But then, he’s going to think I ate a mountain of garlic for lunch for as long as I’ve been brushing. Or maybe that I’m hinting around for some make-out time. Neither is true. Okay, maybe one of those things is a little true.
When Roman sets his comb down, I impatiently blurt, “Ready?”
“Go grab your coat and gloves. I’ll meet you by the door.”
My nerves race. I hurry back to my room, throw my coat over my arm, and walk out into the living room. Fireplace, couch, monster-sized Christmas tree, but no Roman.
I press my newly glossed lips together and bounce on the heel of my right foot. A small tap on the front door steals my attention, and I peer back toward the hall, toward our bedrooms. Roman won’t be thrilled with more company.
But the small window on the wooden door reveals that it’s Roman waiting outside. I wrinkle my nose and smirk. “What is he—” My words trail off as I open the door. “Roman?”
“Hi,” he says, a smile on his face.
“Um, hi.”
“Oh, I brought you something.” He bends, picking up a box on the ground next to him. It’s a simple white shoebox tied with a black ribbon. “Open it,” he says, holding it out toward me. “You’ll need these. After shopping.” He winks and holds the box out to me.
“What are you?—”
“I’m picking you upproperlyfor our date. And while I didn’t have time to buy flowers, I ordered these a week ago.”
I smother a laugh while untying the black bow tied around this box. I lift the lid to—skates. Brown leather ice skates.
“Size seven, right?”
I blink up at him. “You know my shoe size?” I peer back down at the box.
“I hope I do. Are they correct?”
I swallow. “Perfect,” I say.
Slipping his gloved hand into mine, he grins. “Great. Let’s go.”
Forty
I’ve never beeninside the little mall in Tesoro. It’s trendy and upscale. I’m not sure if Stella can afford anything here. “Are you looking for a gift for your parents?”
There’s a small-shops map and Stella is studying it. “Not exactly. I think I might make them something.”
“That’s a good idea.”
She glances away from the map to look at me. “You think? I’ve never really made anything for them.”
Okay—that’s crazy. “Of course. They’ll love it.”
She swivels back to the map. “I hope so.” Suddenly, she hops in place. “Oo! Here. Found it.” Then, slipping her hand into mine, she says, “This way.”
“Who are you buying for, then?” The question makes me realize I haven’t bought her anything for Christmas. I really don’t want Christmas morning to come and have nothing beneath the tree for her. I make a mental note to rectify the problem immediately.
“I’m not buying for anyone. You are.”
“Me?” I lower my brows. “I probably should get Callum a wedding gift.”
“You definitely should. But we have a few weeks. I’ll take care of that, from the both of us.” She stops in front of a shop, peering through the window before going inside.
“The Toybox?” I say. “What are we doing here?”
“No more wasted time, Roman Graves.” Stella moves herself until she stands right in front of me. She slips her other hand into mine so that we are face to face, hands locked together.
