Melinda Curtis

Once Upon a Christmas, Anthology with Brenda Novak and Anna Adams

Excerpt:

   "Did I hear you say, bah, humbug?" his driver countered, but she was grinning.

   Hell, she was probably ecstatic that she was about to strand Simon at the airport when he needed to get to Las Vegas on Christmas.  The satisfaction he'd experienced when he'd been invited to the exclusive Las Vegas meeting spun into a tight knot of frustration between his shoulder blades.  He'd do anything to get to Vegas in time.  Think.  Think.  Everybody had a price.  He'd risk everything for this.  He'd wager...  "Five thousand dollars!"

   "Excuse me."  She spared him a surprised glance in the rearview mirror.  "That must be some meeting."

   "It is.  I'll give you five thousand dollars," Simon repeated at a more civilized volume.  "Cash."

   "Oh, boy."  She shook her head and gave a little laugh as if she couldn't believe she was going to make five thousand dollars in less than twenty-four hours.  "Okay.  I'll drive you to Las Vegas for Christmas, but you'll have to put up with my holiday cheer."

   Simon's lip twitched, as if he wanted to smile.  He clamped down the reaction.  He didn't have time for the holiday or to smile, not when there was money to be made.