Hating Christmas (Holiday Series) Read Online Free PDF Page B

“that I could actually take you anywhere, since you’re
already up there.”
    “Not a lot of options,” she said, glancing around the
tree lot and the barren parking lots around it.
    “No,” he agreed, “but I just like having the
power.”
    “I’ve heard that about you,” she observed as they
moved out of the lines of trees, heading for the car.
    “Why haven’t I heard about you?” He turned his head
to crane a look a her.
    “Just haven’t broken through to the big time yet. But
I’m sure it’ll happen soon.” Holly knew he’d hear plenty when he
learned of Mac Toledo’s next project.
    * * * * * * * * *

CHAPTER THREE
    “So….how are things working out between you and
Michael?” The next morning, Holly stood next to the kitchen island
where her mother was chopping vegetables.
    “We’re fine.” Her mother gave her a sunny smile.
    Around them the house was silent. Her mother said
Michael had gone out for his daily run and she supposed Levi was
sleeping in.
    “No challenges? No issues? No problems?” Holly looked
at her mother searchingly.
    Audrey scooped the diced veggies into a soup pot.
“None. Are you disappointed?”
    “Of course not,” Holly responded with asperity. “I’m
just concerned that you jumped into this too quickly—“
    “I know you’re adjusting to seeing me with a man
other than your father—who died a long time ago, might I remind
you—but Michael and I get along wonderfully.” Her mother gave her a
look. “Why is this so hard for you to understand?”
    “You were single a long time—“ Holly started.
    Audrey reached for a potato. “But not so long that I
forgot how to be married.”
    “You took this step too fast.” Holly picked up a
carrot and started nibbling on it.
    Her mother continued chopping with short, competent
moves. “When we met again after knowing each other as children, we
just knew it was right. At our time of life, waiting around to try
to make sure just doesn’t seem smart. Michael and I know it
takes a lot to make a marriage. We’re prepared. Life has taught us
a lot.”
    “You’re not that old,” Holly scolded.
    “Old enough,” her mother said, still chopping. “I
just wish you and Levi could see that.”
    “Mom, it’s just that I care for you—“
    “Holly, can I talk to you for a moment?” Levi
appeared suddenly in the doorway, his face thunderous. “Alone?”
    Her mother glanced up curiously.
    “What? I thought you were still asleep,” Holly said,
taking another nibble of carrot.
    “Alone, if you please.” He gestured toward the living
area.
    Holly threw her mother a meaningful glance before she
walked into the other room with him. Her mom had no way of knowing
what was going on, but Holly had a flash of suspicion.
    “Apparently we have more in common than just working
in the same industry.” He faced her like a gun slinger, the muscle
along his jaw tight.
    “Hmmm. Okay.” She knew where this was going. Flipping
her hair off her shoulder, she waited.
    “Why the hell didn’t you tell me you’ve been talking
to Mac Toledo?” The question was asked in a level voice, but she
could tell by Levi’s implacable expression that he was pissed.
    She shrugged as casually as she could, considering
the fury emanating from him. “Either it just never came up or I’m
another woman just out to screw men over for money.”
    He ignored the last part of her sentence. “Never came
up? Seriously? You’ve been negotiating with my client to do
a film role and you just didn’t see how this would be of interest
to me?”
    Dressed down this morning in a plaid shirt and jeans
that clung to him in all the right places, he still looked like a
powerful movie agent, despite not wearing a two thousand dollar
suit.
    “No, it just never came up.” Holly jutted her chin
out, determined not to be bullied.
    “Holly, Mac Toledo is my client. I negotiate all his
contracts. That’s what agents do.” Levi braced his fists on his
lean hips.