Trading Christmas - Debbie Macomber [96]
“What did he say?” Lindy pressed, sounding more curious now. “It seems to me he must have had a reason.”
“Oh, he did. He mentioned something about appreciating an article I’d given him, but we both know that was just an excuse. What clued me in to his jealousy was the way he kept asking if I was alone.”
“But that could’ve been for several different reasons, don’t you think?” Lindy suggested.
“Yes, but it made sense that he’d want to know if Joe was at the apartment or not.”
“And was he?”
“Of course not,” Cait said righteously. She didn’t feel guilty about hiding the fact that he’d been there earlier, or that they’d spent nearly all of Saturday together. “I’m sure Joe’s ridiculous remark when I left the office on Friday is what convinced Paul to phone me. If I wasn’t so furious with Joe, I might even be grateful.”
“What’s that?” Lindy asked abruptly, pointing to the folder in front of Cait. Her lips had thinned slightly as if she was confused or annoyed—about what, Cait couldn’t figure out.
“This, my friend,” she began, holding up the folder, “is the key to my future with our dedicated manager.”
Lindy didn’t immediately respond and looked more puzzled than before. “How do you mean?”
Cait couldn’t get over the feeling that things weren’t quite right with her best friend; she seemed to be holding something back. But Cait realized Lindy would tell her when she was ready. Lindy always hated being pushed or prodded.
“The folder?” Lindy prompted when Cait didn’t answer.
Cait flipped it open. “I spent all day Sunday reading through old business journals looking for articles that might interest Paul. I must’ve gone back five years. I copied the articles I consider the most valuable and included a brief analysis of my own. I was hoping to give it to him sometime today. That’s why I was asking if you knew his schedule.”
“Unfortunately I don’t,” Lindy murmured. She straightened, picked up her briefcase and made a show of checking her watch. Then she looked up to smile reassuringly at Cait. I’d better get to work. I’ll come by later to help you put up your decorations, okay?”
“Thanks,” Cait said, then added, “Wish me luck with Paul.”
“You know I do,” Lindy mumbled on her way out the door.
Mondays were generally slow for the stock market—unless there was a crisis. World events and financial reports had a significant impact on the market. However, as the day progressed, everything ran smoothly.
Cait looked up every now and then, half expecting to see Joe lounging in her doorway. His men had started early that morning, but by noon, Joe still hadn’t arrived.
Not until much later did she realize it was Paul she should be anticipating, not Joe. Paul was the romantic interest of her life and it annoyed her that Joe seemed to occupy her thoughts.
As it happened, Paul did stroll past her office shortly after the New York market closed. Grabbing the folder, Cait raced toward his office, not hesitating for an instant. This was her golden opportunity and she was taking hold of it with both hands.
“Good afternoon, Paul,” she said cordially as she stood in his doorway, clutching the folder. “Do you have a moment or would you rather I came back later?”
He looked tired, as if the day had already been a grueling one. It was all Cait could do not to offer to massage away the stress and worry that complicated his life. Her heart swelled with a renewed wave of love. For a wild, impetuous moment, it was true, she’d suffered her doubts. Any woman would have when a man like Joe took her in his arms. He might be arrogant in the extreme and one of the worst pranksters she’d ever met; despite all that, he had a certain charm. But now that she was with Paul, Cait remembered sharply who it was she really loved.
“I don’t want to be a bother,” she told him softly.
He give her a listless smile. “Come in, Cait. Now is fine.” He gestured toward a chair.
She hurried into the office, trying to keep the bounce out of her step. Knowing she’d be spending a few extra minutes alone