Page 51 of The Holiday Clause

It would be awkward to see him, but she had a responsibility to the cat. When she reached the door, she looked back, giving him one last chance to apologize for being so dismissive.

He said nothing, so she swallowed down her hurt and accepted that he’d rejected her yet again. Somehow, this time hurt more than all the times that came before.

CHAPTER 8

“More Than Just a Mistletoe Moment”

Soren’s fingersdrummed against the heated steering wheel, restless energy coursing through him. Wren had slipped by the car to ask for a few more minutes so she could change. Nothing like an afterthought at the start of a date.

This had to be a date, right? She’d been the one to call him and suggest they see what happened. He assumed that meant she was considering his proposal to take their friendship to the next level.

Glancing at the rose sitting in the cupholder, he flicked the switch to heat her seat. This was definitely a date.

Adjusting the wool lapel of his coat, his attention fixed on the front door of her tiny house. The interior lights went out, and she appeared, much more put together than she had been ten minutes ago.

He climbed out of the warm SUV to get her door. “Your chariot awaits.”

“I’m so sorry I was late.”

“It’s okay.”

“There was an issue with one of the cats.”

“It happens.” He pulled the seatbelt over her and clipped it, breathing in her familiar, delicate scent—something between vanilla and winter air. “You smell nice.”

She laughed nervously. “Thanks.”

Shutting the door, he rounded the car, returning to the driver’s seat. Soren expected a little awkwardness tonight, at least at the start, but he knew what he wanted and he wasn’t holding back. He planned to prove that their connection was enough of a foundation for a good future. It might be strange at times, but he intended to break down any polite barriers quickly and get her accustomed to his touch and attention, so any unease would fade quickly.

It shouldn’t be too difficult. They were already familiar with each other. This was just a different sort of familiar, one he’d considered many times before but never honestly thought she’d be down for exploring.

“Ready?” He put the car in reverse.

“Where are we going?”

“I reserved the private dining room at Salt & Ember.” When she did a double-take, he knew he’d impressed her.

“How did you do that with such short notice?”

He shot her a cocky grin. “I have my ways.”

Salt & Ember booked up months in advance. She didn’t need to know he had a table on retainer. That was a perk of good tipping and frequently impressing women, which guaranteed he only dined with those who were sure things. He took care of others, and others took care of him, but Wren wasn’t like the others, so he needed to go above and beyond for her or she’d call him out on his bullshit.

“You deserve the best and I wanted to treat you.”

She shifted uncomfortably. “Soren, I’m underdressed for Salt & Ember.”

Shit. He hadn’t thought about that. Glancing to his right, he could only see her coat, which was a man’s flannel.Greyson’s.A spike of irritation through his chest at the sight of his brother’s oversized shirt draped across her shoulders. “What are you wearing?”

She glanced down and frowned. “Jeans and a shirt. Soren, I can’t eat there in this.”

He checked the time. “I have an idea.” He veered off course to take a detour down Main Street and parked in front of the local boutique, House of Pearl. “We’ve got a few minutes.”

Before she could object, he hopped out and went to her door. “Soren, wait. I have clothes at home.”

“Don’t be ridiculous. It was my mistake not to give you a heads up about the dress code. Now, I get to treat you like a queen before I sweep you off your feet.”

He led her into the boutique and held the door. They were immediately greeted by a well-dressed woman whose eyes lit up with recognition.