Page 69 of His Christmas Wife

Her chin remained jutted.

“I ordered my grandmother a spa package at the Maison Sterling.”

Interest flickered in her eyes.

“Since I need to pick up the gift certificate, I thought you might want to go with me. And I understand the entire place is decorated for the holidays.” The hotel was renowned for its seasonal displays. Though that kind of thing didn’t normally appeal to him, he was willing to bet she would enjoy it. “A festive cocktail, a bite to eat. And an enjoyable hour.” Or two. “What do you say?”

“They have shops, right?”

Her eyebrows were furrowed, which meant she was considering the offer. Now all he had to do was lead her deeper into temptation. “Several. I’m sure you’ll find something for your mother.”

When she hesitated, he added, “Jennings is waiting.”

“I need to clean up my desk. If you want to go on ahead, I’ll meet you there.”

No chance. With her remoteness—maybe even skittishness—he wouldn’t put it past her to change her mind. “Fifteen minutes work for you?”

As if he’d won a great battle, she sighed.

Victorious, he returned to his office and saw another three missed calls from Brigette and two more voicemails.

Who knew a satellite connection from the middle of a warm ocean was so good?

After clearing the notifications and responding to a few emails regarding his management business, Frost hooked his blazer with his finger and returned to the anteroom where Kaylee was once again righting the star on top of the sad-looking Christmas tree.

How many years had she done that for? And would she continue under a new executive the next holiday season?

When she was finished, she picked up the box of cupcakes, then followed him into the hallway. He turned right while she went left.

Simultaneously they stopped and faced each other.

“Where are you going?” she asked.

“The private elevator.”

Her lips momentarily parted. “Of course. The world wouldn’t dare keep you waiting.”

Rather than arguing, he offered an explanation. “That’s where Jennings is parked.”

“I see. Can you pick me up out front? I’m taking these treats to the security staff.”

Finally he relented. “I’ll go with you.”

While they waited for the regular elevator, he notified Jennings of the change of plans.

Moments later, the compartment doors closed, sealing them in together.

“I didn’t realize that executives got all these perks.”

He studied her.

“Private parking too, right? If you’re an exec, you don’t ever have to go through the same struggles as your underlings.”

Underlings? Was that how she saw the differences in their job titles?

“Have you considered leasing out the spaces, and perhaps giving one to an employee of the month?” Smiling, she looked up at him. “Executives need exercise too. It wouldn’t hurt them to walk a few extra steps every day.”

Her feistiness stood in stark contrast to the coldness with which she had treated him all day.

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