Page 27 of Holidate Pursuit

“I am. It’s about the only time I can get away from the office these days,” Richard answers.

“Did you become an attorney like you always wanted?”

“Yeah, in fact, I just became the youngest partner in our firm,” he boasts.

“That’s amazing. You always were driven. I knew you’d make it big,” I say genuinely.

“Thanks, Lucy. How about you? Where did you end up with your MBA from Harvard?”

“How did you know I got my MBA?”

“Lucy, our parents are friends. I ask about you occasionally.”

I look at Justin, who seems pretty interested in where the conversation is going. He doesn’t know any of this, and I’m pretty sure I’m in too deep to stop now.

“I wanted a change of scenery, so I ended up moving to California.” No need to elaborate and tell him I’m just an assistant.

“No shit. Where at? I’m in Oceanside,” he says hopeful.

“That’s wild. I’m in San Diego.”

“What are the odds we live within an hour of each other?” Richard asks.

“What are the odds?” Justin adds sarcastically.

All right, looks like it’s time to wrap this up. What’s the deal anyway? It’s not like we’re really engaged…

“It was good to see you, Richard. Congratulations on becoming partner. Tell your parents I said hi and Merry Christmas.” That should be sufficient. I feel like I’ve covered all the bases.

“Yeah, same. Let me get your number, and if I’m in the area, the three of us can grab a drink or something,” he says, handing me his phone to add my contact.

“Sounds good.” For some reason, my palms are sweating, and guilt starts creeping up. After I’m done, I hand the phone back with a forced smile.

“I’ll text you so you’ll have my information. It was so great to see you, Lucy. Justin, it was nice to meet you. You’ve got an amazing girl here. Take care of this one,” Richard says.

“Don’t worry, I plan on it,” comes his gruff reply.

Waving as Richard walks away, I sit back down to a scowling Justin. I’m not sure what his problem is, so I plop another fry in my mouth and wait.

“I take it ‘old friend’ means boyfriend. How long did you two date?”

“Does it matter? It was eight years ago.”

“I’m just curious. You know, most people who get engaged talk about their past relationships at some point while they’re dating.”

“See, that’s the thing about us. We never had the chance to get that far since someone here disappeared, so don’t lecture me on what people do while they’re dating. By the way—we’re not actually engaged. You only have a few more days until none of this matters anyway.”

“Have you not realized that it does matter? If you haven’t guessed, I’m not only here to help you out, Lucy. I’m here because I want a second chance.” He grabs my hand and holds it on the table, but I don’t respond, unsure what to say.

Things have been heating up between us, but it didn’t occur to me that he was in it for more than sex at this point. I figured there was some reason he didn’t want to be with me all those months ago, and nothing has changed since then, not to mention my family would send anyone running for the hills. I’m reasonably sure Justin doesn’t need money, so that’s not it.

“Why?” It’s all I’ve got.

He drops his head and shakes it. “I hate that you even have to ask, but I get it. Lucy, you’re amazing, and I’m sorry I made you feel differently. You weren’t the reason I walked away. If I could go back and change how that all went down, I’d do it in a heartbeat. What I need you to know is that you are the complete package, and everything I could ever want by my side. Will you give me the chance to redeem myself?”

“I’m not sure. I don’t know if I can trust you again. I won’t rule out a friends-with-benefits arrangement, but I’m not ready to commit to a relationship.”

He smiles. “I can accept that. I’ll keep working toward the latter, but I’ll ensure you’re satisfied with the benefits in the meantime.” He wiggles his brows. “But for now, why don’t you tell me about this MBA from Harvard.”

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