The Christmas List Read Online Free Page A

“I’ve got a meeting.” He walked out the door and back to his office.

    Linda looked up as he approached. “That was quick.”
    â€œIt was an eternity. Where’s Allen?”
    â€œMr. Allen isn’t here yet. I put his file on your desk next to your coffee. And Miss Steele called. Shall I get her on the phone?”
    â€œYes. And Sara’s not feeling well. Get her a Coke or something.” He walked into his office and shut the door behind him.

    Kier’s phone buzzed as he sank into his chair. He pushed the speaker button. “Hey baby, what’s up?”
    A deep voice answered, “It’s me, baby. Lincoln.”
    â€œWhere are you?”
    â€œI’m walking to my car. Look, I say we don’t sign the papers.”
    â€œWe just got everything we wanted.”
    â€œYes, but you’re still giving up the house, your IRAs, and the Waterford investment account. I say we just put this on ice.”
    â€œWhy the sudden change of heart?”
    â€œI hadn’t seen Sara for a while. If we hold off long enough, as the surviving partner you’ll end up with everything.”
    â€œYou’re a hard man, Lincoln.”
    â€œFrom you, I’ll take that as a compliment.”
    Linda beeped in. “Miss Steele’s on the line.”
    â€œI’ve got to go.”
    â€œYou know I’m right,” Lincoln said.
    â€œYou’re a heartless mercenary.”
    â€œThat’s why you hired me. Let me know.”
    â€œÂ â€™Bye.” He pushed another button. “Hey baby.”
    â€œHi big guy. Guess what I’m wearing?”
    â€œI have no idea.”
    â€œClose your eyes.”
    â€œAnd?”
    â€œAre they closed?”
    â€œYes,” he lied.
    â€œOkay, now imagine me in very, very tiny pieces of string and fabric some scandalous fashion designer called a bikini. Inch per inch this thing is more expensive than Manhattan real estate. I think we should fly to Boca Raton for the weekend and try it out.”
    â€œBoca’s too far.”
    â€œDid I mention I bought a new bikini?”
    â€œOur trip to Cancún set me back a week at work. I’m still paying for it.”
    â€œAnd wasn’t I worth it? All work and no play makes Jimmy a dull boy.”
    â€œAll play and no work makes Jimmy a poor boy.”
    â€œIt would take a lot of play to do that.”
    â€œHow about something closer?”
    â€œHow close?”
    â€œSomething that doesn’t require an airport.”
    â€œI was prepared for that. Plan B, Park City. I know a quaint little bed-and-breakfast with in-room hot tubs. Can you get off a little early?”
    â€œI could cancel a meeting. What time are you thinking?”
    â€œAround five.”
    Linda beeped in again. “Mr. Allen is here.”
    â€œFive? Okay. I’ll cancel my meeting. I’ve got to go. I’ll transfer you to Linda; she can make the reservations.”
    â€œIf you must.”
    â€œWhat does that mean?”
    â€œI hate talking to her. She’s so . . . boring. And I don’t think she likes me.”
    â€œI didn’t hire her because she’s entertaining and it doesn’t matter if she likes you. I’ll see you at lunch.”
    â€œCiao, baby.”

    With Vance Allen waiting outside his office, Kier walked around his desk and moved the chairs a little further back. He was always mindful of taking the psychological advantage. When he first moved in, he had a carpenter cut nearly two inches off the legs of his guest chairs as well as an additional half inch off the front so the occupant was not only forced to look up to him but always felt a little off balance. On one occasion, when negotiating a multimillion-dollar real estate purchase, he had slipped Dramamine into his client’s coffee to make him drowsy. To Kier, all was fair in business.
    He went back to his desk and opened the file Linda had left for him