Page 10 of Love for the Holiday

“Ten years?” He didn’t look a day over thirty-five.

“Yes, I know. I’m old,” he chuckled.

Old? Not even close. He was more like a damn fine aged wine.

“I don’t see you as old. Not even close.”

“Well, that’s good. I guess I can relax about my age being a factor.”

“A factor?” I asked cocking one of my eyebrows.

“In asking you out on an official date.”

CHAPTER SIX

“Official date,” I asked trying to keep my breathing under wraps.

He was already at my house for coffee. Wasn’t that an official date?

“Yes. I’d like to take you out to dinner and a movie once you’re feeling better.” With his free hand, he rubbed the back of his neck. “I mean, if you wanted to. Not trying to be bossy or anything. I know that you —”

“I’d love to, Jacob,” I interrupted.

“Really?”

“Mmhmm.”

“Great,” he smiled. “Now, I can breathe.” We both chuckled softly before taking a sip of coffee.

“Were you that nervous?” My curiosity was piqued or maybe my ego wanted to be stroked.

“Nervous is an understatement,” he laughed. “I thought I was going to have a heart attack.”

“Good thing you didn’t since I'm a dentist and you’re the doctor,” I teased, although I would be more than willing to practice mouth-to-mouth on him.

“Mouth-to-mouth, eh?” he asked.

“Oh. No. I didn’t?” He smirked and nodded at my question.

This is the part where I run out of the room, lock myself in my bedroom, and hope he lets himself out. I placed my head on the table and groaned.

“Going to hide from me now?” Jacob mused.

“Yep. That’s the plan,” I sighed.

“Relax,” he paused. “You can practice mouth-to-mouth on me anytime you’d like.” He gave me a playful smile and brought my cheerful mood back to life.

"Thanks." It was hard not to smile at him. The man had a way of molding me in his hands.

With him around, I couldn't imagine ever being in a bad mood. His personality wouldn't allow that to happen.

"What are you thinking about, Love?"

I did it again,I growled at myself internally.

"Honestly, I was just thinking how nice it is to be around someone like you." The words barely left my mouth and I was already chewing nervously on my bottom lip.

"I enjoy your company, too." He chuckled softly and shook his head. My eyebrow rose out of both curiosity and habit. "Sorry. I was just thinking about yesterday's turn of events."

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