A New York Love Story by Cassie Rocca Read Free Book Online Page B

week alone in this house – he began to get seriously bored. New York, of course, offered plenty of things to do, even more than Los Angeles, but the incredible cold was damping his enthusiasm. Also – even though Staten Island was a quiet neighborhood – the idea of being recognized had discouraged him from stepping out of the house. He had only to think of what had happened a few days earlier…
    He had learned quickly how to enchant women. It was an easy way to secure favors – of any kind. So, on that occasion too, he had used his charm to
buy
the silence of that woman. He wasn’t especially proud of it and couldn’t forget the disapproving, nauseated expression of his neighbor. The thought of that little, outspoken, red-haired girl made him go over to the window, where he had a perfect view of her house on the other side of the street.
    After their last turbulent encounter, he hadn’t seen her again. Once he happened to gaze at her across the street, but she never even glanced in his direction. He was puzzled: usually women seemed to crave his attention, or at least they were curious… but this woman appeared to be completely indifferent to him, even simply as a man.
    However, for some bizarre reason, Cade felt attracted to her. It wasn’t something physical. She was pretty, maybe not strikingly so, and definitely not a classic beauty. The two times he had met her, she was bundled up in baggy clothes, so he couldn’t really tell much about her shape, but certainly she couldn’t be more than five-foot four and she was slender. Her face was the most attractive part of her. Her beautiful big hazel eyes, with hints of green, could shoot daggers at anyone; but the adorable dimples that appeared when she smiled, could change her expression in an instant. Her mass of flamboyant red, softly curled hair made her look like a woods nymph or a mischievous fairy. If his agent could see her, he would surely find a part for her in one of those fantasy movies so popular these days. But what had impressed him the most was her scent, which was of cinnamon cookies… an aroma that was good, sweet and reassuring. If she weren’t so aggressively outspoken, it would have been a pleasure to be around her for that alone. Not that he was eager for female company! After the most recent events, the desire to have a woman by his side had definitely waned.
    â€œOh, my adored,
exiled
son! I’m so happy to hear from you…” His mother’s voice brought him back to the present.
    â€œMother! It took an eternity for you to answer! I was almost ready to give up. Have you stopped staying glued to your cell, waiting for your favorite son’s call?”
    â€œDon’t be so sure of yourself. You’re not my favorite son any more… now Jake is the chosen son!”
    â€œJake! That wanker always hunching over his notebook, writing little romantic novels?” Cade joked, leaning on the window sill.
    â€œHis
little romantic novels
– as you call them – are bestsellers in the United States, and will be translated into four foreign languages soon! You’re not the only celebrity among the Harrisons… rest assured, Cade!” His mother scolded him with affection – perceptible even at a distance. “Actually, Jake has become my favorite son because he has a great idea to save our Christmas.”
    â€œAnd what would that be?”
    â€œHis girlfriend Monique has a house in Brooklyn. Her parents are leaving for a vacation, so she invited Jake and all our family to spend Christmas there. So, since…”
    â€œSince I’m in New York, it would be easier to join you all…”
    â€œExactly! It’s not in the stars for a family to be separated at Christmas!”
    â€œMom, how much did it cost you to organize all this?”
    â€œLove, you must be joking. I wouldn’t spend a penny, even for something like