Yours for Christmas (Fool's Gold #15.5)(22)

“Let me know if you need anything extra,” Sam said.

“Me, too,” Jack told her. “Take advantage of us.”

“He means financially,” Kenny said, glaring at his friend.

“I knew that,” Bailey told him. “I will be in touch if we fall short on anything.”

Their salads and soups appeared. Bailey had chosen the crab bisque. It came in a beautiful gold-rimmed bowl. There was a little tower of crab in the middle of an empty bowl. The server set it in front of her, then poured steaming bisque into the plate, followed by a drizzle of truffle oil. The combination of smells made her stomach rumble.

Conversation continued. Dellina asked about Bailey’s house and she admitted to being nervous about all the work she had to do between closing and moving. Sam entertained them with stories about his bawdy parents and how they were pressuring him to get Dellina pregnant.

Partway through the meal, Kenny draped his arm across the back of Bailey’s chair. She felt enveloped by his warmth and wanted to lean in. But when his fingertips lightly rested on her shoulder, she allowed herself to pretend, if just for that minute, that they were a couple.

* * *

“WHY DO WOMEN go to the bathroom in packs?” Kenny asked as they drove back to town. It was after eleven and the temperature was in the low twenties. But the snow had stopped and the road was plowed.

Bailey laughed. “I don’t know. It’s just a thing we do. I guess we want to talk without you guys around.”

“I figured. While the three of you were off doing your thing, Jack, Sam and I had our own conversation. What are you doing about the move?”

“I have the name of a company I was going to use. Why?”

“We’ll take care of it. You don’t have a lot of stuff. I’ll rent a truck for the morning of the ninth. You’ll only need to pack up the breakables. We’ll take care of the rest of it.”

She stared at him. “I can’t let you do that.”

“Technically I don’t think you could stop me. I’m bigger than you.” He reached across the console and squeezed her hand. “You have plenty going on, Bailey. Think of it as a holiday surprise.”

The unexpected gesture floored her. If she didn’t have to pay for movers, that would mean an extra four or five hundred dollars in her pocket.

“Thank you,” she murmured. “I really appreciate the help.”

“It’s what friends do.” He withdrew his hand.

They drove through town and parked in front of her building.

“You don’t have to walk me up,” she told him.

“No way. I was raised to walk a lady to her door.”

He came around the side of his SUV and helped her out, then followed her up to the front door. Bailey braced herself for what was going to be an awkward moment. Because they weren’t on a date. There wouldn’t be any kissing. So what was she supposed to do? Shake his hand?

They reached the door and she got out her key. For a second she thought about offering coffee. Only it was late and he might think she was hoping for more than coffee, which she was, but it was probably for the best if that information wasn’t confirmed.

“Thank you for tonight,” she said when she’d opened the door. “For the dinner and the offer to move our stuff.”

“You’re welcome.”

She stared into his face. He was a good-looking guy, but that was the least of it, she thought with a little sigh. His actions were turning out to be even more impressive.

“Good night,” he said and started to turn away.

“’Night.”

But before she could step into her apartment, he spun back, put his hands on her shoulders, bent down and kissed her.

The soft, warm contact of his mouth on hers caught her by surprise. She didn’t know what to do, so she stayed where she was. A second passed, then another. His lips moved against her—lightly, sweetly. She leaned in a little.

Deep inside she felt wanting and hunger. Fire burned hot and bright. But there was more than that. There was a sense of rightness, of belonging. As if she’d been waiting for this moment, for this man, all her life.

He drew back. “Good night, Bailey.”

She nodded and watched him go down the stairs. Then she went into her apartment and closed the door.

* * *

KENNY WENT OVER the account information. He had a couple of client meetings in January. And a list of new clients he wanted to start wooing. That was the part he liked best. Meeting with a client for the first time and blowing them away.

He could usually get a meeting. That came from having a recognizable name. But people who didn’t know him often assumed he was just a dumb jock. They didn’t expect much, which gave him an advantage. One he wasn’t above using.

His phone buzzed.

“Yes?”

“You have a visitor, Kenny,” the receptionist said. “Her name is Chloe.”

He smiled. “Send her back.”

He got up and walked into the hallway. His smile widened when he saw her. She had on a coat and scarf, with a backpack over her shoulders. Long red hair hung down below her hood.

“Kenny!” She flew toward him and hugged him. “It’s snowing again. Isn’t that the best? We’re going to have snow for Christmas.”

“I know. Pretty cool.” He showed her into his office.