Page 59 of Unwrapping Romance

“I liked Yasmin,” she said.

“The second interviewee?” I asked.

“Yeah. She seemed really nice and organized,” Sierra said.

“I didn’t like any of them.”

“Why not?” Her brows furrowed.

“I don’t know. I just didn’t.”

“Okay.” She sighed, standing up from the couch. “I’ll call the agency and have them send over some more candidates.”

“Don’t bother. I’m thinking I should hold off until after the holidays. She’ll be in preschool all day starting on Monday. Youcan leave work early to pick her up and take her home. I think between the two of us, we can handle it.”

She stood and narrowed her eyes at me.

“Are you asking me to stay at your place through the holidays?”

“Yeah. I guess I am.” I smiled. “Will that be a problem?”

“No. Not at all. I like your place.” A beautiful smile graced her lips.

“I know you do.” I winked. “One question before you leave my office.”

“What’s your question, Mr. Atlas?”

“Have you ever cooked a turkey?”

She stared blankly at me momentarily, trying to process the question I had just asked her.

“No. Why?” Her left eye slightly narrowed.

“Then we shall go out to eat tomorrow.”

“You mean for Thanksgiving?” Her brows furrowed.

“Yes, for Thanksgiving.” I leaned back in my chair. “Unless you already have plans.”

“I don’t celebrate Thanksgiving, so I don’t have plans. Why are we celebrating Thanksgiving?”

“We’re not, per se. I thought we should let Ellie enjoy a turkey dinner like the rest of the country.”

“I mean, I can try to cook a turkey if you want me to,” she said. “But it’ll most likely not be cooked enough or burnt or some shit like that.”

“No. It’s fine.” I chuckled. “We’ll go out.” I turned to my computer.

I picked up my phone and made reservations for us at The Ellington on Broadway. After work, Sierra and I climbed in the back of the Escalade with Ellie.

“Are we going to the parade tomorrow?” Ellie asked, staring at me with her blue eyes.

“No, sweetheart.” I ran my hand down the back of her head.

“Why? Uncle Daniel was telling me all about it. I want to go!” she whined.

I glanced at Sierra, sitting there biting her bottom lip.

“I want to go! I’m sick of my iPad, and I’m sick of coloring!”

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