Page 7 of Merry with a Tycoon

“I like your taste,” Preston says. “They’re different and unique.”

I laugh. “That’s me. Different… and unique.”

As we finish our meal, Preston leans back in his chair, his gaze falling on the chessboard sitting on the coffee table. “You play?”

“I’m learning. My brother’s overseas with the Marines and we play online. It’s our way of staying connected.”

His brow furrows. “I didn’t realize you had a brother.”

I nod. “He’s two years younger than me. Enlisted right out of junior college and is currently stationed as a consulate guard somewhere in Europe.”

Preston nods, understanding in his eyes. “It must be hard, having him so far away.”

“It is, but the chess helps,” I admit. “Though I’m pretty terrible at it,” I add with a self-deprecating laugh.

A mischievous glint appears in Preston’s eye. “Care for a game? I promise to go easy on you.”

“You’re on,” I reply, amused by his sudden playfulness. “Just don’t expect me to go easy on you just because you saved Christmas.”

He laughs. “I wouldn’t expect you to.”

After he helps me clear the table and wash the dishes, we bring the chessboard on the dining table. I love how at ease Preston seems in my small, cluttered kitchen. He actually looks... comfortable.

“Ladies first,” Preston says, gesturing to the board.

I make my opening move, and the game begins. At first, we play in comfortable silence, broken only by the soft click of pieces on the board. But as the game progresses, so does our conversation.

“So, tell me about your brother,” Preston says as he contemplates his next move. “What made him decide to enlist?”

I watch him carefully, trying to read his strategy—both in the game and in this unexpected foray into my personal life. “Jake’s always been the adventurous one,” I say. “While I was happy staying here, he wanted to see the world. The marines gave him that chance.”

Preston nods, moving his knight. “And you? Have you always wanted to stay here?”

I counter his move, buying time to consider my answer. “I love this town,” I say finally. “It’s home. But sometimes I wonder what else is out there, you know?”

“A lot,” Preston says. “Although sometimes I miss out on exploring places because of work.”

There’s something in his voice that makes me look up at him. His eyes are focused on the board, but I can see a hint of... longing? Regret? It’s gone before I can be sure.

The game continues, and I’m surprised to find myself holding my own. Preston is good—very good—but I manage to keep him on his toes.

Before I know it, an hour has passed. The game enters its final stages, and to my shock, I realize I have a chance to win.

“Checkmate,” I announce, moving my queen into position. I look up at Preston, expecting to see disappointment or maybe even annoyance.

Instead, he’s smiling, a look of genuine pleasure on his face. “Well played,” he says, reaching out to shake my hand. “I haven’t enjoyed a game of chess this much in years.”

As our hands touch, I feel a spark of electricity that has nothing to do with winning or losing. Our eyes meet, and for a moment, the air between us feels charged with possibility.

Then Preston glances at his watch, breaking the spell. “I should probably get going,” he says, though he sounds reluctant. “It’s getting late.”

I nod, suddenly aware of how much time has passed. As we stand, he turns to me, a hint of nervousness in his eyes.

“Can I take you out to dinner sometime?” he asks.

I blink, taken aback. “Are you asking me out on a date?”

He grins, a boyish charm replacing his usual polished demeanor as he pulls out his phone. “Yes, I am. Maybe tomorrow evening?”

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