Page 13 of Screwing With The Scrooge

Now I just need to figure out what to do tonight on our date.

CHAPTER6

Olive

Xavier showsup on my doorstep at exactly five o’clock. An excited buzz skates along my skin as I smooth my hair down and go to answer the door.

I had raced home from the bakery and thrown myself into the shower, scrubbing all of the flour, sugar, and frosting off of me. I had a special dress that I bought for myself for my birthday last year. It was way too much money and I’d never had an occasion to wear it, but when Xavier invited me to dinner, I knew that I would be wearing it tonight. The crushed velvet fabric clings to my curves and the dark blue color reminds me of Xavier’s eyes.

I pull the door open, love and lust bubbling up inside of me as I take in Xavier’s imposing form. He’s all bundled up and holding a Norfolk pine tree in his hands.

“Hey,” I say after we’ve stared at each other for a solid minute.

Xavier blinks, tearing his eyes away from my body, and I grin. It seems the dress is a hit with him too.

“Hey,” he says, clearing his throat and thrusts the little tree at me. “I got this for you. It seemed like it would last longer than flowers,” he explains, and I smile at how practical he is.

“Thanks. It’s cute. I’ll have to decorate it with some ornaments later.”

He nods, shifting on his big feet, and I set the tree on the entryway table and grab my coat.

“Where are we headed?” I ask as I stuff my arms through the sleeves and grab my purse.

“Um, I thought that I would cook for you. If that’s okay?”

“Of course!”

I thread my fingers through his arm, partly because I’m going to need help navigating the snowy and icy road in my heels and also because I want an excuse to touch him.

“I can carry you,” he says after a beat, and I beam up at him.

“Alright.”

No sooner is the word out of my mouth when Xavier has leaned down and swooped me up into his arms. My mouth drops open slightly and I’m stunned into silence, but Xavier seems unfazed as he strides easily across the street and up to his house.

As soon as we’re inside, he sets me on my feet and I instantly kick off my shoes and shrug out of my jacket. He takes my coat, disappearing for a moment.

“I like your place,” I say as I look around.

It’s kind of empty with no personal effects in sight, but it still feels warm. There’s a fire roaring in the living room. A giant flat screen hangs on the wall above the fireplace and a pair of comfortable and butter-soft leather couches are on either wall.

“Thanks.”

He toes off his own boots and takes off his coat and hat.

“Can I help with dinner?” I ask as I follow him into the kitchen.

“No, I wanted to cook for you.”

I smile as he pulls out a stool for me at the counter.

“Want something to drink? I, um, got a bottle of wine… and some hot chocolate,,” he mumbles, and I bite back my smile.

“For me?” I ask, and I see his cheeks heat slightly.

“It just sounded good when you said it yesterday,” he mumbles, and I snort.

“Uh-huh. Okay, then let’s both have some hot chocolate.”

---