Page 49 of A Very Titan Christmas
“It’s hideous,” she said proudly.
“It’s a work of art,” he said, handing their cookies to the judging table.
She and Bryce fell back as the crowd bustled with activity and cookies were collected. Rachel remembered to take pictures, though she should have taken some while the group was decorating. She snapped a photo of Bryce when he wasn’t looking. He turned and smiled for the camera. She snapped another.
“Let me see.” Bryce leaned close to look at the camera screen.
“Most handsome guy in Silverberry Ridge,” she teased.
“After this, let me take you out to dinner?”
“I don’t recall seeing that on Eloise’s list of activities for today. You’re off the hook for eating out with me. I’ll go home and write.”
“I don’t mean like that…” His jaw flexed. “Just you and me. Together.”
She half laughed, and a fluttering she didn’t want to acknowledge bubbled in her chest. “That sounds like a date. You don’t have to spend time with me whenever my parents aren’t looking.”
“Yeah, Rach, I know that. I want to take you out someplace nice.”
Her heart thudded. “You mean like a”—real, she wanted to say but couldn’t—“date?”
He didn’t smile this time. He just looked at her with that same steady warmth that melted her so easily. “A date. You and me.”
The pretending was feeling dangerously real. “All right. A date.”
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
The headlights reachedthe last curve before Bryce pulled into a well-known restaurant just outside of Silverberry Ridge. He wasn’t sure what to make of Rachel falling quiet for the last five minutes. He guessed that was because she knew where he was headed. This wasn’t exactly a casual date spot. It was a place better known for proposals. Hell, he didn’t know why he chose this place, other than it offered discretion and wouldn’t alert Eloise Porter about their every move.
“Wow, I know where we are,” she said as Bryce parked. “This is way more than just a dinner.”
She had no clue. He was about to pull out all the stops, and he wasn’t sure why. This wasn’t the kind of date they could have afforded—or even dreamed about—while in high school. One of the perks of time having passed was that Bryce had a killer job. Titan Group made sure he was very comfortable and well compensated. And if he was going to take Rachel out, he would do it right.
“How did you get reservations on such short notice? I don’t think I’m dressed up enough.”
“Don’t worry about it.” He opened the car door. “Ready?”
“Seriously, Bryce. People make reservations months in advance.”
He shrugged. “Grab your coat. We’re not going straight in.”
Several hours had passed since the last ugly sweater cookie category had been judged. A kid had won the grand prize for the first time, and Bryce had given Rachel a few hours to write andprepare for dinner. The only guidance he’d offered was to wear something warm for outside that could transition inside.
Her brow furrowed, but she quickly met him on the sidewalk, bundling her long scarf around her neck. She turned toward the main entrance. He pressed his hand against her back. “This way.”
“But—”
“Come on.” He tilted his head in the direction the employee at the restaurant had told him to head upon their arrival. “We have a pit stop before dinner.”
A sign at the sidewalk directed them down another walkway.
“The stables?” She stopped abruptly and took his arm. “What are we doing?”
“Keep walking, and you’ll find out.”
“Oh, come on. Tell me.”
“We’re going to spend some time outside before it snows again.”
