And truth be told, I’ve never seen anyone as beautiful, either. Especially since he traded his typical dark suit for a navy blue one. Instead of a boring, plain tie like he typically wears, he’s donned a red one with a few snowflakes. It’s subtle and not over the top. But the fact it’s festive is a huge step.
“Yup,” Haley whispers in my ear. “It’s totally a date.”
I glance at her, about to protest once more, but before I can, she cuts me off.
“Have fun.” She gives me a quick squeeze, then hurries toward where Maggie is doing a puzzle with Grandma Estelle, leaving me alone with Callum.
Well, technically, there are a few other guests around, as well as Heidi at the registration desk. But when Callum slowly moves toward me, his eyes not leaving mine for even a heartbeat as they drink me in, it feels like we’re the only two people in the room.
“You look beautiful.” He leans toward me, and I hold my breath as he brushes a soft kiss to my cheek. It’s an innocent gesture, similar to one shared by family.
But there is absolutely nothing innocent about my reaction to the feel of Callum’s lips on my skin. Every nerve in my body comes alive as heat radiates through me, reawakening parts of me I forgot existed.
When he pulls back, I do my best to appear unaffected. But it’s impossible with the electricity coursing through my veins, lighting me on fire.
“I… I like your tie.”
I like your tie?That’s all I could come up with? Nice one, Parker.
“I’ve been doing some shopping in town. Supporting the local businesses and whatnot. I figured you’d appreciate it.”
“I certainly do.”
But not as much as I appreciate what’s going on underneath that tie. I can’t tell him that, though.
“Are you ready?” He cuts through the silence.
“Of course.”
As I start to put my coat on, he steps toward me. “Allow me.”
I hand him my coat, and he helps me into it. For being such a grump, he’s quite the gentleman.
Then again, I’m beginning to realize he’s not really as grumpy as I originally thought.
“My car’s out front.” He extends his arm toward the main entrance.
“We can walk. Main Street is just around the corner.”
“We’re not staying in town.”
“We’re not?”
He slowly shakes his head. “No.”
“Where are we going?”
“You’ll find out.”
I’m on the brink of insisting that I can’t leave Sycamore Falls for hours on end in case there’s an emergency.
But Estelle is right. I deserve a night off once in a while. My staff is well-trained and can handle anything that may come up. So instead, I allow Callum to lead me out to his car for our business meeting.
Which is most definitely not a date.
CHAPTERTHIRTEEN
CALLUM
