Page 89 of Tame Me

My mind was still replaying all the fabulous times I’d had with Hunter as I passed through the checkout, paid, and pushed the cart out the store. Right next to the Coles was the liquor store, and as I recalled the delicious Limoncello chocolate he’d made, I headed into the shop.

I was surprised to discover a dozen or so choices of Limoncello on the shelf. After much deliberation, it was the look of the bottle rather than the price that dictated my decision, I chose a twin bottle gift set. One bottle was Limoncello, and the other was Orangecello made from blood oranges. The bottles themselves were a work of art and nestled amongst straw in the custom-made wooden box, made the perfect gift.

My heart fluttered at the prospect of presenting him with this Christmas present. Hunter did that to me . . . made my heart flutter and it was such a wonderful acknowledgment.

I couldn’t help but grin as I pushed my cart up the shopping center toward the taxi stand. A man walking toward me in a cowboy hat caught my eye, and as my jaw dropped, his face lit up, and I instantly felt terrible about my gift to Hunter sitting right on top of the cart.

“Jane.” Billy wrapped his arms around me, and as I sunk into his warm embrace, I inhaled delicious manly scents. His touch was gentle yet strong, and my body glowed inside and out at how wonderful he felt. I caught people looking at us and squeezed him tighter, relishing in the public display of affection with my handsome cowboy.

Our embrace ended too soon, and when I stepped back, I looked up into his stunning, molten eyes. “What’re you doing here?”

“I just finished a show,” he said, “and I dropped in to do a bit of shopping before I went back to the hotel.”

“Did you stay last night?”

“Yes. I checked in after nine, but you weren’t there.”

“Oh, I’ve had a promotion. I’m now the hotel manager, so I work during the days.”

His expression faltered, and I couldn’t decide if he was happy or upset with my news. But the confusion written over his face changed in a flash, and a smile quickly ensued. “That’s fantastic. We should celebrate. Can I take you out to dinner?”

I couldn’t help the grin curling at my lips. “I’d love that.”

“Would you like to come to my room first?” His honey eyes dazzled.

“Sounds great.”

“I’m in room eighteen. Does six o’clock suit you?”

I checked my watch. That gave me just one hour. “Perfect.”

He glanced down at my cart. “Would you like a hand with your shopping?”

“No, I’m fine. Thank you.” I kissed his cheek, but he turned his head and cupped my chin so our lips met. It was just a brief touch, but lovely butterflies danced across my stomach at the familiarity of it. The smile on my face must have been enormous. “See you soon.”

As I pushed the cart away, I glanced at him over my shoulder, and when he waved, my heart skipped a beat. I tugged my bottom lip into my mouth, and the lovely glow pulsing through me made me float on air.

The taxi returned me to the hotel within fifteen minutes, and I lugged my bags from the trunk and up the stairs. A luggage trolley was positioned at reception, and as I strode toward it, I smiled at Marjorie, who was on the phone. I loaded my bags onto the trolley and waited for her to finish the call.

“Been shopping?” she said as she hung up the phone.

“Christmas gifts and groceries.”

“Good on you, I haven’t bought any presents yet. I need to get a move on.”

“It’s crazy out there already.”

“Always is.”

“Everything all right here?”

She smiled. “Of course.”

“Okay, have a good night.”

“You too.”

I pushed the trolley to the elevator, and to my delight, it pinged open straight away, and I shoved the trolley in. As I rode the elevator up, I thought about what to wear for Billy. It was getting too hot to wear jeans, so my mind flicked to my dresses. I still hadn’t made a decision when the doors opened again.

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