Page 61 of A Daddy for Christmas 3: Rowan

I chuckle. “No thanks. I’d probably chip the polish in record time.”

“Well, if you ever change your mind…”

“I know who to ask.”

She smiles. “What are you doing, anyway?”

“Waiting for tall, dark, and handsome. Nigel gave us the day off, so we’re going to hang out together.”

“Just hang out?”

I smile and twirl my finger over the reception desk. “We’ll see.”

“You look happy,” she observes.

“Iamhappy.”

She stares at me for a few seconds, lips pursed. “I guess Damon is your type.”

“Are you kidding? Of course, he’s my type! I’ve had a crush on him for ages.”

She laughs. “And now you have love hearts in your eyes.”

“Yeah, I probably do. Have you ever really wanted something, but were afraid it wouldn’t live up to your expectations?”

She nods.

“Damon is the exact opposite of that. He’s exceeded all my expectations. He’s amazing.” I sigh dramatically.

“You’re so smitten.”

I put my hand over my heart. “I am.”

“You’re like a love-sick kitten.”

“Are you trying to write poetry?”

She nibbles her lower lip for a moment. “Oh! I get it. You’re so smitten like a love-sick kitten. It does rhyme! It could be the start of a song.” She scribbles it down. “What could come next?”

“No clue. I’m not a songwriter or a poet.”

She taps her pen against her lips. “I’m sure I’ll think of something. But back to you and Damon. Are you going to keep seeing him?”

“I hope so.”

“Well, I’m happy for you. You’re chirpier than usual, and I didn’t think that was possible.” She leans across the desk and drops her voice to a whisper, even though we’re alone in the lobby. “And he actually smiled! I’ve never seen him smile before. Well done.” She gives me a mini round of applause.

“Damon smiles.”

She arches one eyebrow.

The lift doors ping open.

“He does!”

“I do what?” Damon asks. “Assuming you were talking about me.”

“We were,” Abbey says.