Free Christmas Miracle by Violette Dubrinsky

was.
    “I did,” she began, trying to think of a way to tell him that she couldn’t accept it while simultaneously keeping him. “Cameron, they’re beautiful…”
    “Good. I’m glad you like them, especially the dress. Hold on.” She heard him in the background talking to someone, and then she heard the sound of a door closing. There was silence. “I really liked that dress.”
    She felt her body grow warm. “Cameron, you don’t have to buy me expensive gifts.”
    “I want to buy you expensive gifts, Melanie, and I want you to wear them tonight,” he said casually.
    When she sighed, he only continued, “I’m sending a car for you at eight o’clock. I’d pick you up myself, but I’m the host and I have to be here when the party starts. As my new publicist, you should be proud of my restraint. It shows great character. Be ready at eight, lass. I haven’t seen you since yesterday, and I’m already picturing you in that dress.” The noise came into the background once more, and she heard someone calling Cameron’s name. “I’ll see you tonight, Melanie. Wear the dress.”
    He hung up, but Melanie remained as she was, phone to her ear. Had he said he was signing with her company? He had, hadn’t he? She’d done it. She’d landed Sebastian Cameron Mackintosh!
    A smile touched her lips as she pushed herself to her feet. The smile faded just as quickly. Had he signed only because he was sleeping with her?
    Melanie hated that she’d become this questioning ninny. It shouldn’t matter. She hadn’t slept with him to get him to choose her firm, and he’d signed with her agency because she was the best. Plus, they were both consenting adults who wanted each other. Now that he was her client, she’d have to put a stop to it, and not mix business with pleasure.
    She looked back to the dress, and the case of diamond accessories, and dismissed all questions. Melanie Samuels had not celebrated Christmas in six years, and she’d been invited to spend it with her lover, for however little time he would wear that title. Grabbing the dress, she headed to her bedroom to try it on.
    Tired or not, she was going to the Christmas Eve party. She was going to enjoy herself, and she was going to enjoy Cameron. Maybe she’d give it until the New Year. Yes, she’d end it then, so they could begin the next year in a strictly professional manner.
    Even as common sense told her it wouldn’t be that easy, Melanie was pushing the thought away.
    The dress fit perfectly. Stripping it from her body, she headed for the shower. She had the dress and the jewelry; all she needed to pick out were her shoes, her bag, and her coat. And, of course, her undergarments. A secretive smile touched her lips as she thought of that.
    ***
    Adeline had been right.
    While he no longer had to worry about her, Cameron could tell that his other family members were out to embarrass him. His mother couldn’t stop smiling his way, and his father was passing him knowing looks. Not to mention his two younger brothers, Aiden and Brendan, had miraculously shown up for the Christmas Eve party although they hadn’t done so in years. They were now prowling about, talking to beautiful women while keeping their eyes trained on the door. Still, it wasn’t until Richard Bancroft stepped into the ballroom, and was immediately greeted by a grinning Addy, that Cameron admitted some scheme was happening right under his roof.
    Richard was one of their cousins, who, unlike them, had been raised with a silver spoon and a gold bib. He was even part of the exclusive “haut ton” of London society. Still, he acted “normal” enough when compared to Cameron’s family, and although he didn’t see him a lot, they got along well.
    Excusing himself from two of his shareholders, he made his way over to Addy and Richard.
    Passing his sister a glare—he knew she was the tattletale in this business—he offered his hand to Richard.
    “Haven’t seen you in years,