Page 4 of One Weekend in Vienna

I’m so close, and I know Sophie’s watching me, evaluating how well I can handle the company’s biggest holiday campaign ever. This ismytime to show I can be more than just another coordinator.

I negotiated for months to get Max here. A coup that no one thought I’d be able to deliver on. Then I planned an incredible itinerary for the photo shoots and events, all under the instruction of ensuring Max Walker barely has to lift a finger andhas a wonderful time to boot. Thanks to Sophie, I’ve planned the perfect weekend for the man who’s caused my brother endless grief.

As if I’d conjured her with my thoughts, Sophie’s eagle eyes sweep the room, pinning me in place when she sees me, coffee cup in hand. She waves me over with a bright smile, and I steel myself, reluctantly forcing my feet to move. I pluck my file off a table where the intern and photographer are going over potential layouts from the pre-campaign and walk over to Sophie, determined to be as professional as I can. Even if that means standing directly in front of Max, who looks down at me with a spark of something almost amused in his gaze.

“There she is!” Sophie beams, patting me on the shoulder. “Anna, did you and Max have an opportunity to introduce yourselves downstairs?”

“No need,” I say tightly, forcing a smile. “We’ve met before.”

Max’s eyebrows raise, and that infuriating little grin of his creeps back onto his face. “Good to see you again, Anya.”

The way he uses my nickname, all casual and familiar, makes my skin prickle. I don’t need reminding that he knows exactly who I am—and who my brother is. But he’s going to pretend anyway, like we’re close friends.

Fine. I can play that game too, but in reverse.

“Mr. Walker,” I say, ignoring his smirk. “Willkommen in Wien.”

Sophie’s shoots me a narrow look, quickly changing it to a beaming smile when she turns to Max. “I know you said you didn’t want to do any sightseeing, but Anna is our local expert here in Vienna. She’s planned the perfect weekend for you and knows all the best spots to really take in the holiday spirit.”

Max raises an eyebrow, and I resist the urge to roll my eyes again. Yes, I’m Austrian and I’ve lived in Vienna for a few years now, but that hardly makes me a tour guide.

And yet, there’s something about the way Sophie says it that fills me with a sense of dread.

I hold out the file. “It’s all in here, Mr. Walker.”

Max flips through the pages, that smirk playing around the edges of his mouth. “This looks…” he trails a finger over the neat lists I created outlining everything anyone could possibly want to do in Vienna at Christmas. He raises an eyebrow me. “Thorough.”

Sophie nods. “Indeed. Anna is incredible with even the tiniest details. Anything you might be craving is on that list.”

“Anything?” He snaps the file closed and zeroes in on me. My heart stutters at the heat in those famous blue eyes. I steel myself despite the butterflies in my tummy. I’ve felt the full force of his charm before, and I just have to remember that it’s all an act. “I’m looking forward to experiencing that attention to detail first-hand.”

A strange buzz starts in my head and the butterflies scatter. I suddenly want to run and hide, back to my cozy apartment lit by the glow of fairy lights and cocoon myself with soft Christmas pillows and my big fluffy red blanket. I take a step back, nearly colliding with Sophie.

“Well, that’s wonderful,” Sophie chirps, ignoring the panicked look I shoot her. “Luxx wants to ensure you have a memorable weekend, as thanks for fitting us into your schedule. Anna will take care of you all weekend.” She presses her hand into my back, pushing me towards Max. “It’s so lucky you already know each other. She’s the perfect guide to all things Christmas in Vienna.”

Max taps the folder. “It’s like having my own personal elf.”

Wait. What?

Sophie giggles. “Oh, Anna loves all things Christmas. She probably even has an elf costume.”

I want to die. Promotion or not, there isn’t enough snow in Austria to cool the heat in my cheeks.

“I’d pay to see that.”

I glare over at him.I bet he would.I bite the tip of my tongue to stop myself from suggesting that he probably already has paid for something like that. Instead, I take a deep breath and visualize my new office once I get that promotion. I force a smile. “Unfortunately, I don’t have an elf costume, so you get to save your millions, Mr. Walker.”

Max ignores my frosty tone and grins. “I guess I’ll just have to use my imagination.”

Even Sophie looks a little non-plussed at that comment and I slide my eyes to her, hopefully conveying that someone else should have to put up with Max Walker all weekend. I’m surprised Sophie didn’t volunteer, to be honest with the way she’s batting her eyelashes.

“I’d be much more helpful overseeing the campaign from the office,” I offer and for a split second I think she’s going to put me out of my misery before she shakes her head.

“You’re indispensable, Anna. We really need you out with Max and the photographer at the sites for the campaign.”

Her tone is firm and my heart sinks. I have no way out of this. My pulse hammers in my ears as Sophie puts her hand on Max’s arm. “We know how difficult it was to fit us into your busy schedule and we’re so grateful. I know it’s a working weekend, but Anna will try to make it as enjoyable as possible.”

I can tell from the glint in his eyes that he’s already enjoying this.

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