Read Online Naughty Before Christmas (Decadent Delight Series #3) by Angie Daniels - Free Book Online Page B

it was nothing more than a greeting card that put his feelings into word, or a trinket that reminded him of her. Those sentiments meant the most.
    And then there was the sex, just the mere thought of him set off a slow burn between her legs. That man made sure there was always plenty of fire and excitement brewing between the sheets. She smiled. With Reggie, there was never a dull moment and she couldn’t imagine spending the rest of her life with anyone else.
    “Knock, knock.”
    She looked up to see Arianna strutting inside her office in a black pinstriped pant suit. “How was the meeting this morning?” she asked between sips of her favorite latte.
    A frowned marred Berlin’s lips. “Projected cutbacks and layoffs for next year.”
    “Ye s, I heard about the layoffs. Possible two of our part-time nurses.” With a sigh, she took the seat across from her. “Hopefully you can come up with a great financial plan to save their jobs.”
    Berlin cringed at the thought of being responsible for keeping food on someone’s table. “I’m working on it. I think if we cut back on a few programs that haven’t been as successful as we originally thought I think we might be able to save at least one of their jobs.” Last year Arianna, a program manager, had started a new program for teenage mothers to aid in caring for their babies. Some nights there were barely five mothers in attendance. She had later suggested substituting the class with a pamphlet and a twenty-four hour hotline for questions and further assistance.
    “If anyone can figure it out , you can,” Arianna said with a nod of assurance. “I saw your shoulda-been baby daddy leaving your office,” she commented and then raised a questioning eyebrow.
    Berlin couldn’t resist a grin. “Ha-ha. I needed him to sign off on some expenses,” she started and then her expression turned serious. “Cynthia’s still grieving over the loss of their child.”
    Arianna shook her head sympathetically. “I couldn’t imagine what she’s going through.”
    Berlin pressed a protective hand to her baby bump. “Neither could I.”
    There was a long pregnant pause before Arianna decided to change the subject. “Carlton’s parents won’t be making it for Christmas. His grandmother’s hip went out again, so his parents are going to drive to Memphis and spend the holidays at the nursing home instead.”
    “Oh no, that’s too bad. I know how much you were looking forward to cooking,” Berlin teased. Arianna and her mother-in-law rarely got along. At past holidays all she did was criticize her daughter-in-law’s cooking skills. Berlin had to agree, Arianna wasn’t the most skillful in the kitchen. The beauty often joked that Carlton only married her for her skills in the bedroom.
    “I’m so relieved, but don’t tell my husband that. Anyway , we decided to crash your holiday dinner instead, that’s if you have room for two more.”
    “The more the merrier.” They were already planning to have their parents , Eileen and her family, and a few of Reggie’s crew hinted at stopping through while they were out making their rounds.
    “Wonderful! What would you like me to bring? You know I saw this recipe—”
    Berlin cut her off. “Nothing. Just bring my godson so I can kiss all over him.”
    “You got yourself a deal, ” Arianna said with a sigh of relief.
    And the two ladies laughed.
     
     
    *  *  *
    “You what?” Trey squawked.
    Reggie held out the ticket. “You heard me.”
    Trey took the tickets from his hand and compared the two numbers then shook his head. “Damn! I can’t believe it!”
    “Neither can I.” He had been in a daze for most of the morning.
    His gaze darted to his. “So when are you gonna claim your prize?”
    “As soon as I get my crew started on the renovations in the morning, I am personally driving to Jefferson City to the lottery commission.”
    Shaking his head, Trey replied, “I don’t blame you. I’d drive down there myself.