Page 28 of A Christmas Bargain

“Oh. Well, when we were supposed to go to that movie one time, you said that Wednesdays were your busiest days of the week, when you help Nicky at his workshop. So… I guess I’m kind of confused.”

I peeked a look at her, realizing she’d encroached further, setting her hand on his shoulder and leaning in.

Possessive, much?

“I said Wednesdays can be busy,” he replied calmly. “I’m confused why you need to know?—”

“Oh, you joker.” She laughed a high-pitched titter. “We can just plan for another night to go to the movies.”

Wow. Asking him out when we’re here to chat.

“Ms. Ford.” He cleared his throat.

“Oh, gosh. Enough with that formal stuff.” She giggled. “Unless you want me to call youSir…” she purred.

I laughed once, looking away.Whoa.

“You’re interrupting us here,” he said dully, gesturing at me across the table from him.

“Oh.” She frowned at me, as though she’d just now noticed he wasn’t seated by himself. “Oh, I didn’t realize. I didn’t see ya there.” She smiled quickly, squeezing his shoulder before she released it with a lingering rub. “I just popped in to grab a coffee order for the teachers’ lounge.” She gazed at him again as she turned. “See ya later, sexy man.”

“Wow. Um. You know, if this?—”

He groaned, shaking his head. “Sorry about that.”

“If you’re?—”

“No. Trust me. Nothing to worry about there.”

Are you sure?I nodded, glad when he showed me his phone, indicating that he already had the app to place an order.

I tapped in the coffee I’d like, and once he put his in, the order was sent.

“All right. Where were we?” he asked, giving me his full attention. I couldn’t give mine, though. Not when another woman on the other side of the coffee shop seemed hell-bent on snagging his.

“Um.” I cringed a bit and pointed for him to look.

He sighed, turning slightly to glance at the pair of women seated toward the back. As soon as he could’ve made eye contact, they waved profusely, giving him naughty smiles.

“You know,” I said diplomatically while trying to snuff my laughter, “it’s occurring to me that this might not be an ideal location to have a serious talk.”

He sighed, shaking his head sadly. “Sorry. They’re…”

“Interested?” I guessed.

“My sister tries to play matchmaker,” he groused. “Allthe time.”

“Ah.” I smiled as our drinks were brought out. “Thank y?—”

“Here ya go, handsome.” She set his drink down and did the same thing the blonde had, putting her hand on his shoulder and dragging it down his arm.

He stared at me, stoic and unimpressed.

I lost the fight with the laughter in my chest.

“It’s not funny,” he said, deadpan.

“No. No, it’s not.” Yet, I laughed.

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