Page 23 of Tuxedos and Tinsel

“Mmm, this smells delicious.”

Ian took the seat at the head of the table. “Hopefully, you’ll say the same thing about the taste.”

Maya spooned up a portion, blew on it for a few seconds to cool it, then put it in her mouth. “This is really good.”

“Thanks.” They ate in silence for a while. “I have one more decorating project I’d like you to help me with before you leave.”

“What’s that?”

“My tree.”

“Wow, you’re really going all out,” she said with a smile.

Ian reached for her free hand and stared intently at her. “You inspired me.”

The tender look in his eyes rendered her mute momentarily, but she quickly recovered and gently pulled her hand from his. “Aw, I’m glad. That’s what friends are for,” she added to lighten the mood. They completed the meal while conversing. After cleaning up, he led her into the formal living room, where a live tree at least eight feet tall stood. Boxes of ornaments had been neatly stacked beside it.

Ian rubbed his hands together. “Shall we?” He handed her one box and opened another.

As they hung ornament after ornament, once again, the intimate atmosphere caused an inner turmoil and made her wish for something beyond their original agreement.

“Here, I saved the last one for you.”

Maya opened the box and found a beautiful angel tree topper—angelic brown face, silver gown, lace bodice adorned with pearls and shimmering sequins, and cascading organza ribbon.

“I know how much you love angels.”

She was in deep, deep trouble. With his help, she climbed the ladder, placed the angel in her spot, climbed down and waited while he lit the tree. “It’s lovely.”

“I couldn’t agree more,” he whispered.

Maya turned to find his gaze locked on her.

“One last touch.” He produced a small cellophane package from behind his back and held it up.

“Is that...?”

“Yep. Gotta have a little mistletoe.” Ian lowered his head. “Maya,” he murmured against her lips, “will you help me christen my tree?”

Her mind screamedno!But her body answered with a resounding yes. He undressed them both and drew her down to the carpet in front of the tree. When he kissed her again, she locked her arms around his neck and forgot about everything except the pleasure he was giving her.

Chapter 8

Aweek later, Maya put the final touches on the chocolate torte and packed it, along with a strawberry cheesecake and the individual three-layer red velvet cake slices the host wanted for each of her dinner guests. She stifled a yawn brought on by another night of restless sleep. She hadn’t slept well since the night she and Ian made love in front of his Christmas tree. Everything about that night was different. Their lovemaking was no less intense, but the way he touched and kissed her felt different. And when their eyes locked...she knew she had fallen in love with him. Maya braced her hands on the table in front of her. How could she have allowed her emotions to get involved? She had lain awake every night asking herself the same question and wondering how to keep him from finding out.

“Hey, girl. You just about ready?” Rhonda asked, breezing into the room.

“I just need to add the rest of these cake slices.”

“I know there’s an extra piece, right?”

“Yes, Rhonda. You only asked about it ten times,” Maya said with a laugh, closing the container. “Help me load this in my car and you can get your cake.”

“Gladly.” Rhonda picked up one storage container and Maya grabbed the other. “Are we still on for dinner tomorrow night or do you and Ian have another hot Saturday night planned?” she asked with a giggle.

“Yes, we’re still on. We have that meeting with EJJ Development on Monday and I want to be prepared.” She couldn’t afford a distraction right now, and Ian was definitely a huge one. She and Rhonda were going to work on a strategy over dinner tomorrow night.

“I don’t know how we’re going to fight this, Maya,” she said with a deep sigh, placing the container in the back of Maya’s SUV.