Your Christmas Love (The Bennett Family 10)
“Sienna...”
“Don’t Sienna me. I don’t understand what’s happening.”
“I went to college with Thomas. I know him. He wasn’t just inviting you over because he thought you’d like the race.”
“I caught on to that, Sherlock. He was asking me out.” She blinked. “Wait a second. You were jealous.”
“I was.”
“Oh my God, I can’t believe this.” She covered her mouth with a hand, but I still caught her giggle.
“You find this funny.”
“Yes.”
“Sienna, I think about you all the time. All. The. Time. This morning, I could barely concentrate on my call.”
She giggled. Again. I stepped closer, swallowing hard. I almost kissed her, just to see how she’d react.
“About those plans. I’m going to Burlington to talk to the board next weekend. If they think the rebranding is going to save the store, they could persuade the bank to vote for an extension of the credit line. I wanted to ask you to join me.”
“Wow. I... I didn’t expect that.”
“You’re smart. I think it would be a great opportunity for you to meet them.”
“Of course it would. But are you sure? It’s an important presentation.”
“And you’re more than up to being the one to present. Honestly. It might be even better if they hear certain things from you rather than me. Your enthusiasm is genuine.”
“Why Burlington?”
“That’s where the board meetings always are. It’s tradition to go to Vermont. Do you already have plans?”
“On Sunday, but I could shift them around.”
“No need. We can come back Saturday with the last plane. I’ll tell the travel agency to take care of the plane tickets and hotel.”
She bit her lip, running a hand through her hair.
“Come on, Sienna. It’s not like you to turn down an opportunity.”
“You’re getting better and better at those tricks.”
“No trick. I just know what you want. What fuels you, what motivates you.”
“Fine, I’ll come to Vermont. But just so you know, you’re playing dirty.”
“Nah, it’s just smart negotiating. Just like you did with me to convince me to join the Santa game at the party.”
“Hey, that’s different. It’s good for the team to see you as being one of them.”
“You think that’s why I said yes?”
Her eyes widened, and she gave me a nervous laugh. I knew exactly what she was nervous about. I also knew one thing for sure: things between us would change during the Christmas party. I’d see to it.
Chapter Thirteen
Sienna