Christmas Dinner (Crimson Romance) by Robyn Neeley Read Free Book Online Page A

the next exit,” she said, tugging on Tate’s sweater. “I need to pick up a few more comfy outfits for this weekend.”
    “You didn’t pack enough?”
    “I was kind of in a rush. It will be good to get out of the Jeep. Maybe grab something to eat.”
    Tate dutifully swerved off the highway onto the exit ramp and luckily found an empty parking space not too far from the stores. The main entrance was crowded with holiday shoppers racing in every direction.
    Amanda jumped out and shouted over the festive holiday music blasting from the outdoor speakers. “Okay, I’m going to find some jeans and sweaters. You . . .” Amanda reached inside Tate’s unzipped jacket and yanked on his sweater.
    “Do me a favor and buy a new one. Oh, and you probably should look for some warm gloves and boots. You’ll be spending a lot of time outside with my father and brother this weekend. We’ll meet in thirty minutes for a quick bite.”
    “Yes, ma’am!” Tate saluted. “Hey, why will I be spending a lot of time outside?”
    “You’ll see.” Amanda grinned, pushing him in the direction of the stores. “Soon, my dear boyfriend, you are going to experience first-hand what it’s like to be one of Santa’s elves.
    • • •
    Tate sat in the dressing room chair waiting for Amanda to emerge from her dressing room. She was probably right. He wasn’t so good in the romantic department.
    He thought back to their earlier conversation. She’d caught him off guard by bringing up the bus. It was best to let her continue thinking that was the first time they’d met—for now. When he told her the truth, he wanted it to be perfect.
    “Hey, Ace. You about done in there?” He reached in his coat pocket and pulled out his phone, scrolling through his e-mail. Since breaking the story, he had dozens of e-mails for follow-up interviews. He decided all of that could wait until after Christmas. He’d probably hand them over to Amanda, anyway. It was the right thing to do.
    “Almost.” Amanda stepped out of the dressing room wearing a black knit turtleneck sweater that hugged her body along with dark blue jeans. She surveyed herself in the three way mirror. “These jeans will do.”
    “That they will,” he muttered.
    She looked over shoulder. “Did you say something?”
    “No.” He grinned.
    Her hand reached back and into her sweater. “Can you do me a favor and rip the tag off? I think I’m going to wear it now. I can’t reach it.”
    Tate stared at her back. She wanted him to reach inside her sweater?
    “Can you see it?”
    “Sure.” He gently reached in and yanked on the tag. His fingers brushed against her neck. The slight feel of her skin sent an electric shock through him. “Here you go.” He handed her the tag. He cursed himself for feeling flushed from simply touching her neck.
    “Are you okay?” She looked over her shoulder again.
    “It’s warm in here.”
    She glanced one last time in the mirror. “Well, I’m done. I think I have everything I need.”
    She certainly did, and everything he needed. “So, Amanda . . .” He stood and juggled his bags filled with his recent purchases. “Do you have any questions for me?” Sure, he’d play the charade she’d orchestrated, but he wasn’t going to give up on her getting to know him. Maybe if she did, she’d realize they had a lot in common. Maybe she’d see him as real boyfriend material.
    Amanda went back into the stall and shut the door. “No. Not really. I’ll be quick. I just want to try on another pair of jeans.”
    From his chair, he watched the denim fabric fall to her pedicured feet. How he wished he was on the other side.
    He stood up and leaned his back on on the stall’s door. “No questions at all? We’ve been hot and heavy for a year. Surely, you have some questions that will help make our relationship more believable.”
    “Six months,” she corrected him. “No, I think I’m good.”
    “Excuse me. Six months. Don’t you want to know