Page 15 of Christmas Rings

“I’ve got the receipt to prove it,” Rif said.

“Fine. I’ll take your word for it.”

“Listen, about this car payment. You’ve been doing a good job around here for years. I’m not sure how you take care of the weekend crowds without breaking a sweat but you do the job of two people. I’m giving you a raise. Another three bucks an hour.”

Her mouth dropped open. “Are you sure?”

“My wife hates that I make you wear that skimpy outfit, so I feel a little guilty. Yeah, I’m sure.”

She sat up straighter from where she’d sunk into the cushion. “Does this mean the costume is out?”

“Don’t be ridiculous. Anyway, you’d be too warm in real clothes—the way you move around here.”

“Okay, well, I gratefully accept the raise, and now I have to go change into said outfit.” She stood up from the couch. “What do I do about the flowers? I don’t want the other girls to see them and feel bad.” She couldn’t remember anyone getting flowers delivered to the dressing room ever.

“I’ll keep them in here. You can take them home at the end of the night,” he said.

“He asked me what my favorite flower was.”

“I sure to hell hope it’s pink tulips.”

She grinned, ridiculously happy. “It is.”

He groaned and rolled his eyes. “You make sure to text me where he’s taking you tomorrow, okay? Just so I know where you are, in case I have to send the police searching for you.”

“Will do,” she said. “And thanks for looking out for me.”

“Anytime, kid.”

Chapter 2

As promised, Jed arrived at her door Sunday evening promptly at six. She drew in a breath at the sight of him, standing there in jeans and a button-down striped shirt that hugged his trim waist. Her palms dampened. What was under that shirt? Would his skin feel velvety under her fingers despite his hard muscles?

She blinked a few times before inviting him to come inside. All afternoon, she’d debated about whether or not to do so. It wasn’t shame about her five-hundred-square-foot apartment. She had it decorated nicely, especially now that she had a real couch and kitchen table. The landlord had repainted and put in new carpet before she leased it last year. Living alone, she was able to keep it clean and tidy. So what was it that held her back? Made her feel slightly embarrassed? The first time she’d spent with him had been in a limo nearly the size of her bedroom. Did her poverty make her not good enough for him?

She knew what Mom would say.Don’t be ridiculous. Your character matters more than how much you have in the bank.

But still, it was a strange feeling to invite someone like Jed Marsh into her modest dwelling.

In the end, she decided to act like a grown-up. If he didn’t like her circumstances, then he wasn’t for her.

“Would you like to come in?” she asked. “I opened wine. We could have a glass before we go.”

Behind him, the spring light was soft and pink. “I’d like that, thank you.”

“Will Thomas mind?” she asked, as she opened the door wider for him to pass through.

“No Thomas tonight.” He stopped just outside the doorway. “Just me. Is that all right?”

“Yes.” She blushed. Did he think she wanted him to bring his driver? That she was only interested in the glamour? “I don’t know why I assumed he would drive us tonight.”

“For the most part, I only use him for business.” He pushed his hands into the back pockets of his jeans. “Sometimes for special occasions.”

She beckoned him over to the table, where she had the a bottle of wine opened and two glasses.

“I don’t really date much,” she said. “I’m not sure how all this is supposed to work, but one of my sisters suggested I ask you in for wine as an ice breaker.” When Alissa had called her sister Stevie to tell her about her date and ask advice, she’d changed the details of how she’d met Jed. She’s said she met him in a bar while out with friends. All true, other than her friends were strippers and she’d been the one serving the drinks.

“May I pour for us?” Jed asked.

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