Page 20 of Holiday Hoax

The sound of high heels on tile breaks the spell between us. I don’t drop my hand until after we’ve broken apart. Her eyes are round and her cheeks a deep shade of pink, but it’s the way her lips look that makes me want to say fuck it and kiss her again.

“Hi,” she finally manages to say.

“Hello, love.” My voice is deeper than usual, the words flowing over gravely lust on their way out of my body. “Sorry to interrupt.”

Not one bit sorry, actually.

She gives me a knowing smile. “I was just finishing up. You remember Eric Simms from a few weeks ago, right?”

I turn and look him up and down dismissively. “Yes. Nice to see you again.”

The look he gives me is anything but kind. Sylvia walks down the short set of steps toward the front desk.

“Hello, Ian.” She pats my arm as she walks past. “Why don’t you and Mia go upstairs to look at the new inventory? I’ll finish up the paperwork with Mr. Simms.”

“That sounds lovely.” I hold my hand out for Mia to slide hers into, letting out a relieved sigh when she does. She played along, but I’m not sure how she’ll react once we’re alone.

She pulls me toward the back of the gallery and into a small room with just a table and two chairs. “What was that?” she whispers as she closes the door.

“A kiss.”

“Yes, but why?”

“He was leering at you, and I knew who it was before I even had the door open.”

“He was not leering at me.” She rolls her eyes. “That kiss was over the top.”

I shrug.

“That’s it?” She shrugs, mocking my own. “Just a shrug?”

“Yeah.”

“This is my place of work.”

“Sylvia didn’t look like she cared.”

“She’s a professional.”

“So am I.”

“Yes, and so am I. Professionals don’t kiss like that in their place of business.”

“I’m sorry I flustered you.”

“I’m not flustered.” Her cheeks are still stained red, even as she lies to herself.

“It’s okay. I am, too. I wasn’t expecting it to be that intense.”

She deflates and presses her palm against her cheek, a small smile crossing her face. “It was intense.” She slides her hand from her face to behind her neck. “Do you think he bought it?”

“From the daggers he was staring into the back of my head, I’d say so.” I smirk.

“Good. Hopefully this is the last time he comes by.”

“Did he finally buy something?”

“Yes. Thank god.” She runs a hand down her dress, as though it needs to be smoothed out. “Let me grab a tablet, and we can get started.”

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