Page 67 of A Billionaire's Holiday Love

CHAPTER TWELVE

HOPE

Two sexy men huddledover the four top table deep in a conversation. They stood as we approached. A slight smirk crossed Noah’s lips as he met my gaze.

“Crystal, I’ll have a cup of hot chocolate loaded with marshmallows and a candy cane. And a slice of apple pie to start.”

“Sure thing. Would you fellas like another round of beer?”

“Yes,” they stated respectively.

“Coming right up,” Crystal stated before walking away.

Noah caressed the small of my back. “I’d like you to meet my cousin.”

“Vincenzo Romano. My cousin speaks very highly of you.” The tall man with a strong, powerful build extended his hand. I placed my palm within his rough grip. The expensive black cashmere sweater, dark denim jeans, and the rugged black boots revealed he could dress his ass off. Just like Noah.

I couldn’t help notice Vincenzo’s ocean like tranquil blue eyes and the inky stubble on his face.

“Hope Manning. Nice to meet you, Vincenzo.”

“Call me Vino.”

Noah ushered me into a chair. I sat the shopping back at my feet as we took our seats.

“Vino, do you have anything against Christmas?”

He flashed a handsome smile. “No. Not like Mr. Grinch here.”

We laughed, glancing at Noah.

“Bah humbug,” my well-dressed man mocked.

Even though he didn’t wear a hint of holiday attire, I loved the gray sweater, dark jeans, and brown rugged leather boots.

“Vino, did you see the Grinch hat Noah wore in our picture in the newspaper? I finally saw it live and in color at the mayor’s office.”

“Yeah, that was the perfect accessory for Noah,” he laughed.

I noticed his Jersey accent.

“Your jokes don’t bother me. I’m the Grinch. I own it.” Noah sipped his beer, staring at me out of the corner of his eye.

I laughed.

“Vino, thank you for supplying a security detail for us. I didn’t realize how much I appreciated it until I left the outfitter store. It felt like someone was watching me. Maybe the person wanted to mention the kiss to me but was too shy to speak and remained in the shadows.”

Noah sat his glass down and stared at Vino.

“People are asking you about the kiss or mentioning it? Like, oh that was sweet?”

“One man said you made it hard for guys because now his girlfriend wants him to do something sweet. I thought nothing of it. I mean, it is Christmas. And Crystal said something similar. She wished her husband would make a romantic gesture. I guess I’ll hear comments like those a lot while we’re here.”

“Don’t worry, Noah. One of my best guys, X is on it. We’ll keep tabs on the guy.”

Noah nodded.

My eyes fell between them.

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