Page 35 of His Christmas Wife

“I’ve been there once.” For the premier of Mason and Hannah Sullivan’s home improvement show. The historic restaurant was a locals’ favorite, famous for its homestyle cooking in a laid-back atmosphere. Wasn’t his first—or even second—choice after visiting a high-end jewelry store and selecting an engagement ring, but having Kaylee Robbins in his life meant he had to learn to compromise.

“Well, then you know how good it is.”

He couldn’t argue with that. It was also noisy and crowded, and it certainly wasn’t a foodie’s delight like the Bourbon.

Since the restaurant Kaylee wanted wasn’t within walking distance, he sent a message to Jennings before tapping a button on his Bonds watch and instructing his chief of staff to cancel their lunch reservations.

Kaylee tipped her head to one side.

“My other assistant,” he explained. “Known as Jolly.”

She laughed. “In honor of Christmas?”

“No. It’s not a name I would have ever selected.” He preferred something a little more elegant. “I’m afraid that’s another of Bonds’s attempts at humor.”

“Bonds? As in Julien Bonds? The genius himself?”

After his experiences with Jolly’s personality—such as it was—Frost wasn’t sure he’d call the man a genius. “He’s an acquaintance, nothing more.”

“Who are you, Mr. Frost? A man of mystery?”

“That’s why we’re spending time together.” Intentionally he leaned toward her. “So you can find out.”

Her breath caught, and the sound elated him. Last night, he’d uncovered a few of her secrets, and he planned to discover even more.

When they reached the restaurant and exited the vehicle, Kaylee invited the driver to join them for lunch. “I think you’d enjoy it, Mr. Jennings. The desserts are amazing.”

“Thank you, ma’am.” Jennings tipped his hat. “But I already ate.”

In a million years, it wouldn’t have occurred to Frost to ask that question.

The interior of the restaurant was loud, with Zydeco Christmas music rocking through the atmosphere. Though the place was ridiculously crowded, the hostess greeted Kaylee by name and gave her a huge hug before grabbing two menus.

“You finally break away from that asshole boss of yours long enough to sit down for a while? I swear you’ve lost weight since he took over.”

“Ah…” Kaylee flushed once more. “Uhm, Julie? This is Mr. Frost.”

“The asshole boss,” he clarified.

Showing zero remorse, she looked him in the eye. “Hope you’re paying. She deserves it.”

His assistant certainly inspired loyalty in people. Made him wonder if he did the same.

“Sweet tea, light ice?” Julie asked.

“That will work.” Loosening the belt around her coat, Kaylee slid onto the bench on one side of the booth. “Thanks for remembering.”

“And for you, awful boss?”

He took a seat on the opposite side of the table. The uncomfortable wood certainly didn’t encourage patrons to linger. “Do you have a wine list?”

“Red, white, or rosé?”

“Those are my only options?”

“Not at all.” She smiled sunnily.Triumphantly?“Two more. Take ‘em or leave ‘em.”

Between Kaylee and her friend, this day was a challenge. And at the Bourbon, the wine list was at least ten pages long. “How about a beer?”

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