If anything, I’ll accept that she somehow agreed to getting a tree. Was the kiss all it took to sell her on that?
I follow her, taking a few quick steps until I’m walking beside her. “A perfect tree for the perfect woman—makes sense.”
She swivels her head, shooting me a glare that’s paired with a cute little smile. Finally, she’s starting to let herself relax.
“You don’t know me well enough to say that I’m perfect,” she remarks, veering away from me toward a large tree.
I adjust my footing to head in the same direction. “Well, then I can’t wait togetto know how perfect you are.”
“That was…something,” is all she responds with, but the quick glance at me shows the burning in her cheeks.
Seeing the effect I’m having on her, even a subtle one, makes my chest feel warm and a smile slide onto my lips.
When I first saw her, I knew right away she was the most beautiful woman I’d ever laid eyes on. Then, we spoke and…I could practically see the walls she’s built around herself, how she uses abruptness to keep people on the other side of them.
But there was somethingthere. Something I couldn’t just walk away from. At first, maybe I just wanted the challenge. Or maybe it was more from the first moment.
A spark, just needing to be ignited.
And damn, has it ever been ignited.
“This the one?” I ask, snaking my hand around her waist as I stand next to her.
She tenses for a moment beneath my touch, but relaxes within seconds. The slight lean into me is all I need to know that the sparkhasto be mutual.
I mean, it must be.
With a nod, she confirms, “If Ihaveto get one, then yes.”
“I’ll find a salesperson.” I give her side a squeeze before removing my hand and walking away.
I wander up and down the rows until I find someone, bringing them over to Holly and her chosen tree.
Except, she’s got her fists curled at her side, and there’s a man standing a few feet away from her with his eyebrows furrowed.
As we get closer, I hear her snap, “It’s afucking tree. You can find a different one.”
“If it’s just a tree, you go find another one, lady. Have a heart—my daughter wants this one.” His raised voice instantly makes my blood boil and my snakes hiss.
He doesn’t get to speak that way to her. Nobody does.
I open my mouth as we get closer, but I don’t get a word out. Holly radiates such a strong aura I feel like I’m choking on it.
“Your daughter is an adult woman who just threw a tantrum because I wouldn’t give up the tree I’mliterallyabout to purchase.” Holly scoffs, her voice much louder than the man’s. “Get real. And grow up. Both of you.”
He takes a step, but I reach them, placing a hand on his shoulder. “No need to get closer, bud.”
The man shakes me off, growling, “This bitch with you? That makes sense. Two snakes here to ruin Christmas for others.”
Before I can let him have it for calling Holly a bitch, she pipes up, her voice magically calmer, though still quite stern. “I’d calmdown if I were you, or you and your daughter might not end up with a tree at all.”
It’s slightly frightening, but also…really turning me on?
The man lets out a laugh, challenging her. “Oh yeah? What’re you gonna do, little lady? Buy all the trees?”
My eyes dart over to her, and I can see the corner of her lips curve up. There’s a darkened gleam in her eyes, one that adds to her intimidating demeanor.
God, she’s hot.
