Page 11 of Just Home for the Holidays

And now she was...wondering, about pretty much all the same things he’d been wondering about since he’d caught a look at her earlier. He eased closer on the conference table, well aware that everyone else had left the office. “Any suggestions?” he invited, ensuring that his gaze dropped to her mouth and lingered there.

She licked her lips, quickly and swallowed. “I thought you were the one with all the ideas.”

He met her gaze again and smiled. “Guilty as charged, but I thought you’d prefer to have a plan.”

“What’s wrong with plans?”

“Nothing, unless they keep you from the good stuff.”

“Maybe the planisthe good stuff.”

He scoffed a little. “Not in my experience.” He watched her catch her breath. “Impulse is definitely where the action is.”

She took a deep breath and got to her feet. “Just tell me the truth: why are you offering to do this anyway?”

“A favor for a friend.”

“Is that what we are now?” She shook her head, clearly not expecting an answer. “Is it true that you have a tux?”

“No, but I’ll get one. Trust me.”

She laughed a little, a husky laugh that got him right where he lived. “I don’t.”

“Big surprise.”

“And totally justified.”

Hunter grinned. “Maybe.”

“It doesn’t have to be a tux. It’s not black tie. A dark suit will be good enough.”

“I don’t have one of those either, but fear not: I’ll fix it.”

Chloe regarded him warily. “There will have to be rules.”

“Is that the same as having a plan?”

“Pretty much.” She spoke briskly, as if she was reviewing the monthly financials for the club. “This is a fundraiser for one of my mom’s pet charities. Very elegant.”

“I’m surprised you don’t have a Powerpoint ready.”

“I didn’t expect you to volunteer.”

“Fair enough. I didn’t expect you to agree.”

“Everyone can have a weak moment.” She tried to glare at him but her eyes were twinkling a little. Hunter thought that bit of humor made her look adorable. “My mom wants me to have a significant other.”

“Or else she’ll fix you up with Mr. Wonderful.”

She nodded. “But it’s a performance, Hunter. It’snota date. There will be no sex. There will be no second date.”

“Can I hope for a kiss?”

“No.”

Hunter pouted, even though he hadn’t expected her to say anything else.

She folded her arms across her chest. “If we do it, it’s a business arrangement, like a little Christmas gift for my mom.”

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