Page 48 of Baking it Merry

“And it takes her a long time to get over it and believe in herself again.She’ll get there when she’s ready.For now, this booth gives her so much joy.”She turned fierce again.“So stop giving her grief about it!”

“Yes, ma’am,” he agreed.“May I have the keys?”

Nodding, she turned away and grabbed them along with Daphne’s purse—something he hadn’t thought about, but he certainly wasn’t going to complain about having to carry it.

“Tell my daughter I’ve cleaned up and loaded everything into the van.It’ll be at the rental kitchen.”

“Thank you.I will.Have a good night, Mrs.Noelle.”

“You too.And enjoy your party.”

That had taken far longer than he had thought, so he raced out to Daphne’s car and grabbed the weekender bag that was on the back seat.Back in the building, he made a beeline for the elevators and was relieved when one opened right away.Up on the twenty-eighth floor, he strode across the main office without acknowledging anyone.At his own office, he stepped in and closed the door behind him.When he approached the bathroom, he heard the shower running and wondered if he should wait or let her know he was there.

Ultimately, he decided to knock.“Daphne?I have your bag!Sorry it took so long, but I talked with your mother for a few minutes.”

“What?”she called out over the running water.

“I have your bag!”he repeated.“I’m sorry if it took so long!I’ll leave it right here outside the door!”

“Is that you, Tristan?I can’t hear you!”

As much as he wanted to respect her privacy, he also couldn’t keep yelling through the door.Letting out a long breath, he carefully opened the door—merely peeking inside—and said, “I have your bag.I’ll just leave it here by the door.”

Just then, the water shut off and she peeked out from behind the frosted glass.“Thank you.”She looked a little like a drowned rat, and yet he still thought she was the sexiest woman he’d ever seen.“Can you please hand me a towel?”

Nodding, he stepped into the room and shut the door to protect her privacy before handing her the towel.“Here you go.”

“Thanks.”She dried her hair and then asked for the second towel and wrapped it around her body before stepping out of the shower.“That felt far better than I thought it would.At first I thought I’d just wash up, but the thought of putting on nice clean clothes when I was feeling grimy after running around all day was just a giant no.So again, thank you.”

“It was my pleasure.And I want to apologize again for my employee.That was completely unacceptable.”

“It’s fine, Tristan.It wasn’t your fault.”She walked over and grabbed her bag and balanced it on the vanity.First, she pulled out a cosmetics case and put on moisturizer.Then she turned and looked at him.“Um…this feels weird with you watching me get ready.I mean…I appreciate you running out to my car and all that, but…”

He felt his face heat.“God, I’m sorry.I must look like some sort of creeper.I was just standing here fascinated as I watched you.You’re breathtaking, Daphne.”

Now he saw her blush.“You don’t have to say that.”

“I know I don’t, but it’s the truth.You’re standing there in a towel with little water droplets scattered all over you, and all I want is to lean in and lick some of them away.”

So not the time for that…

A soft hum was her initial response, but she surprised him by moving in close and dropping the body towel to the floor.Her name was a whispered plea even as he began kissing her bare shoulders before moving down her body.Part of him knew this was wrong, but she was pure temptation.He swore he’d be quick and simply show her how sexy and desirable she was.And minutes later, when she was breathlessly sagging against him, he knew he’d proved his point.

Wrapping the towel back around her, he kissed her softly on the lips.“Take your time.I’ll wait for you out in my office.”

She looked a little dazed.“I don’t even know what time it is.How long until the party starts?”

“Don’t worry about that.”

“Tristan…”

Sighing, he looked at his watch.“Fifteen minutes.”

“I’ll be ready.”

And sure enough, she was.

Tonight’s dress was a red jersey knit.It hugged her curves in an understated, yet elegant way.Her long hair was loose and wavy, and Tristan was already thinking about taking her home with him and peeling that pretty dress right off of her.

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