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We get it all done in three hours, and my house looks like Christmas threw up all over. It’s beautiful: four trees decorated in my home as well as my entire porch.
Chapter Two
James
Snow comes cascading in billowy puffs as I drive toward my new cottage from my home in the city. According to my GPS, it’s only another ten minutes to my destination, which is a breath of fresh air after sitting for two hours in traffic. I take the exit off the expressway leading into Holly Hills, and I’m immediately greeted with holiday lights and wreaths every few feet.
How the hell did I end up in Christmas Town, USA? I could kill my assistant as I drive through the throng of children with their parents, playing in the freshly fallen snow as they cross the street like this isn’t the main road. I scrub my hand over my face as they cross the street in slow fucking motion. A couple of the women wave at me, and I politely give a short wrist flick wave even though I’d rather not draw any attention to myself.
I press the video call button, dialing her number. “Sarah, what were you thinking?”
“You wanted a quiet place away from the city.”
“Quiet? This is like I stepped into the North Pole in full swing.” I flip on my camera and turn my phone around so she can see the bullshit she got me in.
“Aw, that’s so beautiful,” she gushes.
“Damn it, I didn’t ask for beauty. I asked for privacy.” I turn off the camera and anchor the phone back on its stand as the crowds finally move and I can drive by.
“That’s what the cottage you bought said you’d get. You’re just passing through town, right?”
“Yes,” I grumble.
“You should go to the place and relax. Leave the happy townspeople to their own devices, and you can be grumpy all by yourself.”
“Fine. I want you to find another place tomorrow. I have to finish this book by the new year.”
“Most people take the Christmas holiday off.”
“I’m not most people.” Why would I take it off? I don’t have any family. All of my friends are married, including Brett, who married my assistant. The damn jerk took her away from her duties for too long.
“Well, on that note, I have more Christmas shopping to do, so enjoy your getaway. Who knows? You might actually meet someone.” She ends the call, and I want to fire her but I know I can’t because I’d be completely useless without her.
I pulled up to the house, which is larger than I expected. There is a home next door to me, another unexpected sight. It’s not as large, but it’s well-kept and fully decorated for Christmas.
I roll my eyes because that probably means there’s a houseful of kids living there that will be making noise all day while I’m trying to work. I don’t need the sounds of laughter and fighting in the snow before the tears come and disrupt my busy schedule. It’s the reason I left the overly crowded city. The noise can be deafening.
I quickly usher myself inside before someone sees me and stops to say hello. It’s almost four o’clock, and I’m sure they’ll all be rushing home from work. With the sun setting at four, it’s almost completely pitch-black in the house, so I reach for the light switch next to the door and illuminate the entire living room area.
The place is well furnished, as advertised, which I’m pleased about. The home has been remodeled to a more modern feel, with whites and grays lining all the walls and trim, although my biggest interest is the office; it had been one hell of a selling point and the reason I agreed with Sarah to make the purchase. I slide my computer bag off my shoulder and set it on the nice mahogany desk.
As long as it’s quiet and I’m left alone, I’ll be able to knock out my book by the deadline.
It’s almost six when the doorbell rings. Fury simmers in my bones because there shouldn’t be a soul coming to my door. I’d only just gotten situated, comfortable with a hot cup of coffee and my notes.
It rings again, and I’m seething. Standing up, I throw open the front door and find a young man waiting with bags in his hands. “What the hell do you want?”
“I have your special grocery delivery for you, Mr. Snow.”
“Thank you. Next time just leave them at the door as requested on the order.”
“Sorry, sir.” He sets them down at my feet and rushes down the stairs to his vehicle.
I take them inside and refuse to feel guilty about people who can’t follow simple instructions. After putting them away, I return to my coffee, which is now lukewarm and disgusting, so I toss it out and pour a fresh cup. I’m just getting to typing when the damn bell rings again. It’s the realtor this time. Fuck, I expected this asshole to come, but that doesn’t mean I want him here.
I shoot Sarah a message.Find me a new place.
Chapter Three
