Page 16 of The Boyfriend Material Novellas

She shakes her head. “I like making people happy. Parties and gatherings usually do that. That’s what I love—I want to bring the feel-good factor to the lives of others.”

That doesn’t help my situation. Because her answer makes my heart thump. I like it too much. “You’re the opposite of a process server, then. You bring good news.”

She laughs deeply, reaching for my arm again. “I suppose if I really wanted to deliver happiness, I should have been a stork.”

Now I crack up. “That’s a good gig, I’ll bet.”

When we reach the swank restaurant, we focus on the mission and check out a private room in the back. The decor is sleek and modern, a vivid contrast to the last place.

She sweeps her hand to showcase the room, once again in planner mode. “It’s simple but elegant. And if you want a holiday theme, we can set up a few small trees and decorate them, or simply hang wreaths and other seasonal decor on the wall. Also, since you mentioned fun drinks and food, I think you’ll like this idea I have. What if we did a hot chocolate bar and a cookie-decorating station? You said you want your clients to be able to bring their kids and family. This space is ideal for it.”

I mime an explosion with my fingers. “Stop. That’s too perfect.”

Her smile ignites. “You like it?”

I tap my chest. “Well, for me. We can do the hot chocolate bar solely for me. Forget about the clients.”

“Got a little sweet tooth?”

I hold up a thumb and forefinger. “Just a tiny one.”

“Then I insist on the hot chocolate bar.”

“Insist. Please.”

She points to the far wall. “Right there. I can see it now.”

“What I see is a hot chocolate taste-test in my future.”

She nudges me with her elbow. “Shh. That’s on tomorrow night’s agenda.”

Tomorrow night.

My ears perk up. Hell, everything perks up. Are we having a tomorrow night?

But now isn’t the time to ask. She turns around, taking in the spacious room. “I bet the acoustics here are good too. Imagine how Nat King Cole would sound crooning ‘The Christmas Song.’”

“You can’t go wrong with chestnuts roasting on an open fire.”

A happy sigh falls from her lips. “But I also love ‘Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.’ Even though that song is kind of sad. Confession: I play that year-round when I’m feeling blue.”

“What happened the last time you played it?” I ask, curious what would get this cheery woman down.

She waves a hand, dismissing it. “Oh, it was nothing. Not worth mentioning.”

Crossing my arms, I go all gruff badass. “Nope. It’s not nothing. Who is he and should I kick his ass now or later?” I mean it as a joke, but I hate the thought of some guy hurting her. Despise it, in fact. “Did someone hurt you?”

She swallows and looks away briefly, then back at me. “My ex, when he left me to get back with his first wife. But it was a year ago, and I’ve been focused on business since then. I don’t think about him, and I’m not sad anymore.”

“Good,” I say emphatically, stepping closer to her. “Because he doesn’t deserve you.”

She lifts her chin, eyeing me curiously. “Why do you say that?”

“Any man who’d walk away from you doesn’t deserve you.”

She licks her lips then says softly, “Thank you. That’s kind of you to say.”

“I’m not saying it just to be nice. I’m saying it because it’s true.” I don’t know how I’ve gotten here, so close to telling her I think she’s fantastic, especially since I have no idea whether she’s on the same page as me.

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