Page 7 of Christmas Home

I looked at Corey, who recognized my cue to respond for me. “We’re meeting Jake Hudson to get the keys to the condo we’re staying at. After that, we don’t have plans.”

I nodded. Corey was ever the efficient one. “Do you have time later today?” I asked, suddenly wanting to catch up with people I’d known years ago.

“I do. Not sure about Emanual. I could text you after I speak to him?”

I nodded just as Corey handed his business card to Amos. “Text me, and I’ll let him know.”

Amos smiled and looked at the card. I knew having a personal assistant must seem strange here. Hell, it was strange enough for me, and I’d had one most of my adult life.

“That’s wonderful. I’m Amos,” he said, reaching a hand out to Corey.

I narrowed my eyes at my assistant to make sure he knew not to snub the man, but Corey smiled and shook Amos’s hand without missing a beat. “It’s my pleasure. I’m Corey King.”

“Nice to meet you. I’ll see you both later today,” Amos said. Then, after saying his goodbyes, he disappeared into the café.

“An ex?” Corey asked.

I laughed. “Um, no. He’s a bit too old for me, or was, but I had a boyhood crush on him when we were younger. He did have a fling with my cousin, though.”

Corey frowned. I didn’t have much to do with my extended family. Farlow, my eldest cousin, had been the exception to the rule. He’d been my father’s right-hand man in our company and had taken as much abuse from him as I had. As a result, Farlow and I had been close.

“That reminds me, you need to get in touch with Yamato,” I said. “I forgot his birthday is coming up.”

“I remembered for you,” Corey said. “I’ve already purchased his gift—tickets to seeA Beautiful Noise.” I nodded, thankful formy assistant’s efficiency. Ever since Farlow had died, I’d been trying to stay close to his widower. Most of Yamato’s family still lived in Japan, and he was the only family I had left. Or the only family I had contact with.

We walked along the street to where a large brick building stood. I had noticed the new construction project when we first got into town. It definitely hadn’t been there when I was growing up. I couldn’t quite remember what had been, but it was nowhere near as nice.

A smartly dressed woman met us as we entered the hotel, and I was shocked when I recognized her Manhattan accent. “You’re from New York?” I asked, getting a cocked eyebrow from her.

“Yes, you?”

“Off West Fifty-Seventh,” I said, not mentioning that it was Central Park South.

She regarded me momentarily, then looked at Corey, and I knew she must’ve picked up on the fact that I’d come from money. Oh well, Ihadcome from money. There was no use hiding it.

“We were supposed to meet Jake Hudson here,” Corey said.

“Oh, yes. Sorry, Jake got pulled away. Come with me, and I’ll show you to the condo. I’m surprised Jake was able to get the owner to agree to this. Jesse is usually rather protective of who stays in his condo.”

Neither Corey nor I responded since we didn’t know the circumstances. Whoever this owner, Jesse, was would be well compensated for leasing us the unit, I’m sure.

The woman, Catherine, wore a name tag but hadn’t formally introduced herself. We followed her up a short flight of stairs, she pointed toward a door. “You’re welcome to use the elevator or the stairs. Enjoy your stay.”

She handed us the key and left.

I honestly didn’t expect much. A simple room with maybe a modern kitchen. But the high-end, stylish furniture and tasteful décor were pleasant surprises. The appliances were as nice, if not nicer, than my own, and the bedrooms and en suite were equally impressive.

A small balcony led off the side of the building and faced an old railroad track. I stepped out for the full view and could see that across the track was a little park with a gazebo. I remembered sitting in that gazebo as a boy. My gaze strayed from there to the hill, and I caught sight of my old home.

Cold sweat immediately broke out across my forehead, and I quickly slipped back through the door and pulled the blinds shut.Guess I won’t be using the balcony.

Forcing myself to calm down, I walked back into the living area, where Corey was speaking on the phone.

“Yes, you can have the luggage delivered here. I’ll be waiting, yes.”

I knew he’d made arrangements with the limo service to bring our luggage from the airport. It was still early, and the limo driver hadn’t arrived when our plane landed. I also didn’t want to show up in Crawford City in a limousine. So, despite his disappointed stare, Corey had arranged for them to deliver the luggage once we were settled.

“If you’re going to wait here, then why don’t you let Amos know I’m going to walk back into town.”

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