Read Online A Christmas Worth Billions (Countdown to Christmas Book 4) by Jaclyn Weist - Free Book Online

herself.
    “Bad date last night?” Ann asked, eyebrow raised.
    Lily shook her head. “It was perfect until I ruined it. The guy bought me a Christmas tree.”
    “The nerve of him. I’m not sure you can handle it.” Ann rolled her eyes. “Lily, he’s David Fleschmann, for crying out loud. Every woman in the country would die to go on a date with him.”
    Lily sighed and grabbed a rag to wash what few dishes there were in the sink. “I know. I just hate having him give me everything. I was doing just fine without him.”
    Ann took Lily by the arm and turned her around. She held on to both shoulders and stared into Lily’s eyes. “You weren’t okay. You’re not okay right now. He literally saved your life. Don’t you think he deserves more of a chance?”
    Lily bit her lip before finally nodding. “I just don’t want to mess it up.”
    “I think you already did. Now, when he comes in for his next cup of hot chocolate and toast—because you know he will—you will tell him thank you, and you will let him into your life. Got it?” Ann’s eyes searched hers.
    “Got it.” Lily turned away and scrubbed a pan. “So, what are your plans for the night?”
    “Martin’s coming to pick me up, and we’re going ice skating with his family. You?” Ann dried the pan and set it on the shelf.
    “I’ll probably hang out with the kids. They were going to make each other gifts this year, so I need to help out.”
    Ann nodded toward the front door. “Maybe you should make better plans.”
    Lily followed her gaze to see that David had just come in. He wiped the snow out of his hair and stomped on the rug before taking his place at the bar. She turned to Ann. “You go serve him.”
    “No, he needs to talk to you.” Ann grabbed Lily’s arm.
    “Hey, I’m your boss. You have to listen to me.” Lily tried to hand her the paper and pen, but Ann pushed her toward the front.
    “I’m your best friend, and I’m preventing you from doing something stupid. Go.” She shoved Lily out of the kitchen.
    Lily straightened her apron and glared at Ann before walking over to David. She knew her best friend was right, but it didn’t make things any easier. She’d really messed things up the night before.
    “Good morning. Would you like the usual?” Lily smiled at him nervously.
    “Sounds perfect.” David handed her the menu. “I’ll have it to go. I need to get to the office.”
    Lily nodded and turned away. She poured a mug of hot chocolate and topped it off with a large helping of whipping cream, then took the plate of toast from Ann. “Thank you.”
    “Welcome.” Ann grinned and headed out to take an order from an older couple who had just come in.
    Lily packed the toast into a bag and took the food out to David. “Sorry, I was going to put your hot chocolate in a cup, but then I couldn’t add all the whipped cream.”
    David chuckled. “Fair enough. Thank you.”
    “Here you go. You can pay as soon as you’re done.” Lily set the check down, her face red as she turned to leave. She wanted so much just to give him the food after everything he’d done, but knew she couldn’t afford it. “And I’m sorry about last night. I’m thankful for the tree.”
    “It’s fine. Really. I should have asked instead of assuming.” David shook his head.
    Sighing, Lily put her hand on David’s. “It meant a lot. That’s all the kids talked about this morning when we woke up.”
    “Lily, wait.” David paused. “I was wondering if you’d like to go to my work Christmas party. I need a date, and I’d love for you to come.”
    Lily stared at him with her mouth slightly open. What should she say? How could she say anything? His company was huge, and she was nowhere near glamorous enough for something like that. She shook her head to clear it. “I … wow. I want to, but I don’t have anything to wear.”
    David nodded. “I understand. But I’m working with a clothing company right now, and I think they’d love to