Page 18 of Christmas Kisses

"She'll love to go with you! I'll have her ready by eight."

With that declaration, Brandy hooks her arm through Sam's and they both leave in a flurry of giggles. I'm left wondering if the real cock blocker was Sam and not Brandy.

I can't think about that right now, though. I've got a date to prepare for.

Chapter 7

Sam

Brandy totally betrayed me, and I've yet to forgive her. She thinks it was very brave of Ben to invite me out. I don't think I can survive the outing. All these days that we've skipped the dating lessons, I've been checking him out from afar. I've got cameras in my shop, and when I get home, I turn on the feed and watch him work. I know it's stalker behavior, but I'm addicted to this man.

Inside, of course, I am jumping for joy that we have a date. A real date. I find myself counting the days, hours, and minutes before it happens. Brandy and I have spent an inordinate amount of money shopping for something suitable for me to wear, even though we don't know where he's taking me. Wespend the nights the way we did when we were schoolgirls, gossiping and practicing what we will say to the boys we like.

Brandy's husband, Erik, joins us sometimes, but he thinks we're being silly. The truth is, we really are. I finally relent, and on Saturday morning, I text Ben about what I should wear. His answer is short and concise.

Ben: Wear something warm

Me: That's all you're going to give me?

Ben: Yup. Hat, gloves and scarf too.

Me: You're insufferable

Ben: evil face emoji

If I need to be warm, it means we're probably going to do something outdoors. I don't love the cold weather, but I guess I can put up with it if it comes with a side of Ben. I think back to that night when we danced, bodies smashed together against one another, and feeling the heat emanating from him like a furnace. I felt like a tiny kitten, loved, and protected in his arms.

I try not to think about the kiss because of the effects it has on me. I start blushing and getting naughty thoughts. I know it was just a simple kiss, but it was a fiery one, full of passion and desire. Ben wanted me at that moment, and I wanted him back. When eight o'clock comes, I'm bundled up in my warmest clothes and starting to get restless.

There's the doorbell. My heart skips a beat. I've yet to put on the outer garments of my outfit, but I'm wondering if he wants to come in. I open the door and see Ben's handsome face grinning at me like a loon. I guess he's as happy as I am that we're doing this date.

"Hey, Ben. Do you want to come in?"

"I think we'd better go."

He extends his hand to me, and I take it, almost forgetting the hat, gloves, and scarf.

"Oh, wait."

"Let me help you."

He grabs the items from the coat rack and starts putting them on me one by one. The whole gesture is filled with tenderness and caring, making me melt for him. Once he makes sure I'm completely bundled up like a burrito, he takes my gloved hand again and pulls me towards his truck. He opens the door for me, and I get in. I check the back seat, and see a big thermos and some blankets.

When we are on our way, I realize he's going to the skating rink—but I don't know how to skate. I'm embarrassed to admit it out loud.

"Um, can we go somewhere else?"

"Why? Don't you like ice skating?"

"I…"

"It's okay, that's why I brought the hot chocolate and the blankets, we can cuddle on the back seat and watch everyone else run around in the rink. I'd love to hear how your reunion with your friend is going.

"I'd like that, thanks."

He finds a good parking spot, and I take a moment to search deep inside myself for some courage.

"I don't know how to ice skate." I blurt out.

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