Page 38 of The Billionaire's Christmas Baby Surprise

“What’s that?”

“I know it’s silly, but I kind of got you a small Christmas present. I brought it along tonight because I wasn’t sure if I’d see you again before Christmas.”

“Really?” Max’s heart sank. “I didn’t get you anything.”

“That’s fine. It’s not like we planned to exchange gifts. And anyway, gift-giving isn’t about receiving something back.”

Max pulled into the office’s parking lot and found his reserved spot. Once they were stopped, Billie handed over the present. It was wrapped in reindeer wrapping paper and topped with a bright red bow.

“I definitely saw you wrap gifts for the kids in this.”

“I wasn’t going to go out and buy wrapping paper just for you.” Billie rolled her eyes. “Come on. Open it.”

Max didn’t want to. Whatever Billie said, gifts created expectations and obligations. He’d feel like he needed to give her a gift, too, especially if she’d spent money that she didn’t have on a present for him. But it would be rude not to open the gift, so he threaded his finger under the wrapping paper and pulled it off.

As soon as he saw what was inside, he burst into laughter.

The gift was a small remote-controlled plane, just like the one Max had admired at the store. It didn’t look particularly fancy or expensive, but it was exactly the kind Max would have fallen head-over-heels for as a child.

“I know it isn’t much,” Billie said. Max looked up to see that she wore an anxious expression. “I just thought, since you always wanted one?—”

“I love it. Thank you so much, Billie. It’s just the kind I would have liked as a child.” He felt a sudden need to kiss her, but settled for a quick, awkward hug across their seats.

“I’m glad you like it.” Billie’s voice was soft in his ear. He smelled that beautiful pepperminty scent again and inhaled.

“I’m definitely going to fly it after the party.” Max sat back, releasing Billie.

“You don’t have to. I know it’s a little silly.”

“No way. I absolutely am.” Max set the plane on the back seat. “Maybe we can even fly it together.”

“I’d like that.” They smiled at each other until Max caught sight of the time on the car’s clock.

“Oh, we’d better get going. People will be wondering where I am.”

“Of course — the CEO is too important to go missing.” Billie winked. “Let’s go.”

They got out of the car, and Max led the way to the elevators that would bring them up to the top floor, where the party was taking place. Billie looked a little nervous, but she was still smiling.

When the elevator doors opened, they stepped out into a room full of Christmas decorations, excited chatter, and the delicious smell of food. A string quartet played “White Christmas”in the far corner, a Christmas tree covered in hundreds of tiny white lights sparkling beside them. A few bows of mistletoe hung fromthe ceiling, which Billie did her best to ignore — along with any thoughts of kissing they sparked.

“Oh, you must hate this,” Billie whispered to Max as they made their way into the room. “This is so Christmassy.”

“It’s terrible, but people like it,” Max replied in a joking whisper. In truth, he didn’t hate the Christmas party as much as he had in past years. He could understand why people enjoyed the lights and the music and being with people they cared about. Max could even understand why gift-giving might be fun.

“Max, there you are.” Stephanie hurried over, then froze as she caught sight of Billie. “You’ve brought a guest.”

“I thought it was only fair to invite Billie after she’s been such a gracious host this month,” Max replied smoothly.

“Wonderful. That will make for some great photos. Billie, nice to see you again.”

“Nice to see you, too.” Billie smiled politely.

“I just wanted to remind you to visit the photo booth,” Stephanie said, gesturing to a small photo booth that had been set up in the corner. “A few silly photos would be great publicity.”

“Will do.”

Job done, Stephanie departed. Max turned to Billie. “Silly photos?”

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