Page 14 of My XOXO Holidate

“I finished school and moved to New York, got a job there, and I’m working. Keeping busy.”

“New York?” I ask. “How exciting is that? What do you do there?”

“I’m in finance. What about you? A real estate agent, huh?

I’m practically bankrupt and if it weren’t for Mia, I’d be living in my car.

“Yeah, I went away to college and came back home. Graduated from the real estate school and I’ve been doing this gig for about six months now.”

“That’s great.”

“I’ve always wanted to see New York— the Statue of Liberty, Central Park, Times Square.”

“Well, it’s all still there.” Sam laughs.

Sam

I don’t share with Amelia that my apartment overlooks Central Park and I live in a penthouse. I also don’t share that by “finance,” I mean I’m the CEO of a multi-million-dollar investment firm in New York.

I can’t believe that Amelia Abbott is not only wrapped in my embrace, but she’s also Lady Catherine from the masquerade ball. How did I not recognize her while we were dancing?

Doesn’t matter. None of it matters except that she’s here. That I’ve found her. Amelia Abbott, my XOXO Valentine is Lady Catherine.

6

Amelia

I run the red lipstick over my lips, replace the cap, and smack my lips. Adrenaline courses through my veins as if I drank a pot of coffee.

Calm down. It’s just a date.

I toss the lipstick in my small black beaded handbag along with my ID and keys. I run my fingers through my curls and add a few squirts of holding spray.

Perfect.

Taking a deep breath, I spin in front of the full-length mirror. My black dress has a low-cut neckline, and the push-up bra shows some cleavage, but not too much. The hemline is just above my knee and the dress hugs my curves.

I haven’t dated anyone since Collin and the last time I got dressed up, Collin never showed. I waited at La Casa Grande for over an hour. On my birthday. The first of many disappointments with my ex-boyfriend. I shake my head as if to free Collin from my thoughts.

I swallow hard when there’s a tap on the apartment door.

Sam

As I hold the car door open for Amelia and she slides into the front seat, her dress riding up well above her knee, I catch a glimpse of her long legs. Her sweet fragrance of strawberries entangles my senses.

She smells fantastic.

I take a deep breath and will myself to calm down as I make my way around the car to the driver’s side.

If we were in New York, we’d be in the backseat of the car with my hired driver taking us across town.

I start the engine. “How would you feel about going back to where we started?”

“At Cedar Springs Elementary?” She grins.

I shake my head. “Such a smart mouth on you.”

She shrugs.

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