Tillie comes out of the car, and I follow her. “We haven’t done that competition in a while. We haven’t had a family Christmas in years now that I think about it.”
“Really?” I adjust my gloves and my beanie. Flurries twirl around us.
“Yeah, Roman hasn’t been home for, like, three years. Aunty Liz tries to get him every year.” Tillie looks at me and smiles. “It’s a Christmas miracle, and that miracle is you.”
I can feel my eyebrows almost touching my hairline. “Me? Tillie, girl, no.”
I laugh, trying to brush off the warm feeling that’s running through me.
“No, girl, seriously. I get why Roman adores you, even though, you know.”
I almost forgot that Roman informed Tillie about everything that was going on.
“Tillie, Roman…we…” I break off as he comes out of the car. It’s not like I didn’t see him this morning.
Sunglasses are perched on his nose. He has on a black overcoat with a grey sweater and a pair of dark blue loose-fit jeans. Jesus, he smiles at something his father says. Roman Voss is really hot. Oh no. Shit, I think I am falling for Roman Voss.
A piece of tissue appears in my face. “Here, this is for the drool at the side of your mouth.”
I laugh and grab the tissue from her. “Shut up.”
“Elle, let me talk to you for a second,” Roman says.
I stuff the tissue in my jacket and follow Roman around the hood of the car.
“‘Sup?” I ask, trying to sound casual.
He stands with his back to his family; his body is blocking mine. Roman takes his money clip out and slides a black Amex out.
“Buy what you like. I am afraid of letting you choose our sweaters, but my dad, Ollie, and I are going to the cigar bar.” He holds the Amex card out to me.
I have read books where the girl would be like “Oh no, sir, I can’t take your money.” Well, I am not that girl. I swipe the card from his hand. He is filthy rich; I am plenty of things, but dumb is never one.
“Thank you,” I reply, placing the card into my wallet.
“Try to put a dent in it. If you need anything or are having any trouble, call me.”
I nod. He looks back at his family.
“What do you want as your gag gift?” Roman asks.
I shrug. “I don’t know…a diamond dildo.”
He smirks. “Seriously. What’s something you always wanted?”
“Um, my mom wears a pretty tennis bracelet. I never got around to buying one.” I chuckle, because he is not going to get me that.
“Done.”
“No. I am kidding; get me something funny and cheap. I will be fine,” I reply.
“Fine. Are they watching?” Roman murmurs.
I flick my head to the side and send a small wave to Tillie. But he was right; the three of them are watching.
“Best we give them a show,” I reply.
Roman looks down at me and pulls me close to his body. He bends his head, and his lips press softly against mine.
