Page 25 of A Festive Surprise

‘I take you somewhere wonderful for our first date. Somewhere special for the beautiful Holly.’ He laid another kiss on her fingers, then let go.

Holly’s eyes pinged open. Did he really just say that? Do that? What kind of a romantic was he?

He cracked open a chestnut, held it up, then popped it into her mouth. ‘Good?’

She savoured it in her mouth, rolling it over with her tongue. The warmth of his words infiltrated every cell in her body. ‘Actually, it’s not bad.’

‘Then you eat and I make the main course.’

She rested her back against the sofa and popped another chestnut. So they’d reached dating. Already. Fast by anyone’s standards. She gave a little shrug as she grabbed a third chestnut. When she’d arrived, she’d been ready to jump straight into bed with him and dispense with dating altogether. Now they’d strayed down a more conventional path and it felt right.

‘I also have this.’ Farid returned from the kitchen area carrying a bag.

‘What is it?’

‘A game.’

Holly raised her eyebrows. ‘What kind of game? Strip poker?’

Farid pulled his lips to the side, holding back a laugh. ‘Not quite.’

‘Russian roulette?’

‘Doesn’t that need guns?’

‘Yeah. Not that then. So, what is this game?’ Did she really want to know?

‘Tada!’ Farid pulled a lurid red and green box from the bag. ‘I get this from Georgia. She says it will keep me busy for a long time if I can find someone to play with.’

‘Christmas Monopoly.’ Holly lay back and groaned. ‘Oh my god. Monopoly can go on for days. That’s how you want to spend the night?’

He nodded with wide eyes. Well, why not? She’d been pushy and fast enough as it was. And really, if he wanted to do this, then fine. Time to show him who was the boss of the board game.

‘Bring it on.’

He flashed her a smile, sending deep contentment soaring into her chest. Did it matter how they spent the evening? Farid’s company was gold and she’d do anything to spend more time with him.

---