Page 7 of Christmas Kisses

Blood flows to my cheeks, and they feel puffy and full.

"Uh. You're easy to talk to. Do you think we can try?"

"Yes to both. I can start work tonight after you close. Eight o'clock good for you?"

"Um, I'm closing earlier since it's winter and it's so cold, so around six will be fine."

"That's even better. It gives me more time to work." He looks unsure for a moment. "So you're not dating anyone right now?"

I smile at him and shake my head.

"But you have someone in mind."

Oh crap, I hope he hasn't figured it out. My eyes go really big with surprise, and I want to hide under the table. Instead, I put my hands over my face to hide from him. I feel his hand land on my wrist and tug gently.

"This will only work if you give it your all, Sam. Or do you prefer Samantha?"

"God, no. The Mayor and my father are the only two people that call me that. Sam is good. It's who I am."

"Do you have a few minutes right now, Sam?"

"Yes, Amy can handle the shop. Are we going to do our first lesson? Oh wow, I'm sorry. You have to do a quote for the work first, right?" I babble.

"Yeah, I'll give you that when I come back tonight. I just wanted to talk a bit more with you."

"Oh, sure."

"You're a very beautiful woman, Sam."

Eyebrows high, I want to hide again, but he's faster and catches my hand.

"No hiding. Lesson one: learn how to take a compliment."

"But I'm… my weight… and I'm so short."

"The correct answer is 'Thank you, Ben'."

He's got me there. I might have some self-esteem issues. I'm curvy and short, and I might be a tad opinionated when I'm talking to anyone who's not good-looking.

"Thank you, Ben."

"You might not feel beautiful when someone gives you that specific compliment, but I want you to take it and make it yours. Heck, I might get some of my brothers to come and flirt with you."

"Uh, I don't know about that."

"Don't worry, only the single ones will do it. Danny is happily married."

"How many brothers do you have?"

"Three. Danny, Michael, and Justin. I'm the oldest. And we are equal partners in Hoffer Handyman Services."

I find I like looking into Ben's eyes. They match whatever he's saying. I've never met someone so transparent. I think I made the right choice in asking for his help.

Ben

Sam Bower, owner of Over the Roast, just asked me to give her dating lessons. I've always thought that she was very well put together. I would never have imagined that she would have trouble dating. I ask her about it and she tells me a few things, but not enough for me to unravel her secrets. Is she asking this for the mayor?

I saw how she looked up dreamily at him when he tricked her into hosting that event. But does she want more with him? I find myself between a rock and a hard place because I want to help her for my own nefarious reasons. I've had a crush onSam for the longest time, and I admire her as a hardworking entrepreneur.

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