Page 38 of Holiday Hoax

“They’re doing better. Dad’s only going to PT once a week now.”

His visit makes sense now. I know he’s been trying to find out more information from Mom, but she and Dad are stonewalling everyone but me. I fill him in on everything they haven’t shared, minus the parts about me covering some of their bills.

“How’s everything at the gallery going?” he asks once he’s all caught up on our parents.

“It’s good. I’ve been pulling in some new clients and networking more lately.”

“I was thinking about looking for a piece to give to Ash and Clara for Christmas.”

“That’d be a great idea. I’ll keep my eyes peeled and let you know if I see anything that would work.”

“Thanks. Speaking of them, Stella and I are going over there for Thanksgiving. You should come with since you’re not going back east with Mom and Dad.”

“That sounds great. Should I go to the community center and volunteer with you guys, too?”

“Yes. Ash and I have to dress up like reindeer for the Santa visit. I bought a light up red nose to surprise him with the day of.” He laughs. “He’s gonna be so pissed.”

“I definitely can’t miss that.”

Our conversation flows away from me to his work and Stella’s health. He doesn’t leave until she calls to let him know she’s on her way home. As he walks out the door, he tries one more time to find out who the flowers are from, but I brush him off. If this thing between Ian and I becomes more, we’ll have to have a conversation about telling Nico and Stella first.

CHAPTER 13

IAN

November is alwaysa slog at work but having the crisis break out in Singapore again so soon after my recent trip has been exhausting. I’m finally home after eight days of running on nothing but coffee and four hours of sleep a night. When I stepped off the jet last night, I could have kissed the tarmac; I’ve never been so happy to be home.

Daily thank you texts from Mia have been the highlight of every day. Especially on the days she sends selfies of the bouquet of the day or mirror pics of her outfit with whatever new pair of shoes she decided to wear for the first time. We haven’t talked about us, if there even is an us, but I’m going to call her tonight and invite her over for dinner this week.

Just as though my thoughts have summoned her, my office door swings open, and she stands shyly on the threshold holding a paper bag. Every part of me lights up at the sight of her.

“Can I come in?” she asks.

“Please do.”

She closes the door quietly behind her and then turns to take in my office. Every step she takes closer to me causes hope to balloon in my chest. “Another incredible view.” She nods toward the windows.

“It’s not as good as the one walking toward me right now.”

She sets the bag down on my desk with a beaming smile. “Derrick told me you hadn’t eaten yet, so I brought you lunch.”

I look down at the label on the bag. “My favorite deli.”

“Derrick’s suggestion.” She pulls out an avocado club and hands it to me before pulling out a Caesar wrap for herself. “He also gave me your order.”

“Thank you.” I set the sandwich aside and push my chair back from the table. “I’m not going to be able to eat until you tell me what’s on your mind that brought you all the way across town to my office.”

She takes a deep breath and walks around my desk. “I did a lot of thinking while you were gone.” She leans against the edge of my desk, her palms braced on either side of her.

I force my gaze up to her eyes, trying hard not to spend too much time appreciating how her skirt perfectly hugs her hips or the tease of lace beneath her blouse. “Good things I hope.”

“I missed you.”

My heart speeds up, hope surging through my veins. “I missed you, too.” I miss her every second that we’re apart, but I’m going to keep that to myself for now.

“Which is how I came to the conclusion that maybe we should try more than fake dating.”

Before she can even finish her sentence, I’m yanking her into my lap. My lips take hers as she wraps her arms around my neck. Her fingers slip into my hair as our tongues dance with one another. My hand squeezes her waist as she wiggles on my lap.

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