Your Christmas Love (The Bennett Family 10)

I smiled at her. “That’s brilliant, but not many would be as excited as you are about it.”

She grinned. “Probably not. But I still think it’s worth thinking about it.”

“Tell me what your observations are.”

“Well, for example, mothers tend to complain that we’ve separated kids’ clothes by ages on opposite sides of the floor. If they come shopping with all their kids, they have to run around a lot more. I also spoke to the cashiers, and they say that they get a lot of complaints about books being on a separate level from the candles and presents corner.”

“Can you write all that down somewhere?”

“Already ahead of you, boss. So, what did you need me for?”

“What?”

“You said you wanted me to come straight here after I was done.”

I tipped forward, grinning. “I was just looking for any excuse to be alone with you. Your sexy little costume was messing with me.”

Her mouth popped open. I very nearly closed the distance and kissed her.

“Doesn’t happen often,” I said.

“So, I’m special?”

“Damn right, you are.”

She pushed a strand of hair behind her ears. There was some commotion on the corridor, and I stepped back to what would pass as professional distance. She glanced at the plant she’d placed on my desk.

“Thank you for the plant, Sienna.”

“Of course. Just thought you’d like it. I ordered some for the other departments a while ago.”

“So I’m not special at all?” I pushed. Her eyes lit up with fire.

“We’ve moved on from simply upgrading you from grouchy boss to special treatment?”

“You’re saying I’m not deserving of it?” I teased. She laughed.

“Well, you’re about fifty percent less grouchy than before. I’ll give you that. Points earned.”

“You’re not easy to negotiate with.”

“My family keeps saying that too.” Flashing a smile, she added, “So I just saw a new entry in your calendar. You’re leaving for a meeting?”

“Yes. Take the day off.”

She snapped her gaze to me, finally. I’d been very close to touching her cheek, turning it so she’d look at me.

I was looking for any excuse to touch her. Any at all. Only if I did, if I gave in to that impulse, there was no saying how much further I’d push both of us.

“What? Why?”

“You said you’re expecting a reward. Here it is.”

“But I’m not tired. I mean, I can do my job.”

“You’re never going to just agree with me right off the bat, are you?”

“I think you know the answer to that. So, about the meeting?”