“Those are supposed to be your office flowers. These are home flowers” He nodded to the generous collection of roses, carnations, and greenery interspersed with delicate white baby’s breath.
She gaped. “Oh wow. You got me more flowers?” She raced to the counter and tugged at the gaily wrapped box by the bouquet. “And chocolates?”
He grinned. “Your favorites from the shop down from Bragg’s Tea. I hear you’re a sucker for truffles.”
“I am, but Grant... ” She nodded for him to come closer. “They’re too expensive.”
“Oh? So I can’t have the box I bought for myself?”
“Well, I guess. If you bought some for yourself, I guess I can eat these.”
“Not all at once, I hope.”
She looked beyond him to the teenagers watching them and eating popcorn. “We are not a movie, you two.”
“You sure, Aunt Piper? Because you’ve been so dramatic lately.” Jenna rolled her eyes.
“Watch it, kid. I know where you keep your diary.”
Jenna bolted from the couch to her room, but Simon remained on the couch and turned to watch the movie.
“You don’t know where it is,” Jenna called out.
“I do now. It’s in your room,” Piper yelled back. “Grant, come with me.” She led him to his room on the main floor, shut the door behind them both, and kissed him. “Thank you so much. You didn’t have to do any of this, decorating my office, giving me flowers.”
“And chocolates,” he reminded her. Her bright eyes and wide grin tugged at his heart.
“You’re being really sweet. This isn’t like you.”
He laughed at her snarky tone. “Not normally, but I’m a sucker for Christmas.”
“Me too.”
“I know. We have a lot in common, Piper.”
“I guess we do.”
He hoped she realized he had a point. They actually did have a lot in common.
“Anyhow, I need help.”
“With what?” she asked.
He left her to fetch a list that had a number of names and gifts on it, with several spots left blank. “I’m drawing a huge blank on Ellie and Ali this year. Cade’s no help, because he’s annoyed with me for his in-laws coming to visit.”
“How is that your fault?” She frowned.
Shit. Grant realized he hadn’t told her the truth about staying at Jared’s. But after all the progress he’d made, he didn’t think he could tell her now. He’d consider it one little white lie that wouldn’t hurt anyone. Right?
“Grant?”
“Because I’m here and not staying with them, Ellie’s invited her sister and brother-in-law to come visit. And she’s the nasty sister, not the nice one.”
“Oh, bummer.”
“Yeah, but no way I can stay there. Especially not since you’re here.” He kissed her, having missed the heck out of her. “I don’t suppose we can get a quickie while the kids watch Krampus kill?” He kissed her throat and inhaled her perfume, and in seconds felt hard enough to pound steel.
“Grant, no. Not with Simon here too!”
