He texts back, “I have to work on some ‘special project’ my boss just assigned me to last minute. He reimbursed me for the tickets so maybe we can go Sunday instead?”

“They’re sold out Sunday,” I remind him, but I’m hardly paying attention at this point.

On one hand, I’m bummed not to get to go see The Nutcracker. I’ve wanted to see the ballet since I was a little girl watching the Barbie version and dancing around my living room.

On the other hand…

If our date is canceled, that means I can go to the Christmas ball with Lee!

I’m smiling more than a jilted girl should be, but he’s canceling, so I don’t have to. He was even reimbursed for the tickets—there is literally no reason for me to feel guilty.

I suppose I can always go to see The Nutcracker next year. A Christmas ball with my ideal Prince Charming? It was hard to pass up to begin with, but now I don’t have to.

I don’t even wait for Nathan to text me back. I don’t finish the email, either. I’m too eager to tell Lee so he’ll stop looking for someone else to take.

He’s taking me.

I can’t bite back a smile as I knock to announce myself and then peek my head inside. “Hey. Are you busy?”

He shakes his head, his dark eyes shifting to me as he puts the phone back on its cradle. “Come in.”

I do, smiling helplessly.

“Everything all right?” he asks cautiously, probably because I’m vibrating with excitement.

I try to tone it down as I nod my head. “I just wanted to let you know… It turns out I’m free this weekend after all.”

“Really?” he asks, his eyebrows rising with interest.

Another burst of happiness brings a big, stupid grin to my face. “My date had to cancel.”

A little smirk tugs at his full, perfect lips. “You don’t seem too disappointed.”

I shrug. “I wanted to see The Nutcracker, but there will be other shows. Anyway, now I’m free to go with you—assuming you still need me, of course.”

His lips curve up in a smile too intimate for the office. “I always need you.”

My heart skips a beat. I feel my face start to flush.

Mischief gleams in his eyes, telling me he knew exactly the effect his words would have on me.

Cocky bastard.

I love him anyway, so I can’t muster much annoyance. I’m too happy.

I have an almost-date with the man of my dreams this weekend—talk about a Christmas miracle.

*     *     *

As the weekend draws near, I get a few surprises.

On Thursday, I find an appointment card on my desk for a lush spa on the Upper East Side. Apparently, Lee bought me a day of pampering before the event Saturday night.