Page 2 of Holidate Pursuit

“Good to have you back, sir,” I say, shutting the door behind me.

I’m numb while staring at my computer, at a total loss for what to do next. After the best night of my life—whatappearedto be the best night for both of us—he vanished without a trace.Was it all an act? Was I dreadful in bed? I mean, yes, he was way more experienced, but he seemed just as enthusiastic, not to mention equally satisfied.

So now what? I don’t want to be that psycho who, after one night together, becomes obsessed with the guy, but dammit, I thought we had a connection beyond that. It’s possible he’s too busy handling the employee transfers and hasn’t had time to reach out. Oh God, I’m delusional if that’s what I’m telling myself. It takes seconds to send a text and five minutes for a phone call—hell, I’d take one minute at this point.

Still, the question remains… what should I do? The last text I sent was Monday after hearing what happened to let him know I was thinking about him and hoped he was okay.Missing you. Hope to hear from you soon!were my last words. It was too needy, I bet. Damn, this sucks.

I’m not sure if I should try to send another text or just pick up the phone and call. Dang it, I liked this guy. I wouldn’t have screwed him until I could barely walk if I didn’t. The fact that it took five dates to do it is wild, considering I was ready after the third. He was a perfect gentleman, though, and at the end of each, he would kiss me and send me home alone. I started to get worried that he wasn’t sexually attracted to me until his texts became flirty, setting the stage for more. Then, finally, on date number four, he gave me the most panty-melting kiss that seemed to go on forever yet was still too short. If both Ubers weren’t already on their way, our next stop would’ve been my place.

As it was, we couldn’t have connected any better or progressed more perfectly. After he left that morning, I even thought he could be the one. And now, here we are. The more I deliberate, the more irritated I get, so I decide to send one more text and leave the ball in his court.

Me: Hey, it sounds like you’ve been busy with everything. Shoot me a quick text if you have time, just to let me know you’re okay. Thinking of you.

The weekend comes and goes, and I don’t hear a word from the bastard. How could I be so naïve? My anguish has turned to anger, and my pride is too hurt to let it go, so I put the nail in the coffin with one final text.

Me: At this point, you’ve made it clear I was nothing but a notch on your bedpost. Too bad you wasted your money on two extra dates since you could’ve made it sooner.

PRE-SEASON MISCHIEF

Six Months Later

Lucy

“You should’ve let me set you up with Jordan from marketing. He’s cute, and you need to date more. You’re not getting any younger, you know,” Lily says above the pounding music of the club while nudging me with a smirk.

“Whatever, Mom. Twenty-six is not the age to start worrying,” I say, rolling my eyes and sipping my drink.

“Did I just hear that correctly? It sounded like my fiancé just said her coworker was cute. I’m sure I must be mistaken. It is quite loud in here.” Sebastian—as he insists I call him when we’re outside of the office—butts in while putting his finger in his ear and wiggling it.

Lily leans over and places her hand on his chest while batting her eyes at him. “We almost had something before you came in like a caveman, you know.”

I swear she gives me a heart attack every time I’m out with the two of them, constantly pushing his buttons. As I’ve been working for Sebastian this long, I know his buttons are not ones you should push. She’s the only one who can manage it unscathed.

“Lily, if you talk about having anything with another man again, you’ll regret it,” Sebastian says in his authoritative tone that anyone who knows him fears—except Lily.

“Sebastian, you do realize you weren’t the first—” She squeals as he lifts her mid-sentence and tosses her over his shoulder, giving a swat to her ass as he carries her off, probably headed to Sebastian’s back office since he and Eli own the place.

Because we’ve become such good friends over the past few months, I know Lily goaded him on purpose. It’s funny to watch, but it also causes a slight amount of jealousy to sneak up. Almost having that connection with someone not so long ago makes it difficult to see. I’ve yet to put myself back out there—and it’s been six months. I’m not a total recluse, but it affected me more than I expected.

“I’m sure they’ll be gone awhile, and I’m headed to the bar. Do you want me to grab you another drink?” Eli asks as he rises from his seat.

“That’d be great. I’ll take a prosecco.”

He nods to security as he walks away, indicating they should move closer to the table while I’m alone. The Dubrees have had constant security in place ever since Lily’s kidnapping. It was weird to get used to when Lily and I started hanging out, but it doesn’t bother me anymore. It’s barely noticeable other than constantly reminding me of the one that got away. Or should I say ran away?

“Are you having fun tonight, ma’am?” the guard asks. Tom, I think his name is.

“You did not just call me ma’am. I mean, you’re like, what… twenty-nine? Thirty? I’m younger than you.” Do I look like a ma’am? I was going for more of a hottie vibe. Dammit.

He holds his hands up in defense. “Whoa, I didn’t mean to offend you. The term has more to do with respect than age.” He holds his hand out. “I’m Tom. You’re Lucy, right?”

Well, now I feel bad. “Yeah. And sorry. I shouldn’t have snapped at you. Maybe that answers your question—I guess I’m not having as much fun as I’d hoped.” His hand is surprisingly soft for his rugged appearance.

“That’s too bad. If it’s any consolation, your costume’s great.” His eyes couldn’t make it more obvious which part he thinks is great.

I look down to see my breasts pushed up from the top of my Tinker Bell costume, and I can’t blame him—they do look damn good. It’s the one day a year the ladies get attention thanks to the rolls of socks stuffed in my bra, which is the goal, of course—why else would I have socks anywhere other than my feet?

I smile up at him. “Thanks. Lily picked all our costumes. Speaking of, I’m not sure how Eli’s going to carry both our drinks back with one hand.” He got stuck being Captain Hook. I think Sebastian’s more suited for the character, but with Lily being Wendy and all, that wasn’t about to happen.

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