Page 3 of Her Billionaire Stocking Stuffers

“I’m not sure I agree.” Cole’s hackles are still up, reminding me of Snowflake when she gets spooked by a shadow. Prickly.

He’s a bit more dangerous than her, though.

Pax pets the kitten with one single finger, which takes up the whole space between her pointy little ears. He’s so gentle with her that it eases some of my grief at losing her.

They talk amongst themselves as I finish their drinks and write their names on the festive cups out of habit before handing them over. After wiping my hands on my apron, I come out from behind the counter to start stacking the chairs upside down on the tables.

Without asking, Cole starts at the other end of the room, finishing most of it before I’ve gotten two tables done. And when I fill a bucket with warm, soapy water and haul it toward the main shop area, Gabriel plucks it from my grasp before I can tell him that’s not necessary.

“Here, let me help you with that.” He carries it like it doesn’t weigh any more than his coffee, which he sets down so he can snag the mop from my other hand.

Cole snorts. “Do you even know how to use one of those?”

“I’m not a slob like you.” He stops just short of rolling his eyes, which has me smiling into my sleeve so as not to upset either one of them.

Pax steps between them, the peacemaker as always. “You’re both spoiled by our housekeeper. Jill will be proud to see you’ve learned something from her.”

“You live together?” I shouldn’t have asked. The question popped out before I could think better of it.

“Yeah.” Pax glances at me as if that would change how I think of them.

It doesn’t. Though it’s clear this isn’t a situation where they’re roomies to save money or afford the rent like so many people rely on these days. They’re far too successful for that.

It’s a choice. One that has my imagination running wild as I count the cash in my drawer.

With their help, I’m done with closing duties in record time.

While I’m saying my final goodbyes to Snowflake with one last boop on her perfect pink nose, Cole pops a tip into the jar. They always take good care of me but he says, “A little something extra for the holidays. Treat yourself to a nice present.”

“Really, you don’t have to do that.”

“We want to.” Gabriel’s tone brooks no arguments.

On their way to the door, he asks Pax low enough that he probably thinks I can’t hear, though his sexy voice travels, “What the hell are we going to do with a kitten?”

“Call shelters to see if anyone has room? And until then pet it? Play with it? Feed it? Spoil it?” Pax holds Snowflake up to his friend. She looks even smaller in his big, strong hands than she did curled up on my pillow the past few nights. Her stumpy little legs stick out as she squirms in an attempt to curl up against his chest again. No dummy, that one. “Look how cute she is.”

It breathes to life the slightest tingle of holiday cheer in my heart when he unwinds his scarf then uses it to make sure Snowflake is transformed into a nice and toasty purrito before securing her inside his coat.

Am I actually jealous of a kitten?

Yup.

Sure am.

“I love you!” I squeak as they reach the door.

Gabriel whips around, his gaze lingering on mine for a few seconds before he clears his throat.

“Snowflake, I mean.” My cheeks flush as if I’ve been sitting in front of a cozy fire.

“Ah, you had my hopes up for a second there,” Cole teases, letting me off the hook.

“Make sure you lock the door behind us.” Gabriel taps his finger on the deadbolt.

“Do you want us to escort you to your car?” Cole stands taller.

“Thank you, but no.” I shake my head. “I walk to work.”

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