Page 119 of A Chef's Kiss for Christmas
Taking the bag, he sank back onto the stool and lifted out the gift in shiny red packaging. He eyed her curiously before tearing at the wrapping to reveal the wooden box filled with a variety of individually wrapped tea bags.
“So you can have a bit of luxury at home, too,” she told him as nerves fluttered in her stomach.
“I love it.”
“Do you?” It had seemed like a good idea before Frannie had eyed it up for the old women in her family.
“I really do. Thank you.” He set it aside and took her hand. “I got you something, too.”
“Yeah?”
Nodding, he pulled her onto his knee. “It’s not wrapped,” he murmured before his lips met hers.
Briefly, she got swept up in the kiss. Then she pulled back. “I thought I was getting a present.”
“Yeah.” He leaned in again. “Happy Christmas.”
With a hand on his chest, she stopped him with his lips millimetres from hers. “Sometimes your teasing is just annoying,” she said, while her mouth betrayed her by stretching to a wide grin.
“What teasing?”
“The type of teasing where you give me a kiss for Christmas.”
“What’s wrong with that? Don’t tell me you’re the materialistic type?”
“I absolutely am.”
He curled his lip. “In that case, it’s a good job I bought you an actual gift.”
“Did you?”
“It’s in my car. Tied with a ribbon and everything. Shall we go and get it?”
Her lips grazed his. “I’ll just have one more kiss first, if you don’t mind?”
“Go on then.” He tightened his arms around her waist. “Since it’s Christmas.”
Chapter Forty-Seven
In the car, Warren turned the heat on before reaching into the back seat for Anna’s gift.
Nerves fluttered in his chest as he handed it over. “It’s not very exciting,” he said automatically.
Carefully, she pulled at the ribbon and peeled the paper away to reveal the small cardboard box. Her gaze homed in on the sticker with the logo for the local potter, but she didn’t react as she eased open the lid and drew out the mug.
“It’s the same as yours.” Her eyes sparkled as she turned the mug to read the writing.World’s Best Florist.
He drummed his fingers on the steering wheel. “Do you like it?”
“I love it.” She tugged on his shoulder, drawing him in for a kiss. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome. I was thinking… if you wanted…” Another flurry of nerves hit him. He wasn’t usually overly sentimental, and he was slightly concerned his thoughts would come out sounding pathetic.
“What?” Anna prompted.
“Nothing.” He scratched at the back of his head. “I wasgoing to say that if you wanted, you could leave the mug at my place. That way, you won’t be tempted to use mine.”
“You’re thinking I’ll be spending a lot of time at your place?”
