Free The Perfect Christmas by Debbie Macomber Page B

“Would it be convenient for you to stop by tomorrow afternoon at four-thirty?” she asked.
    “Ah, sure.” That meant leaving work a bit early, which wasn’t really a problem.
    “Thank you. Dr. Dodson will see you then.”
    Rattled as she was, Cassie had hung up before she thought to ask what the meeting was about. She assumed Simon would be giving her the information regarding her second task. But why not call? Maybe he had her elf costume, although that seemed unlikely.
    She felt a sense of expectation. She had to admit that Simon fascinated her, although she didn’t especially like him—any more than he liked her. Perhaps he represented a challenge and she couldn’t resist trying to make him aware of her as a woman. Everyone needed to be liked and appreciated, even Simon.That was probably what had led him into the matchmaking business. Certainly the couples she’d spoken to had expressed their appreciation—if not liking—for him. So maybe he couldn’t achieve romantic satisfaction for himself but he could for others. It all seemed rather lonely.
    On Tuesday, she kept checking her watch. Angie, who might otherwise have commented, was preoccupied, as well. Cassie had decided not to question her about this new, or rather resumed, relationship. When Angie was ready to tell her, she would. Cassie could only hope this man turned out to be everything Angie believed he was. Perhaps they could have a double wedding!
    Because Simon had kept her waiting at their previous appointments, Cassie didn’t bother to show up until four forty-five. His assistant’s disapproval was obvious. When Cassie stepped up to the desk, the older woman regarded her with distaste. “You’re late.”
    “Well, yes… Simon, Dr. Dodson, was late the past two times and—”
    “And you felt turnabout was fair play,” he said, standing in the doorway leading to his office. “If you’ll forgive the cliché.” His arms were crossed and he looked more amused than annoyed.
    It’d been four days since she’d last seen him and it struck her again how attractive he was.
    He arched his brows. “You have nothing to say? Generally I can’t get you to shut up and now you act as if we’ve never met.”
    “No…I figured you’d be late and—and I didn’t wantto waste time sitting here…” she stammered, embarrassed that he’d caught her staring.
    “Don’t let it happen again.”
    “Then don’t keep me waiting again,” she returned.
    His shoulders relaxed. “Ah, I see the Cassie I recognize is back. Follow me. We have business to discuss.” He walked into his office, Cassie close behind him.
    Without waiting for an invitation, she took the visitor’s chair across from his desk. She leaned back, legs crossed, trying to appear confident.
    Looking stiff and formal once more, Simon sat down. “I asked to see you because I have the information concerning your agreement to work as Santa’s helper.”
    She nodded. “Okay, but you could’ve phoned—unless you have my outfit.”
    “Outfit?”
    “For my elf job.”
    Simon shook his head, and for the first time since she’d arrived, he seemed edgy. “There’s been a small change in plans.”
    “Change? What do you mean?”
    “The mall has experienced a decline in the number of parents bringing their children to meet Santa.”
    “Does this mean Santa won’t be requiring my help, after all?” She did her best to keep her enthusiasm to a minimum. She wouldn’t mind getting out of this; she liked children—in fact, she loved them—but if her tasks were limited to two instead of three, she’d be done that much sooner. Then Simon could introduce her to John.
    Despite herself, she felt a twinge of regret at the idea of never seeing Simon again. But once he’d made the official introduction, his role would be over, his job done. She realized she’d miss his acerbic responses…?.
    Simon frowned at her. “What are you thinking?” he asked.
    Cassie answered a bit more sharply