Page 13 of On Santa's Lap

Dinner is ordered from the local Italian restaurant and as we wait, Trent gives me a quick tour of his very large condo. It’s a four-bedroom place he keeps ready for his family when they come over, or if Dennis and he are working late, he will have a place to crash for the night. I think that’s pretty badass and makes me fall more for Trent than I should. Everything about him is too good to be true, and after one day, I’m scared that we’re going too fast.

“While he’s getting the food, I have to ask you something.”

“Yes?”

“Are you okay? You are ready to run out of here if given a chance.”

“Is it that obvious?”

“Yes. I know you two look adorable together, but he didn’t bulldoze you into this, did he?”

“Kind of, but that’s not… It’s just the more I see of him, the more I see he’s pretty amazing, and I’m afraid that perfect façade will fall away, and I’ll be already too in love with him to pull away.”

“With Trent, what you see is what you get. The only thing you have to worry about is how much he works. Although, given that he ditched his workday during the busiest time of year for retail, I’d say you could control how many hours he works.”

“Thank you.”

“Thank you. Your honesty is extremely refreshing. Women come to me just to meet my son, and they’d lie straight to my face if I asked them the same question.”

“Ladies, dinner’s here,” Trent says, ducking his head in the kitchen.

“We’re getting the drinks. Set it up, please.”

“Yes, mother.” He rolls his eyes and disappears, looking absolutely adorable and nothing like the tough businessman I met this morning. I’m falling hard and fast for him.

We sat down and enjoyed a nice dinner in the living room with a glass of wine, getting to know each other. They’re both shocked that I own my home at my age and paid for it myself, but I see the respect in their eyes. “I’ll have my driver take Lola home.”

“I don’t want to put you through so much trouble.”

“She doesn’t need to leave.”

“Actually, I should go. It’s Christmas Eve tomorrow, and I still have some things to handle before going to my parents on Christmas Day.”

“I can drive you home,” Trent says.

“It’s a long drive back.”

“I’ll drive you.” His firm tone told both of us there was no point in arguing. Not that I don’t prefer if he’s the one who takes me home because I want to steal a few more minutes with him.

“Well, then. I’ll see my way out. Thank you for spending time with me and letting me get to know you.” She kisses my cheek and then leans in to whisper, “You two are perfect together. Just remember that you don’t have to take his shit.”

I smile and nod. “Thank you. I’ll make sure. I have a very demanding sister that I swear was cut from the same cloth.”

“Yes, I’ve heard about her. She needs to find a husband too. Maybe we can find her one.”

“Sounds like an interesting plan.”

“So you want to leave me so soon. I’m pushing too hard, aren’t I?”

“A little, but it’s not just that, Trent. I really do have things that need to be done. I have presents to wrap, which I still have to get done by tomorrow night. Showering and changing is a thing, plus I’m supposed to go get my nails done tomorrow at the mall. Do you have to be there tomorrow?”

“I do.”

“Do you want to stay at my apartment? I mean, it’s not as nice as this kickass place, but it has a bed we could share.”

He pulls me in for a deep kiss and then steps back with a grin. “I’ll pack a change of clothes.” With a wink, he disappears into his bedroom and gets his things packed. My phone buzzes in my pocket, and it’s a message from my sister.

Mom and Dad know about you and my boss. They can’t wait to meet him.

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