Page 26 of Puppy Love & Snowflake Kisses
He got to his feet as he continued to bask in her beauty. Belle had worn her hair down. The reddish-brown silky strands fell below her shoulders. In fact, he’d be willing to bet that her hair was down to the middle of her back. His hands tingled to reach out and run his finger through those silky strands. He resisted the urge.
She wore some makeup, but it didn’t overpower her natural beauty. There was some mascara that accentuated her long lashes, which acted like a frame around her azure-blue eyes. And her plump lips were red and glossy, just perfect for kissing.
“Do you like it?” Her voice drew him from his wayward thoughts.
He wasn’t sure how to answer her. Like which part in particular? Because he liked the full package. She was absolutely stunning. And the admission, even to just himself, was profound.
He swallowed hard again, hoping when he spoke, his voice sounded normal. He meant to tell her that she looked fine, but what came out was something a bit different. “You are so beautiful. You’re going to have all of the men at the party staring at you.”
Now what had he gone and said that for? It wasn’t like this was a real date or anything. He was going to be on the job all evening, waiting for this dognapper to make contact.
Still, he noticed how his words caused her cheeks to take on a pink hue. How was it possible that her blushing made her even prettier?
Knowing he was headed down a dangerous path, he moved toward the door. He shrugged on his coat. Then he automatically grabbed hers. He’d meant to put on his coat and head out the door to warm up his pickup. Instead, he approached her at the foot of the steps and held her coat out for her to put on.
When she gave him a quick once-over, a frown creased her face. “Why are you dressed like that?”
He looked down at his navy-blue T-shirt paired with a navy-blue blazer and a pair of jeans. “What’s wrong with it?” His gaze lowered to his footwear. “Don’t you like the boots? I wasn’t sure about those.”
“No. I mean, yes, I like what you’re wearing. And the boots go well. What I want to know is why you’re dressed like you’re going to the party?”
“Because I am.” He sent her a smile. “I’m your escort.”
Her eyes widened in surprise. “You think you’re going on a date with me?” She pressed a hand to her chest. “What gave you that idea?”
Okay.So maybe he hadn’t phrased his words correctly. But why did she have to act like a date with him was the worst idea she’d ever heard? His pride took a direct hit.
As she put on her coat, he tried again. “It’s not a date. I’m going to protect you in case the dognapper tries to pull something tonight.”
“So, you’re going to be my bodyguard?” She arched a brow.
He wasn’t sure how he felt being called a bodyguard—especially her bodyguard. Still, she didn’t seem as opposed to a bodyguard versus a date. “Fine. I’ll be your bodyguard.”
She looked as though she was considering it. “But what about the house? Aren’t you supposed to be guarding it.”
He pulled his phone from his back pocket. He brought up the app that controlled the cameras he’d just installed. He turned his phone around so she could see the control panel with the various views of the house.
“You have my house on your phone?” She pressed her hands to her rounded hips as she leveled him with a disapproving gaze.
He averted his gaze. “Only until we catch this guy.”
“And what if it’s a girl?”
He closed the app. “What?”
“You keep calling the dognapper a guy, but what if it’s a woman? You know crime is an equal opportunity profession.”
Was she serious? He struggled not to roll his eyes. “Fine. It could be a man or woman. There. Are you happy?”
She smiled at him. “Yes, I am.”
He had a feeling she was being difficult just to annoy him. Well, if that was her goal, then she’d succeeded. “Are you ready to go?”
“Are you still insisting on accompanying me? Even though the place is going to be filled with people we both know and trust.”
“Yes, I am. And don’t try to talk me out of it. You’ll only be wasting your time.”
“Fine. I have to get the tray of cookies in the kitchen and then we can go.”
