Your Christmas Love (The Bennett Family 10)

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nbsp; “Thanks for putting it in perspective.”

He looked troubled. I had to get his mind off the store. But how to do it? I could flirt, of course, but instinct told me I should stay on neutral ground. Who knew where that flirting might escalate? When it came to Winston, I couldn’t foresee even one step ahead.

Praise was my weapon of choice today.

“I did a course in crisis management in college, and we did about thirty case studies of big companies going through tough moments. And they didn’t have someone as brilliant as you at their helm.”

That brought a smile to his lips. “You’re extra nice with me, Ms. Hensley. Any particular reason?”

“Just saying it like it is.”

“I didn’t know you held me in such high regard.”

“Now you do. And...no more talking shop.” I continued with the praise, though. It was working. “Your veggie rice is delicious. Whenever I cook this, it tastes like nothing.”

“It’s all in the seasoning,” he said with a wink.

“Shucks. I guess I should have paid more attention to your recipe instead of ogling you.”

He trapped my legs between his under the table. “I guess you should have. Or I can just drop by again and we can cook together.”

Damn... the way he said cook had the same effect on me as if he’d said shower together.

“Why would you do that?” I asked.

“You know why.”

I lowered my gaze to my plate, feeling warm all over. After we finished eating, we cleaned the table together.

“Anyway, we still have to apply the second coat of paint.”

“I like a man who keeps his word. I’d forgotten all about it.”

Winston wiggled his eyebrows, leaning in until I thought he might kiss me again. I was ready this time.

Instead, he simply spoke against my lips. “I’ve earned that upgrade, haven’t I?”

I laughed. “Still considering. Better be careful. Not in the bag yet, so don’t mess things up.”

“Wouldn’t dream of it. I have great plans for us, Sienna.”

Heat simmered on the surface of my skin, as if he was touching me. I didn’t have to ask to know that those plans were definitely of the dangerous variety.

Chapter Ten

Sienna

I couldn’t sleep after Winston left, despite all those hours of physical work and the dinner. The man consumed my every thought... and then my dreams. Next morning, I was surprisingly full of energy.

The drive to Jenna and Richard Bennett’s house took me by Lombard Street. I ran into a traffic jam on the crooked portion of it. Honestly, though, I didn’t mind. From the top, I had a gorgeous view of the most crooked street in the world and of the city. Some complained that San Francisco had the most boring weather: not warm enough in the winter months to enjoy the sun, and not cold enough for snow. I disagreed. While I loved snow in the holiday season, the climate here had an undeniable perk: the greenery was always lush and brilliant.

I drummed my fingers on the wheel, cranking up the music while driving.

Gatherings at Jenna and Richard’s house rated in the top five things I loved. The entire family was there, meaning things were loud, and on occasion, crazy (such as when Christopher and Max teamed with Pippa’s daughters to pull a double identical-twins prank).

My brother, Lucas, fit right in with the prankster group (although his humor fell more on the sinister spectrum). Everyone else was content sitting on the sidelines and allowing themselves to be surprised. I missed Lucas like crazy.