Page 66 of Matchmaking the Rival

He answered seconds later.

Cade: You look great in all of them, babe. Now, take them off, and send me a picture of your beautiful body.

Again, I imagined himsayingthe words, and his bedroom voice was so effective that I even contemplated finding an excuse to go back into the changing room and actually send him a naked pic.

Resist the temptation, Meredith. Resist the temptation. You're in public.

"Are you okay? You seem a bit flushed. Is the heat too much? Or did you get warm trying on all the clothes?" Cindy asked as she folded the dresses.

"Just a little warm," I said.Because a shameless man sent me a shameless text.

I replied right away.

Meredith: I'm out of the changing room already.

I sent him a wink too.Let him do whatever he wanted with that.

As I took out my card to swipe, I noticed a new collection of beanies and scarves.

"Oh my God, Mom and sis would love these," I said, grabbing the two white matching beanies. They both always complained that their heads froze in winter but insisted that most beanies were unflattering. These were great. "I'll buy two of those too."

The price was decent. One of the reasons I loved having a good-paying job was because I could spoil my family, and they deserved it 100 percent.

I left the store a couple minutes later, trying to decide what to buy for Abe and Jeannie. I strolled down the street, but nothing in the window displays inspired me.

Cindy was right. The stores were already putting out Christmas collections. I could definitely buy them something Christmas related.

That was how I found my way into my second-favorite store in the area. It was a pop-up set up during November and December only. They sold handmade glass globes that were downright exquisite. I sighed as I looked over the display. This place made my heart happy and was full to the brim with customers. It was two floors and had a cute spiral staircase running upstairs. Most of the time, this place was leased by a company selling bath and body products. I preferred the Christmas shop because the smell of the other one was overpowering whenever I passed through the rest of the year.

My eye caught on a gorgeous globe with an angel painted on it. It was huge, with its wings wide open. The halo above its head was particularly beautiful—a light yellow gold. It stole my heart.

I didn't even have to check with Cade. I was sure Jeannie and Abe would appreciate it. It was the type of gift anyone could like. Even if you didn't have a tree, you could still use it as a decoration piece in the house. On instinct, I bought it without giving myself time to reconsider.

Five minutes later, I walked out, super proud that I hadn't bought any trinkets for myself.

Cal texted me his location, and I quickly walked there. I'd bought gifts for Jeannie and Abe, Mom, and my sister. Everything was right in the world.

I stopped and bought an alcohol-free punch for Cal on the way back to the car. I knocked at the window, not wanting to startle him.

He immediately rolled it down. "Miss, do you need my help?"

"No, no. Just open the trunk. Here, this is for you." I handed him the punch.

"Oh, thank you. That's very kind of you."

"I thought you might need something warm. Actually, don't even open the trunk. I just have these two bags, and they're not big."

"As you wish, ma'am."

As I slipped inside, he asked, "Where are we going?"

"Home."

I gave him my address, then leaned back in my seat. I checked my phone as Cal drove. I had a message from Cade.

Cade: Still waiting for that naked picture. When are you getting home?

I burst out laughing. Cal looked at me in the rearview mirror. I smiled sheepishly. "I'm good. I'm good." My voice sounded a bit rough. I’d blame it on Cade.

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