Page 124 of His Christmas Temptation

“Did he indeed?”

Frost clenched his teeth.

“Very thoughtful of you, sir.” Jennings studied him. “I’m sure I’ll enjoy it.”

Frost swore he smelled the sugar and spice the entire way back to Charme du Vieux Carré.

They arrived in less time than he’d promised, and Jean Claude was standing by to let them in.

On the far side of the showroom, Isabelle waited, an open box sitting on the glass counter.

As they neared, the gem beckoned brightly, causing Kaylee to slow her steps slightly.

Even if the diamond was smaller than he preferred, the piece itself was magnificent—as beautiful as his pretend Christmas bride.

Frost plucked the ring from its velvet cushion and was holding the piece when Kaylee reached his side.

“It can stay in the box until we leave for your grandmother’s house.”

Firmly he shook his head.Absolutely not.“You need to get comfortable wearing it.”

After a moment, she sighed, capitulating. One of the most rewarding sounds ever.

He lifted her left hand and slid the exquisite piece onto her finger. The ring was perfect, proving her decision had been the right one.

For a moment she stared at her hand before looking up and meeting his gaze. “I can’t believe how…”

She seemed to struggle for words, and he understood all too well.Meant to be.

Years ago, he’d proposed to Greta. Even though he was supposed to spend his life with her, they’d been distant from each other during every part of their wedding planning, as if they’d been pacing through required motions. But with Kaylee, an emotional, possessive arc wrapped around his heart.

“Magnifique.” Isabelle clapped her hands together, and Jean Claude gave a slow nod.

“It is,” Kaylee agreed. “You’re very talented.”

While Jean Claude placed the box in a small gold bag and tied the handle with a red ribbon, Frost took care of the payment with Isabelle.

The total was less than a quarter of the cost of Greta’s ring.

After they all exchanged holiday wishes, Kaylee thanked Isabelle and Jean Claude profusely, saying she appreciated them working on a day off.

He walked outside with Kaylee, and the breeze toyed with a curled lock of her hair. He captured it, then went to tuck it back into place.

Her lips parted, and this time, he could no longer ignore his impulses. He leaned forward, intent on kissing her.

Gaze locked on his, her breath catching, she didn’t resist.

Rising onto her tiptoes, she leaned into him, the diamond winking in the watery sun.

She tasted of promise. Of forever, igniting a possessive urge.

As she wrapped her arms around his neck, his cock hardened, pulsing, demanding he mark her as his.

He had to have her, and it had to benow.“Come home with me.”Before I go out of my fucking mind.

“Mr. Frost…” Her cheeks were red. From the wind? Or from the same desire that flooded him?

“You’ll need to see my place. I’m sure Gran will ask you what you think of it.” It was a ridiculous excuse but the only one he could come up with.

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