Page 20 of Holiday Queen
She rolled her eyes and grinned. “Okay, confession time. I’m not a shopper. And whenever it’s the holidays I end up buying all the things for myself. Is that bad?”
His dark brows rose. “No judgment. Want to try the other one?” He held the slim cream leather blazer out.
They swapped coats and darned if this one wasn’t gorgeous, too.
His deep blue eyes gleamed under the boutique’s bright lights. “I’m biased because you look gorgeous in everything. Or nothing.” He winked.
The man stole her breath. Heat rose in her cheeks. Because of course she could blush now, after last night and this morning’s sexy times. “Back at you.”
A gazelle like brunette glided up to them. “Did you decide on a jacket?” Her eyes were hungry as she raked them over Trent.
Camille stiffened, then exhaled a steadying breath. “I did. I’ll take this one. Do you gift wrap by chance?” Trent was not her cheating ex. No way would she allow herself to feel jealous––what woman wouldn’t check him out?
“Of course. Very good. If you’ll just meet me at the front, I’ll ring you up.” She pivoted and sashayed toward an antique cash register set on an elegant table.
Trent helped her with the coat because her cashmere sweater stuck to inside of the sleeves like Velcro. A hint of smugness filled her at his skill in helping her remove her clothes.
“Are you getting the motorcycle jacket? An early Christmas present for yourself?”
She shook her head. “No, I shouldn’t.”
“Why not?”
“I need to focus on gifts for my family today. I’ve been a little distant over the last few years and need to make sure I pick the perfect gift for everyone.”
“Distant?”
Her throat clenched. “I’ve been pre-occupied with work and missed some holidays with my family. We’re really close, but I let chasing a promotion cloud my judgment. Plus, they never liked Sean and he guilted me into staying with him in the city––my own fault.”
“Don’t beat yourself up. I haven’t exactly been the most festive with my family the last few years either.” His brows drew together over his strong, straight nose.
She slid her arms around him, squeezed him tight, and tilted her gaze up to meet his. “You have a valid excuse. Is it getting any easier?
His eyes warmed and he smiled. “It has. Each year better than the last and right now? I’d say meeting you has been the best Christmas present ever.”
She stood on her tiptoes and pressed one hand to his cheek. “I wasn’t feeling particularly merry, even before what happened Friday. You dropping into my messages was definitely a Christmas miracle.”
But looking into his eyes felt real. The emotions between them were real––not a fantasy or a miracle.
He threaded his hands through her hair and his eyes hooded. He lowered his head and kissed her. Her mind emptied, and heat surged through her veins. She melted into his embrace, the rest of the world fading away.
“Excuse me, how would you like to pay for the jacket?” An icy voice inquired.
Trent took his time lifting his head and slid one hand down and intertwined his fingers with hers. Camille turned to the saleswoman, not caring if they were making a scene. She’d never been a PDA type of person but with Trent, she couldn’t seem to make herself worry about it.
Being with Trent was natural. Easy. In forty-eight hours, she felt more comfortable yet more excited than she ever had in another man’s presence. With him, she was simply being herself and he seemed to like her exactly how she was. It was pretty darn refreshing.
She smoothed back her hair and pulled out her credit card. “Card please.”
Once she’d taken care of her sister’s gift, she glanced at her watch. It was already two o’clock and she had many more presents to buy. Work would be busy this week until she left for Monterey on Thursday for the long holiday weekend.
They stepped out into the brisk San Francisco afternoon, and she adjusted her thick scarf around her neck. Northern California in December was no joke, especially with the frigid wind off the bay. Luck was with them because the sky was clear, and the watery sunshine offered some warmth.
“So, I’ve got a lot more shopping to do. I’d totally understand if that isn’t how you want to spend the rest of your weekend.” Trent couldn’t possibly want to spend his entire Sunday shopping, could he?
His brows drew together. “Are you trying to get rid of me?”
She laughed. “Hardly. Just don’t want you to be bored.” No way would her ex have gone holiday shopping with her.