Page 21 of Tuxedos and Tinsel
“Yes. I have something every week through New Year’s. I also have two clients this week for Thanksgiving.”
“You’re working on Thanksgiving?”
“No. They’ll pick up the day before.”
“Do you make the desserts for your family, too?”
“Thankfully, no. My mother, aunt and grandmother take care of it. Every year, I have a hard time not jumping in to help. But one look from my grandmother sends me running. What about you? Do you have family here?”
“Yes. We all get together at my parents’ house. My mother and several aunts put out a feast. The guys are responsible for the cleanup.” He parked in the Cost Plus World Market lot, got out and came around to her side. They walked hand in hand to the store entrance.
“That’s a great idea,” she said, continuing the conversation. “I think I’ll mention it to my mom. She’llloveit.” Maya chuckled. “My dad, on the other hand, probably won’t.”
“My dad and uncles weren’t too keen on the idea, either...until the women threatened to go on strike. Brought them right around.” They both laughed. “Wow, there’s a lot of stuff in here.” Ian glanced around and saw everything from china and flatware to soaps and pillows. He hadn’t a clue as to how she would be able to find what she needed...or how long he would have to be in the store. Maya picked up a small basket and moved through the store like a woman with a purpose and seemed to know exactly where she was going. She selected two silver baskets, a set of silver candles and blue candleholders. As they walked toward the back, he noted a wall of wines and a variety of coffees, teas and food.
“Since we’re here, you should get some stuff to decorate your house,” Maya said.
Ian turned to face her. “I don’t know.”
“Oh, come on. Don’t be such a party pooper,” she teased. “You can’t tell me being in this store hasn’t put you into the holiday spirit.”
“Are you coming to help me decorate?” He couldn’t tell who was more surprised as the words left his mouth.
“Um...sure, if you want me to.”
They stood in awkward silence for a few moments. “There are a couple of angel ornaments over there.” He gestured and quickly walked over to an ornament display and picked up a set of two gold glitter angels with a gem head.
She joined him and smiled. “I bought similar ones last year. I have a glass one and a set of three silver-plated ones. Among several others.”
He shook his head and continued to follow her around as she shopped. Before he knew it, they had gone back for a cart and filled it with decorations for his house. By the time they returned to her house, Ian was more confused than ever about his feelings.
“You can just put those bags by the fireplace with the boxes,” Maya said, entering her condo.
He placed the bags where she indicated and came back to help remove her jacket.
She took it from him and draped it over the back of a chair. “Do you want something to drink?”
“No. The only thing I want is to kiss you.” Ian gathered her in his arms and stared into her eyes, trying to understand why he wanted her so much. He lowered his head and touched his mouth to hers, then captured her lower lip and sucked gently. Her lips parted and his tongue found hers. He kissed her slowly, deeply, feeding from the sweetness within. She moved closer to him and molded her body against his. He shuddered. Suddenly, an emotion unlike anything he had ever experienced spread throughout his chest. He broke off the kiss. “I’d better get going. I have some work to finish for a meeting tomorrow morning.”
Maya stared up at him, seemingly confused. “Okay.”
He donned his jacket, took her hand and walked to the door. “I’ll talk to you later.” Unable to resist, he kissed her once more and slipped out the door. In his car, Ian leaned back against the headrest and closed his eyes. His heart thumped hard in his chest and beads of perspiration dotted his forehead.What is going on?The feelings coursing through his body scared the hell out of him. He glanced down at his hands, which were trembling. Taking a deep breath, Ian willed himself calm. It was nothing, he assured himself. Just getting caught up in the holiday spirit brought on from shopping. He’d be back to normal in a couple of hours.
Except he wasn’t back to normal hours later. In fact, four days later, his emotions were still running high. Because of her schedule, he and Maya had been playing phone tag all week and had merely exchanged a few texts. Normally, when it came to women, that old adage “out of sight, out of mind” worked perfectly for him. This time, his feelings for her were steadily intensifying despite the lack of communication.
During Thanksgiving dinner, Ian couldn’t help noticing the heated looks, subtle touches and secret smiles that passed between his brother and sister-in-law. Chris seemed...content. He glanced around the dining room table and saw the same contentment reflected in the faces of his parents, aunts and uncles, and two of his cousins who were married. For the first time, Ian felt a twinge of jealousy. He toyed with the food on his plate, his appetite rapidly waning, and was more than happy when dinner ended.
“You all right, Ian?” Chris asked when they were alone in the kitchen.
“Yeah, why?”
“You’re quieter than usual and you didn’t have seconds.”
Ian shrugged. “I wanted to save room for dessert.”
“That’s never stopped you before.”
“I just have a lot on my mind with work, that’s all.”
