want to wipe that smug grin right off his face.

Sarcastic bastard.

I set two bottles of beer on the coffee table and join my brother on the couch.

I shake my head. “What a shitshow.”

“So, you really liked her, huh?”

“Things were getting a little dirty when we stepped outside.”

Steve lets out a long whistle. “Well, damn.”

“Something like that.” I tip the bottle back and swallow the cold ale.

“You never got her real name?”

“Not unless her real name is Lady Catherine.”

My brother lets out a chuckle. “Damn, that’s rough, little brother.”

“We went outside right before the flood. Things moved quickly. Should’ve asked her then.” I shake my head. “I suggested a hotel suite and she agreed.”

Steve’s mouth drops open. “No way.” He takes a pull from his bottle. “Talk about blue balls. Well, shit.”

“Whatever,” I mumble.

“So, you liked this woman?”

“I did. She was different but there was almost something familiar about her too. I need to get a hold of that party coordinator and find out.”

“Good idea.” My brother turns to me. “They’ll have all the records of the matchups. You can find out that way.”

I need to figure out the unidentified woman. I need to know who Lady Catherine is. I never thought I could be interested in someone after Ruby’s dramatics, but I can’t stop thinking about the beautiful mystery woman.

They mystery woman who captured my attention and my heart.

Amelia

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