Page 29 of A Daddy for Christmas 3: Rowan

Damon sighs and squeezes my hand. “It was, but if he hadn’t, we wouldn’t be here now.”

“True. Maybe I should thank him.”

Damon glances at me.

“Or I can keep my mouth shut.” I pretend to zip my lips shut.

Damon shakes his head. “You shouldn’t have to. I can own my decisions. I chose to keep you warm last night.”

I snigger. “We did a lot more than that.”

“Yes, and I already told you I don’t regret it. If we keep seeing each other, I won’t keep it secret from Nigel.”

I raise my eyebrows. “If?”

“You might get sick of me.”

I snort-laugh. “Unlikely. I’m pretty sure I’ve only just scratched the surface of what it’s like to be Damon Cole’s boy. You’ll probably be the one who gets sick ofme.”

“Why?”

“Because I’m irrepressibly happy.” I grin.

He stops, turns me so we’re facing each other, and cups my cheek. “That’s one of the things that makes you so endearing.”

“One of them? What other things are there?”

He brushes his fingertip over my face. “Your freckles. The colour of your hair.” He runs his fingers through my hair. “Your beautiful eyes. Your smile. Your laugh.”

My face feels like it’s going to combust.

“The way you blush.”

“My face is probably clashing with my hair right now.”

“Not at all. You’re stunning.”

I fan my face.

“And I’m sure, as we get to know each other, I’ll be able to add more things to the list. Do you have any siblings?” He walks again, gently tugging me along with him.

I’m not sure if I appreciate the change of subject, or if it’s just confusing. “Uh, no, I’m an only child.”

“What was that like?”

“Fun, I guess. Sometimes a little lonely, because I didn’t have a playmate or best friend on tap. On the other hand, I learnt how to amuse myself when my parents were busy.”

“Are you and your parents close?”

“Close enough that I wassupposedto spend Christmas with them.”

“You’re not annoyed that you’re not?”

“Annoyed? No. Disappointed? Maybe a little. I mean, they could have invited me along on the cruise! But if they had, I wouldn’t be here now, with you.”

“You wouldn’t rather be on a cruise?”

“No. I’m happy exactly where I am.”