Free Hard Habit to Break (A Chicago Love Story #1) by K.T. Webb Page A

Christkindlmarkt, the atmosphere is festive and people come from all over to join in. Most people mull in and out of the stores on Michigan Avenue. Which is why I’m not sure how I let CeCe convince me to spend the day shopping with her. I’ve already had all my gifts purchased, wrapped and placed under the Christmas tree for at least a week but CeCe is notorious for last-minute shopping.
     
    “What should I get your parents?”
     
    “Well, dad is always asking for me to buy him a jet, so you could become his favorite if you made that dream come true.”
     
    CeCe rolls her eyes at me, “Yeah, I could write a check for that.”
     
    I hear a ridiculous giggle behind me and can’t help but search for the source. Cassie Peters. This girl gets under my skin in ways I can’t describe. It’s not even really her fault, but everything about her pisses me off. She’s shopping with a friend in the men’s section. She notices me and waves. Crap.
     
    Before I know it Cassie is standing in front of me with rosy cheeks, “Liv! How are you? Are you getting super excited for the end of the term?”
     
    “You have no idea,” I reply dryly, “Doing some last minute shopping?”
     
    Her cheeks redden again, “Oh, I was just picking something out for Isaac, I mean Dr. Miller.”
     
    I glance at her hand. She’s holding a pair of silky boxers. Seriously? Ugh, he prefers boxer briefs. Not that I’m going to tell her that. What the hell is she buying him underwear for? I want to puke.
     
    “Um, are those for him?” CeCe demands behind me.
     
    “What? These? Oh, it was going to be a joke. Do you think he’d find it funny?”
     
    I roll my eyes so hard I swear I can see the inside of my skull. Is she really this stupid or does she know about us and enjoy torturing me?
     
    “You’re kidding, right? Are you dense? Were you dropped on your head as a baby? In what world do you think it would be funny or even appropriate to give your professor a pair of sexy boxers?” CeCe to the rescue.
     
    “Well, I’m sure you heard that I’m his assistant now. You don’t know the kind of friendship we’ve built. I think he would like them. He’d see the humor in it.”
     
    “I’m sure he’ll get a good laugh when he thinks about how you’re a tasteless slut,” CeCe is on a roll.
     
    “Anyway, good luck finding something. I might suggest something like a sweater or a tie. He looks good in gray. See you later Cassie,” I say hurriedly as I guide my best friend away.
     
    When we’re out of earshot I start laughing uncontrollably, “Okay, first of all, that was brilliant. Second of all, reel it in mama bear I can handle this.”
     
    CeCe eyes me suspiciously, “You can’t stand that girl and you know it. Plus, she’s trying to steal your man.”
     
    “He’s not my—“
     
    “Listen up, I’m gonna give you a dose of reality that’s way overdue. You are head over heels in love with that man. You may not want to admit it, but it is what it is. That bitch is trying to dig her claws into the man my best friend loves. I’m not interested in sparing that bitch’s feelings.”
     
    I don’t know what to say to her. I’m in love with him? That can’t be right. Really? Well, let’s think about this; I can’t stop thinking of him, it’s been a few months and I’m still not over him, I make up excuses to talk to him. My eyes grow wide and CeCe laughs.
    “Welcome aboard. I swear you’re the only person who would have to be told when they’re in love with someone.”
     
    “It’s not like it matters anyway. He hasn’t spoken to me in a month, not even in class.”
     
    “Maybe you should tell him. You’ve been so busy putting up this front to avoid your feelings that he probably thinks you hate his guts.”
     
    CeCe’s right. I need to take a chance and at least tell him how I feel. I have to turn in my final paper at the end of the week. I’ll talk to him then.
     

 
    Chapter 10
     
     
     
    The day