Page 16 of Merry with a Tycoon

CRYSTAL

What am I doing?I ask myself, staring at my reflection in the mirror.

Do I really believe something more than a friendship—no, a professional relationship—will come out of this date?

But I’ve seen the way he looks at me. Red jasper or not, I’ve felt the heat of his gaze, the ache in his touch.

But he’s Preston Hollister, heir to the Hollister hotel empire. As the youngest son, Brogan may get away with dating the daughter of their family gardener, but Preston? His type is the likes of Vivian.

But why am I worried about such things? It’s just dinner, nothing more. And even if something more happens, as long as I accept that nothing permanent will come out of it—Preston is still, after all, my landlord—things will be fine.

And maybe that would be better. That way, there won’t be any expectations.

No one’s getting hurt.

Right.

I smooth my dress down for what feels like the hundredth time. The emerald green silk clings to my curves in a way that’s flattering but not too revealing. At least, I hope so. I’ve changed outfits three times already and Preston will be here in… I glance at my phone. Twenty minutes.

As if on cue, my phone beeps and for a heart-stopping moment, I think it might be Preston canceling. But then I see Willy’s name on the screen.

“Hey, Will! How’s Washington?”

“Rainy,” Willy replies. “So what’s this text I got about some rent increase at the Seaside Square yesterday? A triple increase in rent should be illegal, isn’t it?”

I take a deep breath. “Thankfully, it’s been resolved. Preston said Teddy, his cousin sent it out by mistake.”

“Ah, Teddy. That figures.” She chuckles. “Brogan was telling me how their mother gave her a job that required a lot of experience even though she has none.”

I exhale. “Well, it’s been resolved. Preston hand-delivered the letter stating the rent increase notification was sent by mistake. He also told me he actually wants to initiate some community building programs for the square.”

There’s a pause. “Wait. Preston Hollister himself hand-delivered the letter of apology to everyone?”

“I’m not sure about everyone, but he hand-delivered mine,” I reply. “Anyway, we’re going out to dinner.”

“He asked you out on a date?” she exclaims, her voice a mix of surprise and excitement.

I giggle, suddenly feeling giddy. “He sure did.”

“I always suspected him buying stuff at your shop every month wasn’t random,” Willy says. “So, where’s he taking you?”

“I’m not sure,” I admit, feeling a flutter of excitement in my stomach. “He just said to dress nicely.”

“Well, you better give me all the details tomorrow,” Willy insists. “And Crystal? Have fun. You deserve it.”

I smile, warmth spreading through my chest. “Thanks, Will. I will.”

After we hang up, I take one last look in the mirror, adjusting a stray strand of hair. The doorbell rings, right on time, and my heart leaps into my throat. This is it.

I take a deep breath, smooth my dress one last time, and open the door.

Preston stands there, and for a moment, I forget how to breathe. He’s wearing dark jeans that fit him perfectly, paired with a crisp white button-down shirt and a navy blazer. The casual elegance of his outfit strikes the perfect balance between relaxed and refined. His hair is slightly tousled, as if he ran his hand through it—a gesture I’ve come to recognize as a sign of his rare moments of nervousness.

“Crystal,” he says, his eyes widening slightly as he takes me in. “You look... stunning.”

I feel a blush creeping up my cheeks. “Thank you. You clean up pretty well yourself.”

He chuckles, the sound sending a pleasant shiver down my spine. “Shall we?” he asks, offering me his arm.

---