Page 39 of Rafferty

“No, just ring it up,” I say, glancing over my shoulder and hoping to God Tempe is still deciding on what tea to purchase.

“It will only take a moment,” he says, reaching under the counter to pull out some paper.

“No. Thank you. I’m in a hurry.”

“Surely you can spare five minutes,” he says.

Losing my patience, I snap at him. “No, I can’t, because this is a surprise and my girlfriend is right around the corner. So run my credit card through and just give me the box.”

The clerk has the gall to look offended, but it’s no matter to me. He stiffly nods, turns to the register and thankfully, the transaction takes just a few seconds. “Would you like a bag?” he asks as I complete the transaction on the digital pad.

“Nope.” I’m handed a gray velvet box that fits easily in the inside pocket of my jacket. I’ll implore Farren to help me make it pretty later. “Thank you for your help.”

The man sniffs, pastes on a fake smile and offers a slight bow. “Of course. Merry Christmas.”

“Same to you,” I say and head out of the store.

I make it back to the tea shop just as Tempe is paying for her purchases. I slide in beside her, placing a hand on her hip.

“All good?” she asks, eyeing me curiously.

“Yep, all good,” I reply, peeking into her bag. “Coach just had a question about tomorrow’s strategy.”

She nods, accepting my explanation, and not knowing that Coach would never call me to discuss such a thing. I’m hoping this tiny lie serves the greater good and I’ll apologize for it later.

We leave the shop with her carrying a bag filled with fragrant teas and related paraphernalia.

“While we’re here, I need to find something for Farren,” I say as we walk. “Any ideas?”

Tempe thinks for a moment, then her face lights up. “What about that boutique we passed earlier? They had some funky accessories that would totally suit her style.”

“Lead the way,” I say, relieved to shift the focus from my nonexistent phone call.

Tempe slips her hand in mine, a move that is so new and unique and yet has the blanket of normalcy with it. As we make our way to the boutique, I can’t help but feel the weight of the bracelet in my pocket. It’s not just a piece of jewelry. It’s a message that I take this seriously.

And as I steal glances at Tempe, laughing and pointing out potential gifts for Farren, I realize this Christmas might just be the start of something extraordinary.

We spend another hour in the mall and by the time we’re done, I’m shopped out. Tempe seems equally exhausted as she settles into the passenger seat, connecting her seat belt.

“I’m glad that’s over. Now to the fun part… wrapping.” She wrinkles her nose so I’m guessing that’s not so fun for her.

“You have enough time to do that?” I ask, glancing at my watch. We’re due at Brienne’s party tonight at seven p.m. and it’s already four. We had prearranged for me to pick her up at six thirty.

“I’m efficient,” she quips, giving me a dimpled smirk. “It’s called gift bags.”

Laughing, I lean over and kiss her. “Beautifulandbrilliant.”

She sighs, pulling back from me, a dreamy look on her face that tells me she gets as lost as I do. “Well, you’re handsome and charming. So there’s that.”

“There’s that,” I agree. Match made in heaven.

CHAPTER 16

Tempe

When Rafferty pullsup to Brienne Norcross’s home, my breath catches at the spectacular display before us. The mansion, massive and imposing, basks under the glow of thousands of twinkling white lights. Silver-bowed wreaths hang symmetrically in every window and the bushes flanking the grand entrance shimmer with sparkling bulbs, creating a fairy-tale-like atmosphere that rivals the Phipps Conservatory where Stone and Harlow were married.

Stepping out of the car, I clutch my coat against the chilly December air, my eyes wide as I take in the scene. Rafferty, noticing my awe, gives me a knowing smile and offers his arm.

---