Christmas In The City (Imperfect Match 1.50)

“We’ve been made aware that Ms. Adams has an undisclosed bank account with a substantial sum of money.”

I craned my neck out past Nancy to get a good look at my ex. “What? What money? You spent everything we had on that little tart you hired as your secretary—who couldn’t type or answer a phone, but apparently had other skills that met your hiring criteria.”

Nancy shushed me.

The judge wasn’t as polite. “Ms. Adams. Aside from being on time in my courtroom, you’ll also keep quiet unless asked a direct question. Do you understand?”

“But…” Nancy put her hand on my arm, an unspoken warning. I sucked it up. “Yes, Your Honor.”

“Since today has been so much fun, let’s do it again.” The judge put on his glasses and looked down. “Motion for Continuance granted. We’ll reconvene three weeks from today.” He looked up over the bridge of his glasses. “And be on time, Ms. Adams.”

My head was spinning. I had no idea what had just happened. Hot coffee shop guy is my ex’s lawyer, and I have hidden assets?

I turned to Nancy. “What the hell?”

“I was about to ask you the same question.”

Mr. Saint approached our table with his client and spoke to only Nancy. “We’ll need information on the co-owned TD accounts.”

She looked to me. “TD accounts? I don’t have any accounts at TD Bank.” Then it hit me. I glared at Rex. “You mean Nana’s accounts? You know those aren’t really mine. They’re only jointly titled so that I can go to the bank for her since she’s been sick.”

Rex said nothing while his attorney glared at me. “We’ll need those accounts by the end of the week.”

3

Chet

- Two weeks later -

Under the glow of dimmed red and green lighting, I stood like a fish out of water in a sea of people—who all looked ridiculous. I’d wanted nothing to do with this holiday party, but one of my biggest clients invited me, so I’d felt obligated to show up. My plan was to show face for an hour, then leave.

It wasn’t so much the party I had a problem with. It was the fact that it was Christmas costume-themed, which wasn’t really my jam. Who the hell has a costume party in December anyway? I had to get something at the last minute and was none too happy with what I ended up with. Apparently, there were only two costumes in the store big enough for me, and because I’d put it off until the absolute last minute, there had been no time to go anywhere else.

After downing the second Jingle Juice Spiked Punch, my night was starting to seem more promising, though.

That was…until I spotted her.

And it was clear she had noticed me sometime before, because her stare was already burning into mine.

What the hell is she doing here?

Margo.

Margaret Adams.

My client, Rex Adams’ soon-to-be ex-wife.

She looked gorgeous as ever. Her long, blonde hair was ombre, darkest at the roots and platinum at the tips. She wore a sexy, long-sleeve red dress with a hint of sparkle, the neckline cut down to her navel. Christ. She had on matching high heels, looking every bit like the woman I’d fantasized about for days on end—before I realized who she was.

How the hell did she get out of wearing a costume? Now I wished I hadn’t been so stupid to assume coming meant I absolutely had to wear one. Margo looked like a normal human, whereby I was standing here trying to save the last of my dignity while dressed as Buddy the Elf.

I wasn’t supposed to have to see her again until our next court date. I still couldn’t wrap my head around the fact that Margo from the café—was Margaret Adams.

I glanced over at the door. It was too late to slip out of here because she’d already spotted my ass. The next thing I knew, she was right in front of me.

“Well, well, well, if it isn’t Buddy the Kissing Bandit…Chester Saint. Hardly a saint if you ask me. More like the devil. What are you doing here?”

“This is my client’s holiday party. I was invited. Although, a costume-themed Christmas party is a pretty awful idea.”