Page 18 of Her Candy Cane Cowboy
“He comes up with a lot of the themes, but he also has a team of architects now. Because of this business and some patents he owns, he became a multimillionaire. He’s actually probably a billionaire by now.”
“Will he be meeting us today?”
“No, he’s not in town and this branch is currently closed to the public since he’s renovating the building. But I’ve got the lock code and can go in whenever I want.”
I explain more about my friendship with Calvin while we eat breakfast, and she frowns when I get to the part explaining why he was bullied.
She takes a sip of water and presses her lips tightly together. Then she exhales heavily. “He was born with one arm.”
I nod.
“And people picked on him for something he couldn’t help. I hate that kind of injustice.”
“He got even. When he found out the bullies had high positions in the companies where they worked and were mistreating employees, he bought out those companies and fired those assholes.”
“Good.” She wipes her mouth on a napkin, and I lose my train of thought. Her lips are bow-shaped, covered in a beckoning pink shade of lipstick.
“What?” She quirks a brow. “Is there something on my lips?”
“No.” But I wish it was me. “Are you ready?” I rise as she does, and we head to the counter where I take care of the bill.
The drive to get to Galaxies takes a little longer than normal because even though this isn’t a big town, there are some tourists visiting. Plus, there’s the rush of last minute Christmas shoppers.
But finally, we drive past the sign welcoming us to Calvin’s hometown. From there, Galaxies is a few streets across the county line at the back of a sparsely developed street. Mainly because he bought most of the land. The building comes into view as we round a curve.
“That’s huge!” Ginger exclaims.
“Thank you,” I tease her.
Ginger blushes, then glances boldly at the front of my jeans. “I wouldn’t know.” She gets out of the car and waits for me.
I come around and say softly, “Any time you want to know, say the word and I’ll be happy to oblige.”
Her blush deepens. I love the bold mixed with shy way she has of flirting. We reach the front door and I punch in the code. When it swings open, lights flicker on, and we enter the building. “Motion sensors control those,” I explain.
She nods and I catch her looking quickly away from my lips.
“Anything you want to know about me or explore with me, I’ll tell or show you. That offer never expires.”
She gazes intently into my eyes as if she’s weighing her words. “We just met.”
“I know. Best Christmas ever.”
“You don’t really know me.”
“That’s what forever is for.”
“Dallas…I’m…” She waves a hand at her figure.
“Beautiful. I know. You don’t have to point out the obvious.”
She makes a frustrated sound. “No, I mean…I’m clearly a big girl.”
“Your body is tailor made for mine.”
“Seriously, Dallas. My size doesn’t bother me. I am who I am, and I don’t have body image issues. But some people?—”
“Not me. I’m not some people.”
