Page 2 of The Christmas Plan

Turning around in Cass’s arms, Ari faced her girlfriend. “No, Cass, not this… Well, this is perfect. But I have an idea.”

“Go on.” Cass giggled while pursing her lips.

“I need a big client.” Ari scoffed like it was all so obvious.

But this only prompted Cass to scrunch her face up more. “Yes?”

Ari put her hands on Cassie’s shoulders. “Right, and Christmas is the perfect time to get people feeling cozy and generous.”

“Okay?” Trying desperately to follow along, Cass’s blue eyes flicked across Ari’s face.

“A holiday party. Get a bunch of new and old clients to attend and get them signed before the New Year.” Ari snapped.

Cass smirked. “Now I get it!”

Biting her lip, Ari’s mind started churning. “It would be the perfect chance to invite Hazel Ford.”

“And to get some of your older clients around to chat about the future.” Fully in it now, Cass nodded. But her face turned sour. “Ari, one problem. It’s already December 4th.”

“Shit.” Ari’s head dropped. It was the one thing she’d forgotten to consider. “I guess that settles it. No way I can get that together before everyone leaves town.”

Hating defeatism, Cass scoffed. “Hold on, when did Ari Graves become such a quitter?”

Ari shook her off as her shoulders dropped. “Cassie, seriously. How would we manage that?”

“I’ll help. Besides, Tommy will definitely be in. It’s a great idea.” Putting her hands on Ari’s biceps, Cass smirked. “If anyone can pull it off, it’s you.”

She wasn’t wrong. Ari had pulled off some incredible feats in the last couple of months. When they’d first met, Ari was on the brink of getting let go. And in the six months since, she was almost being offered a partner position.

Chewing the inside of her cheek, Ari looked back into Cass’s eyes. “Do you really think so?”

“I do.” Cass nodded, confident as always.

Ari’s throat tightened. If she was lucky, she’d hear Cass say those words again in the future.

Shaking off the distraction, Ari looked down at her watch. “If we’re going to do it, we have to start tonight.”

Cass reached her hands down and grabbed Ari’s hand, already pushing through the crowd to get out of the crowded park.

But Ari stopped in her tracks. “I’m so sorry, this is supposed to be a cute, romantic date. I don’t want to drag us into a work thing.”

Looking back at Ari, Cass’s lips curled into a smile as she squeezed Ari’s cold hand. “You’re not dragging me. We started this whole relationship to get you ahead in your career. I’m in.”

“You’re sure?”

“Positive.” Cass tightened her grip on Ari’s hand and pulled her toward the street.

The crowd parted for them as they moved; New Yorkers knew better than to get in the way of busy women.

By the time we reached the subway station, Ari could hardly believe what she was doing. They’d need a venue, decorators, caterers, photographers on short notice… and during the busiest party season of the year.

It was going to be nearly impossible.

But with Cass by her side, Ari just might be able to pull the plan off. The only way to find out was to jump in head first.

2

DREW