Sweet Cinderella (A Christmas Novella) (The Klaus Brothers Book 4) by Penny Watson Read Free Book Online

wanted Hannah.
    He crouched down on the floor next to the boys. “I thought we could head over to Rockefeller Plaza for some ice skating today. I made reservations for us. What do you boys think about that idea?”
    The twins paused for a beat, and then they both screamed and jumped in the air. Gregor chuckled at their enthusiasm.
    “Mom. Please. Please. Mom. Can we go? Please. Please say yes . . .”
    “Say yes, say yes, say yes, say—”
    Hannah held up a hand. “Stop. I’m sorry, Mr. Klaus . . .”
    “Call me Gregor. I insist.” There was no way he was letting her ignore the intimacy they shared last night.
    She huffed out an aggravated sigh. “Fine.
Gregor.
I’m sorry, but the skating is too expensive for us . . .”
    “I’m treating you. We didn’t get to finish our ‘date’ last night, so I decided we’d finish today. With the boys. If that’s okay with them.”
    “It is
so
okay!” Matteo jumped off the back of the sofa.
    Hannah stepped closer to Gregor, and he had to fight the urge to pull her into his arms.
    “What do you think you’re doing? And how did you find out where I live?” she whispered furiously. “And we cannot afford that outing . . .”
    “That’s a lot of questions, Hannah De Luca Andersen. I have my sources. And I insist on treating all of you today.”
    She frowned at him. “I’m sure last night was just a bump in the road. You could be socializing with anyone from high society, and you’re here? I don’t get it.”
    He leaned down, closer to her. So close he could see the dark shadows under her eyes. He wanted to kiss them away. “I’m not in the least bit interested in socializing with high society. I’m here because I want to be here. You can’t possibly believe that our chemistry last night was . . .
faked
? Is that what you think?”
    “I—I don’t know. I don’t know what to think.” Her eyes filled with worry.
    He rubbed his thumb over her pale cheekbone. “Sweetheart, that was as real as it gets. And I’m here for one simple reason. I want to get to know you better. And the twins. Please let me treat you to a day of fun. Say yes.”
    He held his breath while she debated the invitation. The boys continued to bounce and beg.
    He reached out and took her hand. “
Please.
”
    She finally shook her head and laughed. “Have you ever been out in New York with five-year-old twin boys?” She had a gleam in her eye.
    “Um, no. I can’t say that I have.” Gregor played along.
    She folded her arms across her chest. “When was the last time you went skating?”
    He hesitated. “Um . . . it’s been a while. But I’m sure it’s like riding a bike.”
    Hannah surveyed him from head to toe. “You’re wearing a suit and tie, a camel wool topcoat, fancy shoes, and a cashmere scarf. You don’t look like you’re dressed for a day of skating with five-year-olds.”
    “You think I’m overdressed for our outing?”
    She smirked. “Yes.”
    He laughed. “Don’t worry about me. I’ll manage.”
    “Be careful what you wish for. This might just be your undoing.” She turned to the twins. “Okay, boys. Since Mr. Klaus has made such a generous offer, we might as well join him for the day.”
    Matteo and Anthony screamed and rolled around on the floor.
    Gregor cleared his throat. “Hopefully skating will tire them out a bit.”
    Hannah raised a brow. “Good luck with that.” She patted the boys on the back. “You two need to get dressed for skating. Warm jeans and sweaters. You know the drill.”
    The twins raced to their room.
    Gregor slid his arm around Hannah’s waist. He felt her tense up. “You ran from me last night. Why?”
    She tried to pull away from his touch, but he only tightened his grip. She wasn’t escaping him again.
    “You don’t understand. I got a text from the babysitter. Matteo had a bad dream. He used to have them a lot after David died. It’s gotten better, but I haven’t been out for a while. I guess he got