Page 15 of Merry with a Tycoon

Brogan was the hardest to shop for but even he was impressed by the Nightsky Lantern I got him last year. It was an intricately carved metal lantern that when lit, projected a map of the constellations onto the ceiling. Sure, I could have bought him one of those nightlights complete with sound machines, but there’s something about the glow of flickering candle that he toldme reminded him of nights in the desert during his days as a SEAL.

I appreciate that Crystal has kept the same theme going, with her inventory of interesting one-of-a-kind items, especially the mosaic pieces she makes herself.

The bell above the door chimes as I enter her shop. The familiar scent of incense and essential oils envelops me, and I feel some of the tension leave my shoulders. Crystal is at the far end of the shop, carefully arranging a display of various crystals and gemstones. She’s wearing a flowing wrap dress, her hair pulled back in its usual ponytail. I allow myself a moment to admire her before clearing my throat.

She turns, surprise flickering across her face before she schools her expression into polite neutrality. “Hi, Preston. What can I do for you today?”

I pull the letter from my pocket. “I have something for you, actually.”

Curiosity replaces the wariness in her eyes as she takes the envelope. I watch anxiously as she reads, her eyes widening as she takes in the contents. When she looks up, there’s a smile on her face that makes my heart skip a beat.

“Preston, this is... thank you,” she says, and before I know what’s happening, she’s hugging me.

For a moment, I’m too stunned to react. Then, hesitantly, I wrap my arms around her, breathing in the scent of her shampoo—something floral and fresh. She feels good in my arms, fitting perfectly against my body. As she pulls away, she looks up at me and for a moment, the world stands still.

I can feel the warmth of her body against mine, see the faint dusting of freckles across her nose. Her lips part slightly, and I find myself leaning in, drawn by some invisible force.

But then the spell breaks and Crystal takes a step back, her cheeks flushed. She clears her throat, smoothing out her dress.“I… um, thank you again for bringing this letter personally. It means a lot.”

I nod, trying to ignore the disappointment settling in my chest. “Of course. I wanted to make sure you got it right away.” To distract myself, I gesture to the crystal display she was working on. “So, tell me about these.”

Her face lights up, and she launches into an explanation of the various crystals and their properties. I find myself genuinely fascinated, both by the information and by the passion with which she speaks.

“And this one?” I ask, pointing to a deep red stone that seems to glow in the late afternoon light.

“That’s red jasper,” Crystal says, picking it up and holding it out to me. “It’s known as the stone of passion and sensuality. It’s said to increase physical energy and stamina, and to reignite the fire in relationships.”

I take the stone, feeling its weight in my palm. Is it my imagination, or does it feel warm to the touch? “I’ll take it,” I hear myself say.

As Crystal moves behind the counter to wrap the red jasper, I find myself captivated by her every movement. She selects a small, elegantly designed box, her slender fingers deftly folding tissue paper around the stone. I’ve seen those hands a hundred times before, handing me purchases, gesturing as she explains the properties of various items in her shop. But now, I’m noticing details I’ve never allowed myself to focus on before.

The graceful curve of her wrists as she ties a ribbon around the box. The small callus on her middle finger, probably from hours of writing or perhaps crafting some of the handmade items she sells. A thin silver bracelet adorns her left wrist, catching the light as she moves. I wonder if it has some special meaning, or if she just liked how it looked.

As my gaze travels up her arms to her shoulders where a smattering of freckles dusts her collarbones, I wonder what it would be like to trace those freckles with my fingertips? Feel the warmth of her skin beneath my hand?

Crystal glances up, catching me staring. A blush creeps up her cheeks, adding a rosy glow to her complexion. “Is everything okay?” she asks, her hazel eyes meeting mine.

I clear my throat, suddenly aware of how long I’ve been silent. “Yes, everything’s fine. I was just... admiring your gift-wrapping skills.”

She laughs. “Well, I’ve had plenty of practice.”

As she hands me the beautifully wrapped package, our fingers brush. The contact sends a jolt through me, as if the properties of the crystal are already taking effect. I allow myself to imagine, just for a moment, what it would be like to hold her hand properly, to lace my fingers through hers.

I take a deep breath, steeling myself for what I’m about to do. It’s now or never. “Do you have any plans for tomorrow evening?”

She looks up, surprise evident on her face. “No, I don’t.”

“Have dinner with me. Let’s celebrate the resolution of the rent issue and to… well, get to know each other better outside of business.”

For a moment, she’s quiet, and I fear I’ve overstepped. But then a slow smile spreads across her face. “I’d like that, Preston.”

“How does seven sound?”

“Seven is perfect,” she replies.

I grin. “Seven it is then.”

CHAPTER SEVEN

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