Page 34 of The Holiday Grump
“I don’t do casual, either!” I blurted. “I don’t go around kissing guys… I’ve never had a casual relationship of any kind. What does that even mean?”
“I don’t know. Ask Jackson.”
I let out a shaky breath. “Okay. So we’re both totally hopeless and should avoid kissing from now on so as not to complicate our lives. Even though I think you’re cute.”
He caught the tear that had reached my chin, brushing a rough thumb across my skin. “And I think you’re distractingly beautiful.” His voice was as rough as his touch, sending tremors down my spine.
I held still, listening to blood whooshing in my ears, until he broke the spell. “You already have the key. And you know my hours.”
“I’ll keep out of your way! I’ll set my alarm and make sure?—”
He held up a hand. “Our paths are going to cross, so we better get along. As friends.”
“Friends,” I repeated. “Of course. And if you need any help in the store, or with anything else, I’m here.”
“Thanks, but don’t worry about it. Focus on your own store.”
He headed downstairs, and I followed, trying to push down the turmoil in my chest. I couldn’t focus on the rejection. He was doing this amazing thing for me. I had to show him I could be his friend. I could keep my hands off him and channel my energy into something productive.
“I could help you decorate for Christmas,” I suggested as we passed the display window.
“That’s a great idea!” Kailee piped up. She was sitting cross-legged in the armchair, a book in her lap. “I’ll help, too!”
Fredrik threw us a look. “I don’t need decorations.”
“But your store does!” Kailee argued. “And I do!”
“Your customers would love it,” I echoed.
“What customers?” His tone was biting.
Kailee sighed loudly. “Maybe they’d find it here if you had some lights. Seems to work for everyone else.”
Fredrik stared at her like she’d grown a second head.
Her gaze snapped onto mine, and I smiled. Sure, neither of us had any say on how Fredrik ran his business, but right now, he was outnumbered. And this was something I could really help him with.
Shaking off any remnants of embarrassment over what had happened between us a moment earlier, I approached his desk. “Do you have a measuring tape?”
He looked up from his battered laptop, which didn’t even seem to be on. “Somewhere upstairs. Why?”
“I’ll plan your window display! My treat. I can grab anything from my store at wholesale prices, and I want to thank you for allowing me to stay here. Since you won’t accept rent payments.”
“No.”
“Come on! You have to let me pay you back somehow. Otherwise, I’ll…” I glanced at Kailee for help. What could I possibly threaten him with? More kissing? It was so dark and dreary in here, and Christmas was coming.
Kailee appeared beside me. “Otherwise, we’ll do itwithout your permission, and you have no say on what goes where.”
I threw a horrified look at her. That was a little bold.
Fredrik glared at us. Kailee had slung her arm over my shoulders. She was tall like her mother and towered over me. I noticed Fredrik’s gaze flick to that arm casually hanging by my ear, and again, I had a feeling this wasn’t how Kailee usually acted. I was here for it, though, if she needed a girlfriend. God knew I needed one. Or five.
Fredrik drew a breath, still frowning. “Nothing that blinks. Nothing with those blue pinprick lights or purple glitter. And absolutely nothing that plays Christmas music.”
“Deal!” we shouted in unison, then burst out in laughter.
Kailee let go of my shoulder, and I high-fived her. “Nice work, partner! Would you like to come over tomorrow to choose some items? I’ll have the shop open until five o’clock.”
