The Billionaire's First Christmas - A Sweet Christmas Romance (A Winters Love 1)

CHAPTER TEN

AARON

The big meeting that I’d been preparing for and anticipating for weeks went well. China was an important market that Winters Inc. hadn’t yet broken into. The gentlemen I met with were more than willing to hear what I had to say about how our products would benefit their communities. They were even happier about it when I told them about our company’s all green plans. It was something their own company prided themselves on. The only difficult part of the meeting was communication. I knew a little bit of Mandarin, I’d taken it in college. My skills unfortunately weren’t honed enough for such an important meeting, so most of it was accomplished via an interpreter. That in itself was exhausting, and a bit worrisome. I trusted my interpreter but I still worried occasionally that things might get lost in translation.

When the meeting ended, I said good-bye to my new business partners and headed back to my office to get my things. I felt so weary, but I knew that I wasn’t just tired tonight. Something just felt… off. I had this big, empty feeling in my chest lately for some reason. Usually after a meeting like the one I’d just had, I’d be so excited that I was bouncing off the walls. I’d often go out for a celebratory drink and occasionally meet a nice woman for some temporary company. Not today though, not even the success of the meeting had made me happy. I had no desire to be with a woman either. At least not one I could find in a bar. I couldn’t put my finger on what had changed and it annoyed me.

I opened my office door and was surprised by a pleasant spiced aroma. I figured that Janice had bought one of those scented candles or plug in devices for the office. She didn’t force Christmas on me, she knew better. But she had her little subtle ways of giving me hints. Her fragrances were often part of that every year, as was her gaudily decorated desk outside my office door. I walked over to my own desk to retrieve my briefcase and was surprised to see a plate of cookies and an envelope with my name on it. I picked up the envelope and slipped out the note.

It was from Robyn. I should have known. Who else would have the nerve to sneak in my office when I was out and leave Christmas cookies? Or Christmas anything for that matter. Geez! What was it going to take for her to get it? I didn’t like Christmas, why was that a crime? I didn’t really read the note; I just tossed it back down on the desk and picked up the plate of cookies. I was about to dump them in the wastebasket when the scent assaulted my senses again. I set the plate back down and sat myself down behind my desk. I suppose she wasn’t going to know the difference if I ate them or not, so tasting one wouldn’t be encouraging her behavior. Besides, although it was slightly annoying, it was a nice thought. I knew that she had something to do with the change in the way I’d been feeling about my life lately, I just wasn’t sure what.

I picked up one of the cookies and took a bite. I hated to admit it, but it was delicious. I ate the whole thing. Then, I poured myself a cup of coffee and went back for the other two. By the time I finished my coffee and all three cookies, I was feeling so much better. It was amazing what a little sugar and caffeine could do. I was still unwilling to admit that my feelings for Robyn had anything to do with my sudden change of attitude.

Curiosity overcame me and I reached for the note again. This time I actually read it:

Aaron,

Here’s hoping that a little sugar and a lot of Christmas cheer can chase your stress away. Happy Monday!

Robyn

P.S. I have a dinner party to attend on Thursday night with a group of my friends. We do it every year at the Lighthouse Inn and I would love it if you could join me. We’ll be there at eight. I’ll just expect you…whether you respond or not. I won’t take no for an answer.