Page 8 of Christmas Kisses

She opened her shop five years ago, and it was a success almost immediately. I've been a loyal customer ever since. Being around her is a pleasure, and getting to know her secrets is too tempting for me to let the opportunity pass.

"Tell me more about yourself."

For some reason, my voice comes out a bit huskier than normal and I'm excited to see her eyes sparkle from my tone. I realize I'm still holding her hand from before, so I let go and sit back expectantly.

"My work is my life," she says.

"Now, come on. Let loose a little. You only eat, work, and sleep? That can't be right. Though I have to acknowledge that you've been very successful ever since you opened your shop."

She seems uncomfortable with that compliment as well, but I don't say anything to retract it. I'm only telling the truth. I've watched her carefully for the past five years. I'm in awe of her, and she's doing this alone. I've got my three brothers helping with the running of our business, and sometimes I think we need more people to support us.

"Well, I do have my best friend, Brandy. She moved away last year to live with the love of her life in Florida."

"Good to know. You've got to remember, beautiful, that dating is about opening up a bit of yourself and sharing it with others."

"Okay, so I should ask you some questions, too?"

"Yeah, we do a back and forth. If the man you're talking to only talks about himself, you have my permission to leave the date immediately."

"Oh, I couldn't do that!" Her eyes flare.

"Why not?"

"It's not polite."

"Are you always polite?"

"Um, yeah!"

"You're thinking like a businesswoman," I say.

"Yes, there are boundaries I have to keep so that people know I am a professional."

"I understand that, but when you're on a date, you have to put more of yourself out there."

"Oh god, I'm never going to get a date, am I?"

I smile at her and try to show a positive facade. She's so proper that it's driving me nuts. I don't want to discourage her, though, and that's what seems to be happening.

"Let's try something. If I was a customer and you were interested in me, what would you do to catch my attention? So I'd know you're interested."

"I'd probably send Amy to serve you instead of doing it myself."

"I've never thought of you as shy. You're so nice to everyone."

"If it's someone I'm attracted to, I wouldn't serve them myself. I'd die of embarrassment." She blushes.

"Are you attracted to me?"

The question catches her off guard, and I kick myself for being so open with her. She needs me to be patient with her, and I'm doing the absolute opposite. I've put the question out there, so I don't back down and give her a moment to respond. Nothing. She lowers her eyes, and I think her brain is about to explode.

"Too much?"

"A little bit, yes."

"Can I assume that you at least feel comfortable with me? I mean, you wouldn't have dared ask me for help otherwise."

"You've always been very kind to me, so yes, I feel I can trust you," she says quietly.

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