Page 52 of Baking it Merry

“It does seem odd.Especially since the bulk of the employees come to you!You should reach out to the landlord and demand an explanation.That just doesn’t make any sense.”

“I agree.”She unloaded bins and washed some pans before digging into prepping some cupcakes for tomorrow.

“Would you like to join me and your father for dinner?We’re going out for pizza and thought you might enjoy not having to go home and cook.”

“Oh, you’re sweet, but…I have plans.”

Her mother arched a brow at her.“Really?With anyone special?”

“Mom…”

“Is Tristan taking you out on a proper date?Because it seems like the two of you only get together at his parties.No offense, but it looks more like fake dating than real dating.”

At that moment, she regretted ever telling her mother that she was involved with Tristan.

“He’s working late, and we haven’t spent a lot of time together since his office party, so I’m going to bring dinner to him.”

“You’re too good to him,” her mother murmured.“But you always treat everyone better than they treat you.”

“Mom…”

“What?I’m your mother and I’m simply making an observation.”She paused and smiled as some Christmas music began to play.“Ooh!I love Bing’s version of ‘White Christmas,’ don’t you?”

Daphne nodded, but stayed focused on her task.After that, they chatted about random things—and sang along to a lot of Christmas songs—but when five o’clock hit, she was cleaned up and ready to go.There wasn’t time for her to go home and change into something pretty, but after the cupcake debacle last week, she kept a change of casual clothes in the car.Running out, she grabbed her bag and brought it inside and made quick work of freshening up.When she stepped out of the restroom, she felt marginally better.

“That sweatshirt is adorable!”her mother said with a big grin.“A snowman baking cookies!How perfect is that?”

Somehow she didn’t think Tristan would find the humor in it, but it was all she had.At least she could freshen up her makeup and brush her teeth.

“Okay, I’m out of here!Sorry to run out like this!”

“Have fun and tell Tristan I said hello.I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“Thanks, Mom!”

On her way back to the office, she called in an order to the Asian fusion place—because she was seriously obsessed with their food.Parking by the office, she walked around the corner to pick up the food because it was easier that way.Plus, it confirmed that Tristan was still there because she saw his car.

When she was finally in the elevator heading up to the twenty-eighth floor, she hoped he’d be happy to see her.Considering how little they’d seen of each other, she kind of prayed it was because work was keeping them busy and not that he was avoiding her.

“Oh God…what if he’s avoiding me?”

Unfortunately, it was too late to change her mind because the doors were opening and he was standing right by Faye’s desk.

“Daphne?”Raking a hand through his hair, he looked mildly confused.“What are you doing here?”Glancing at his watch, he asked, “It’s rather late for you, isn’t it?”

Holding up the bag of takeout, she said, “Surprise!I hope you haven’t eaten dinner or ordered any.Faye mentioned you were having a rough week and I thought I’d come and try to cheer you up.”

She practically held her breath waiting for his reaction.

The smile delighted her.

The kiss surprised her.

And the tender way he looked at her secretly thrilled her.

“Come on,” she said softly, taking him by the hand and leading him back to his office.“I don’t know what you’re working on, but I’m sure you can take a break.”

In his office, he excused himself to go and wash up.In the meantime, Daphne set up their dinner in his seating area.There was a small table and chairs set that was perfect.She knew the office so well from the party last week that she knew where to get them something to drink and some real plates and silverware.By the time she had the table set, Tristan was stepping out of the restroom.

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