Total pages in book: 17
Estimated words: 14955 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 75(@200wpm)___ 60(@250wpm)___ 50(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 14955 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 75(@200wpm)___ 60(@250wpm)___ 50(@300wpm)
I’m scrolling through my emails while Noelle naps next to me when I hear keys turning in the front door lock. My little elf snores on as I turn to watch an older man walk in holding a black French Bulldog in his arms.
When the other man looks up and notices me, his eyes narrow while the little dog growls at me as he asks, “Who are you?” He doesn’t appear particularly shocked to find a man in Noelle’s apartment.
The small dog’s growling wakes up my girl. “Snoopy,” Noelle grumbles. “Stop all that noise.” Then she looks between the older man and me. “Dad, this is Grey Woodward. Grey, meet my dad, Daniel St. Nick.” I watch the little dog run over and hop up on the sofa next to Noelle.
“What are you doing in my ill daughter’s apartment, Mr. Woodward?” Noelle’s dad glares at me.
“When I heard she was sick, I came by to check on her,” I tell him, figuring he already knows. Feeling like a bug under a magnifying glass, I barely resist the urge to fidget while the other man stares at me silently for several minutes.
“As long as my daughter wants you here.” He turns to Noelle. “If this man is bothering you, I’ll kick him out on his rear end.”
I wait for my little elf’s response, wondering how to handle this situation. I’m not sure my future father-in-law will ever forgive me for kicking his ass, but I’m not willing to let him throw me out either.
“He’s been keeping me company.” Noelle’s eyes widen as the words leave her mouth. “I can’t believe I just said that.” I can’t believe it, either, little elf. I guess she can’t fight this insane pull any better than I can.
While Mr. St. Nick and Noelle discuss the little furball, I pull out my phone and look for a restaurant that will deliver. By the time he’s explained the freaking dog’s day, minute-by-minute, I have dinner ordered.
We spend the next two days doing the exact same thing. I keep Noelle company and make sure she’s taken care of her while the spoiled pooch spends the day with Noelle’s parents. It takes a little work and a box of treats and three dog toys, but I manage to win the little furball over to my side.
My business partner is giving me hell for cutting out on him during such important negotiations, but I can’t find the motivation to worry about a business deal. Not when I’m working on the most important merger of my life.
Chapter 4
Noelle
I spend all day Thursday and Friday catching up from my unexpected three-day vacation. Well, it wasn’t really a vacation, but I ended up enjoying most of it, and I lost my desire to fight these feelings between us at some point over the three days he took care of me. I had no idea how much I’d miss Grey after spending several hours each day with him. In fact, the last two days without seeing him have felt like an eternity.
I’m locking up my classroom Friday afternoon when my cell phone rings. Glancing down, I see Grey’s name and feel my heartbeat increase. “Hello,” I answer, surprised to feel happiness flow through me. I’m already getting addicted to Mr. Citified Scrooge.
“How was your day, little elf?” His deep voice sends little sparks of electricity shooting down my spine.
“I survived,” I tell him honestly before I’m able to stop the words. “The kids were in rare form, so I didn’t get all my work done. I’ll have to spend part of the weekend catching up on my grading.”
“I missed you.” My heart melts at his words. “Can I come by and see you and Snoopy tonight? I’ll bring dinner and rub your feet while you grade your papers.” I can’t turn down the offer. Plus, my dog would probably kill me in my sleep if I didn’t let his new favorite human come over.
“Does seven work for you?” I ask Grey, realizing he’s already got a big hold on my heart. I can’t freaking resist him. I’ve honestly stopped even trying.
“I’ll be there,” he tells me and hangs up. It terrifies me how fast he worked his way into my heart.
I step into my apartment and find Grey throwing a dog toy across the living room for Snoopy to chase. I’m not sure what shocks me more: the citified executive wearing a plaid flannel shirt and jeans, or my lazy dog racing across the floor to grab the stuffed bear. Before I’m able to decide, Grey walks over and wraps his arms around my body. “I spent the entire day missing you, little elf.” He leans down and kisses me, turning my mind to mush.
“Wow,” is all I manage to mutter while attempting to gather my scattered thoughts. “How did you get in?” I blurt out the first thought I’m able to catch.