A Mistletoe Kiss with the Boss
Dean’s expression shifted from determined to confused.
But Jennifer seemed to love that tidbit. “This explains so much about yesterday,” she said enthusiastically. She faced Dean. “From the things she chose while she was with Stella, I know that you can trust her taste.” She turned to Kristen. “And I agree with you. The right sweater dress will be more than appropriate.”
She motioned to the dressing room. “Give me two seconds to pull my three favorites.”
Dean scowled.
But as Jennifer walked away, Kristen laughed. “Who would you rather do business with? Someone who cowers or someone who knows what she’s doing?”
He sighed and brushed his hand in the direction of the curtained-off changing area. “Just go get ready to try on the dresses.”
She slipped into the mirrored room and removed her pants and shirt. Jennifer stepped in holding three sweater dresses.
“The red,” she said, hanging it on the first hook, “Because I think you’ll look beautiful in it. Blue because it’s a little more sedate for Grumpy Pants out there. And black because I know his type. He’ll pick the black because he doesn’t want anyone looking at you.”
Kristen’s face flushed with color. “He’s really not possessive.”
“Oh, honey, they’re all possessive. But if you don’t believe me. Start with the red, give him the heart attack he wants to have, move on to the blue and go to the black. He’ll pick the black.”
Doing as she had been told, Kristen slipped into the red dress. The soft knit clung to her curves, but not obnoxiously. It just looked like a pretty dress.
When she stepped out of the dressing room, Dean’s back was to her. She said, “Here’s dress one,” and he turned around.
* * *
Seeing Kristen in the red dress, Dean swore his heart exploded. It nicely cruised her curves but not indecently. It was a pretty dress that complimented a gorgeous figure. And it came to her knees. There was nothing to be upset about.
But blonde, green-eyed Kristen was certainly heart-stopping in the striking red dress. Then he realized it wasn’t the dress. It was Kristen. In anything other than black pants and a white shirt, she was going to be a knockout.
He tried to say something, but his tongue was stuck to the roof of his mouth.
Jennifer laughed. “Let’s try the blue one.”
She shooed Kristen into the curtained off room and in a few minutes Kristen returned in the blue knit dress.
“Wow.” Okay. He’d tried to stop that but couldn’t. The blue dress somehow highlighted the pale green color of her eyes and made her look spectacular. “That’s...” He cleared his throat. “Very pretty.”
Jennifer smiled. “Okay. On to dress three.”
This time, Kristen emerged in a black dress. It looked simple and elegant. Yes, it still accented the same perfect figure, but not quite so enthusiastically.
“I like this one.”
Jennifer laughed, but Kristen said, “I like the red!” Her eyes narrowed. “And you liked the red too.”
He sucked in a breath. He’d been struck speechless by the red. She’d have had to be blind not to see that. “I did.”
“Then why are we picking the black one?”
“Because I don’t want Winslow or his friends to have a stroke.”
She sighed. “Okay. You know what? I’m going to buy the red one for myself.” She picked up the tag from the sleeve, glanced at the price and her mouth fell open. “Or not. I don’t think my parents paid this much for our last cow.”
A laugh burst from Dean. “If you really want the red one, I’ll buy the red one too. But I’m asking nicely for you to wear the black one to the lunch.”
“I can’t let you buy the red one,” she mumbled, turning to walk into the dressing room again.
“Well, you’re going to need something to fly home in. You can’t wear those black pants and white shirt again.”
The curtain flew closed in a resounding swish. She was mad.
She was mad?
Why?
He approached the closed curtains and called out, “I’m happy to buy the red dress.”
“Just stop.” The order came from behind the curtain. “I have plenty of clothes at home. I don’t need the red dress and before you get to harping about what I’m wearing home, I am not going to let you pay God knows what for a pair of blue jeans.”