Page 30 of Just Home for the Holidays
“Three of us share the apartment. It was furnished, too. Kind of all modern, teak and green upholstery. I get the couch but half of one closet.”
“Why do you share? Don’t you make a good buck at F5F West?”
“Yes, but I’m saving it.”
“For...?”
“Just saving and investing. Ensuring my future financial security.”
“Taking care of tomorrow.”
“Exactly.”
“But what about today? Don’t you think you’ll look back in ten years or twenty and think how strong and young and gorgeous you were, but all you did was work and pinch pennies?”
“No. I like my job.”
“And what if tomorrow never comes?”
“Tomorrow always comes, Hunter.”
“Not for everybody. Your plane could crash on your way back. An out-of-control car could veer onto the sidewalk tomorrow on Madison and take you out. There could be a tragic incident in front of the Bloomingdale’s windows on Lex. What then? Would you have regrets?”
“How could I have regrets if I was dead?”
He laughed. “No afterlife for Chloe Richardson then? If there’s only the here and now, why don’t you enjoy it more?” His voice dropped low. “What are you waiting for?”
“Nothing,” Chloe said, knowing her answer was reflexive. Maybe a little defensive. “I’m just not an impulsive person. I like to be sure.”
“You like to avoid risk. But taking chances is what makes me feel alive.”
“Everyone’s different.” She felt her eyes narrow. “Is this about hating Christmas?”
Hunter didn’t answer her, but that wasn’t a surprise. “But you should try risk out before you abandon it forever.”
“Why do I have the feeling that you have a plan?”
“Just a suggestion. We’re both awake. We’re both half-naked. It’s late and no one will know if you sext me.”
Chloe felt her lips part in surprise. She knew that he expected her to refuse and that tempted her to agree, just to surprise him.
“It’s a fantasy,” he continued, his tone persuasive. “Think of it as practice for when you meet a guy you really like. Sexting is a useful twenty-first century skill.”
“You’ll tell.”
“Never. Scouts’ honor.”
“Were you a Scout?”
He chuckled. “No, but I’ll never tell. Just between you and me, and really, December 26 is only a few days away. I’ll forget the details in no time. Plus there’s rules number two and three, so I can’t take advantage of inside information. It’s very low risk, Chloe.”
He probably had women sext him all the time.
“Since when did my rules stop you from doing anything?”
“That’s all minor stuff. Have no fear about number three.”
“Why?” Didn’t he find her attractive?
