Total pages in book: 18
Estimated words: 16622 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 83(@200wpm)___ 66(@250wpm)___ 55(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 16622 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 83(@200wpm)___ 66(@250wpm)___ 55(@300wpm)
I pulled the item his long finger pointed at out of the case with a sad smile. “This is my favorite piece in the shop.”
He lifted the bracelet, the petite emeralds and diamonds catching the light. It was delicate, the loops all hand-cut and scattered with the tiny jewels. “It’s absolutely beautiful.”
“The woman who made all the jewelry did that as an experiment. She used gold and the very best gems she could, wanting to see if there was a market for it here.”
“It didn’t sell?”
“No. I’ve had it for over a year. She was retiring, so I bought out everything she had. She only sends me a few pieces now and then that she does as a pastime.”
“Emeralds are my mother’s favorite gem.”
“Because of your eyes?” I asked before I could stop myself.
He grinned, those mesmerizing eyes dancing. “I have my father’s eyes, so probably, yes. She says they’re what made her fall in love with him.”
“Oh,” I breathed out. “I could see that.”
“I, myself, prefer dark eyes. Deep, chocolate eyes you can lose yourself in.”
Cue my blush.
Shane chuckled and laid the bracelet on the glass. “I’ll take this as well, please.”
“Would you like me to put the stained glass back?”
“No.”
“Shane, this bracelet is $1700.”
“That’s fine.” His lips twitched. “Does it come with a box?”
“Yes. A very pretty one.”
“Sold. Now, once we finish here, do you suppose there is a store around still open that has gift wrap and tape?”
I glanced at the clock, shocked to see he’d been in the store for well over an hour. “No. Everything will be closed.”
“I thought so. I’ll have to try to get it all done at Elly’s.”
I pointed at the sign behind me. “I gift wrap.”
“All of this?”
“It’s part of the service.”
“Callie, it’s way past seven now. I can’t ask you to give up more of your Christmas Eve wrapping my gifts.”
Just then, his stomach growled, and he laughed, embarrassed. “Sorry. I haven’t eaten since breakfast, and the cookies barely took the edge off. Ring me up, and I’ll let you get on with your evening. Hopefully, I’ll find a diner still open and get something to eat. Maybe Mrs. Cooper has some paper stashed somewhere at the inn. I’m sure I can charm her.”
He smiled as he said it, yet it felt to me like, for the first time, his smile was forced. For some reason, I didn’t want him to leave, and I had the feeling perhaps he felt the same way. I drew in a deep breath and gathered my courage.
“You’re not asking, I’m offering. And, I have an idea.”
“Oh?”
“You aren’t going to find anything open around here tonight. If you don’t mind a simple meal, I have one ready in my oven—I live behind the shop. We could eat, then I can help you wrap your gifts. It sounds as if you’ve had a long day, and maybe a little downtime would do you some good. And I would enjoy the company.” I paused and smiled. “If you’re okay with that.”
“Are you serious?”
“Um, yes?”
“You’re offering me a meal, more of your lovely company, to help wrap my purchases, and you’re wondering if I’d be okay with that?”
“You’d have to help with the wrapping.”
He flexed his fingers. “I’m great with corners. And a whiz with tape.”
I laughed at his humor.
“I would love that, Callie James.” He held out his credit card with a wink. “Ring it up so you know I’m good for it, then please feed me.” He licked his lips, his eyes locking with mine. “I’m starving.”
I had to turn away. The low timbre of his voice and the way he looked at me made me think he meant for more than food.
2
SHANE
I’d had a shit-tastic day. I grabbed the early flight, got rerouted, only to be stuck on my second connection when a storm blew in. I cursed at the hordes of people milling around the Ottawa airport. My first Christmas off in three years, the first Christmas my whole family would be together in five years, and I got stuck in an airport?
Fuck that. I needed to get back to the Toronto area.
I headed to the row of car rentals and yelled out, “Who has a four-wheel drive SUV for rent? I don’t care about the cost!”
Four hands went up. I went with the one who added a wave for good measure, and within thirty minutes, I was on the road. I was going slowly in the poor conditions, but I was moving. Using the Bluetooth device, I spoke to Elly periodically, assuring her I would arrive later that night. All was going okay until she called to say another storm system was crashing down on them, and they were all worried about me driving in it. She suggested I get as close as I could, then hole up in a hotel for the night and come later the next day when the roads were cleared, even though it would be Christmas Day.