“Uh. No, I... I was just thinking that I had to make time to get a Christmas tree before all of the good ones are picked over.” She busied herself by pouring him a cup of coffee. “I’m sure you already have your tree.”
He accepted the cup. “I told you I’m not a fan of Christmas.”
“Oh, that’s right.” Alina couldn’t imagine not doing anything at all. She loved Christmas. The joy of the season was so infectious. “Not even when you were a kid?”
Graham shrugged. “My father said it was nothing more than a marketing scheme.”
“That’s so sad because it’s so much more. Maybe you’ll see it differently this year.”
“I don’t think so. I have my business to run and it takes up all of my time.”
“You know what they say about all work and no play.”
He took a sip of coffee. “Are you implying I’m boring?”
She held up both hands in innocence. “I don’t even know you yet.” Alina filled her to-go coffee mug. “I have to go to work now. Was there anything you needed?”
“I was wondering if you’ll be around for dinner.” He rushed to add, “It’ll be a business dinner as I’m sure I’ll have questions about the building.”
“Sorry, I’ll be late. I’m going to work as many hours as they’ll give me throughout the holidays.”
“Because of me?”
She busied herself, checking for her keys and purse, in order to avoid his pointed gaze. And then she decided that they couldn’t just dance around this subject. She lifted her head and met his gaze straight on. “Yes. Rent in this city is going to cost a fortune. And even with everything I’m saving, I don’t know if I can afford to live someplace else. And I have it better than other people in the building who are retired with no means of raising additional income.”
He frowned. “I’m giving out bonuses.”
“But how far will they go? Let me tell you, not very far at all.”
Graham rubbed the back of his neck. “I don’t know what to say.”
“I don’t expect you to say anything. I just need you to understand—really understand—the ramifications of your actions.” She shrugged on her red coat. “Is your new building really this important?”
“Yes.” Graham’s voice was firm.
It was not the answer she wanted to hear. She grabbed her stocking cap, decorated with a design of white snowflakes, from her coat pocket. She couldn’t get upset. She had to remain calm. After all, her plan to change his mind had barely begun.
She forced a smile to her lips. “I’ve got to get going. I’ll see you later.” Just then Prince returned to her side. She bent down to pet him. “I’ll see you later, too. Be good.”
Prince turned around to walk away. He paused in front of Graham and looked up at him. Alina would love to know what Prince was thinking. When Graham noticed, he moved to pet Prince, who once again scurried away. What was up with that? Was it possible Prince was jealous? Laughter bubbled up in her throat.
“It’s not funny,” Graham said. “He just won’t give an inch.”
“Hey, he didn’t growl at you this time. That’s something.”
He held up the still full cup. “Mind if I bring this back later?”
“Not at all.”
Graham headed for the door, but she was standing between him and the door. As he passed by her, their bodies briefly brushed against each other. Her heart slammed into her chest as awareness set every one of her nerve endings a-tingling. So much for telling herself that she could treat Graham like everyone else.
“I’ll see you later,” she said as she put the lid on her to-go mug.
“I’ll be here.”
And then the door closed. She could at last take a full breath. This was going to be a very long few weeks. Very long indeed.
CHAPTER EIGHT