Cinderella Christmas by Elda Minger Read Free Book Online

isn’t logical, Eve. You have to have the courage to follow your heart, no matter how many times you’ve been hurt in the past.”
    As Eve studied her girlfriend, she suspected that Maddy had depths she wasn’t aware of. She sensed her friend hadn’t had things easy her entire life, but had managed to rise above her circumstances. She also knew that Maddy looked at people deeply.
    Maddy saw her, flaws, fears and all, and still wanted to be her friend. The thought humbled her.
    “You’re an inspiration to me.”
    “Oh, Eve, you’ll figure it all out. I have faith in you.”
    “I’m going to pack up a box of cookies for you and Clark.”
    “He’ll love that. I’m a good cook, but I’m on a deadline and don’t have time to bake.”
    #
    After Maddy left, Eve curled up on the sofa with Maurice in her lap.
    Love isn’t logical. That was the understatement of the century. Here she’d thought that one kiss from Nick would put all her feelings for him to rest. Instead, things had spiraled completely out of control and now she thought about him constantly.
    This wasn’t love. It was obsession.
    But was it? Nick wasn’t some stranger she’d fixated her feelings on. She’d worked with him for almost a year and seen him in all sorts of situations. She’d traveled with him, and that was one of the best ways to get to know a man.
    She knew he was a good man, a kind man, fair to his employees and honest and ethical with his customers. She knew he loved his father enough to give him plenty of time with his new wife during their first Christmas together.
    And on top of all that, Maurice adored him.
    As much as she hated to admit it, what was wrong with her life all came down to her. Eve didn’t think she was broken, but perhaps too cautious. She felt safe, hiding out dressed as a librarian – and not the type that whipped off her glasses, let down her hair and got down to business. No, she was the sort of librarian who would work quietly among the books until one day she looked up and realized decades of her life had passed and she’d hidden herself away through it all. Kept emotion at a distance. Always made the safe choices.
    Never really lived.
    He wants to find Darcy so badly. Could you have the courage to tell him you’re the woman he’s looking for?
    He’d never believe her. She’d played the part of the dowdy frump, then the naughty elf, so expertly she couldn’t even believe both personas were a part of her.
    Maybe the real you is somewhere in the middle.
    That was interesting. Maybe it was time she stopped hiding behind her tailored clothing, sensible shoes and oversized glasses. Maybe the Christmas present she should give herself was to come out of her shell a little.
    She couldn’t have Nick, and that broke her heart. Even if she told him the entire truth about that night, there was a good chance he would never be able to forgive such a deception. She’d used him, plain and simple, the way men had used women for centuries. She’d used him for one kiss – and then sex – like some sort of experiment. But he was a human being, flesh and blood, with feelings and deep emotions.
    She’d used Nick, and that didn’t sit well with her. Sitting by the fire with Maurice and her cup of tea, Eve found she didn’t like herself very much.
    You have to find the courage to follow your heart.
    Something had to change.
    #
    She discarded her glasses – she actually had perfect vision – and let down her hair. And was decidedly gratified by the double take Nick did when he walked into the front office Monday morning.
    “Watson, I – “ he stopped.
    “Yes?” She looked up at him expectantly, as if she came into the office every day with no glasses on and waves of blonde hair tumbling down her back.
    “Wow,” he said softly. “I like the look, Watson. Very becoming.” He stopped himself, then said, “I hope you don’t think I’m out of line – “
    “Not at all. What did you need?”
    It took him a