“I’m sorry, sweetheart,” I said automatically, “I couldn’t–”
She cut me off with another swift kiss, then pulled back, grinning. I wondered if she was considering inviting me in, but I knew that would be a very bad idea. Amazing, but ultimately bad. It was physically difficult to remove my hands from her soft, feminine curves.
“Text me tomorrow?” she whispered.
“Absolutely.” She flashed me another stunning smile before disappearing into her building.
I watched Sharolyn unlock the double doors and get into the elevator, giving her a wave before walking back to the main street to hail a cab. My brother would have to forgive me for not attending his giant holiday family shindig. I couldn’t wait to be hanging out on the floor with Sharolyn and her friends, convincing her that she needed me in her life.
Sure, she was shy. But she must know that people change and grow. I know that she can let her true self out. I could feel that she wanted to be with me.
CHAPTER THREE
* Sharolyn *
Another day near the holidays, another ten-hour shift. When I took a short early evening break with just an hour to go, I remembered I needed to call my sister to check in. When I dug out my phone there were two texts from Nolan.
How is the sweet girl with the sweet icing today? I hope that you’ll let me be your date tomorrow night. Please let me know where and when to show up, and what to bring.
I realize you’re probably busy at work.
Just wanted you to know that I’m thinking about you.
I’d never had a man be so sweet to me, and I felt fluttery just reading his words. Since I didn’t know how to respond, I called my sister Laura first. After checking in with how the family was doing, and precisely how cute little baby Hillary was, she turned her attention to me.
“Sharolyn, please tell me you have more Christmas plans than just Jenny’s party?”
“No,” I said, “But that’s a lot for me. It’s okay.”
She laughed. “Who knows, this might be the year that you meet somebody there. If it’s all friends of friends, that’s a good way to meet a potential boyfriend.”
My phone made a ping, and I pulled it away to see that Nolan had sent another text.
“What was that?” Laura asked.
“It’s a text,” I said quickly. “Anyway–”
“Hold on,” she interrupted. “Why did your voice change?” She paused, then I heard her gasp. “Was it a text from a guy?”
I hesitated, then realized she would know what that meant. My sister knew me far too well. “Well, yes. I met a guy the other day.”
“What’s he like? Is he taking you to the party?”
“He’s amazing,” I admitted. “Honestly, he’s drop dead gorgeous. And he’s really sweet to me. But he’s just sort of… You know. One of those big flashy rich man types. I don’t think I would know how to be around him.”
I didn’t think it was possible to hear someone roll their eyes over the phone, but I swear I did. “Listen to me, Sharolyn.” She was using her big sister tone of voice, which was always irritating, but usually right. “You text that man back and take him to the party. If Jenny approves of him, you know he’s potential boyfriend material. Right?”
“Oh my gosh, you’re right.”
“There you go. I’ll send you baby photos on Christmas day, and I expect a report of your hot new man.”
“Bye,” I giggled.
I hated to admit when my older sister was brilliant, but she had her moments. All I had to do was have Jenny meet Nolan. If he wasn’t right for me, she would tell me right away. I’d known her for years, and she was always the sort of person to point out things about me before I knew it myself.
I checked the latest text.