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

entire day. They were connected at all times. As though he were afraid she would try to run again.
    When they finally returned to her apartment, Gregor’s shirt was unbuttoned, sleeves rolled up, tie gone. His hair was slightly ruffled from their windy walk home. The boys were exhausted but brimming with excitement. Matteo, who had complained of getting chilly, was wrapped in Gregor’s gorgeous cashmere scarf which now had chocolate stains on it. Hannah was horrified, but Gregor had simply shrugged and said, “Today was worth a few stains.” He’d treated them to a magical day. No matter what happened with him in the future, she would always be grateful for that.
    Hannah sent the twins to get ready for bed. She stared at Gregor uncomfortably, not sure about the protocol for ending this unexpected date. “Well . . . thank you. I’m sure you’re eager to get back home for some peace and quiet . . .”
    He shook his head. “Not really.”
    “Gregggggggggggor!” Matteo screamed loud enough to wake the neighbors.
    Gregor chuckled. “What’s up?”
    “Come see our room. You can read us a bedtime story.”
    Gregor turned to Hannah. “Is that okay? Do you mind?”
    “Uh . . . no. That’s fine,” she sputtered. She couldn’t believe Gregor wasn’t racing for a quick exit.
    Anthony grabbed Gregor’s hand and dragged him into their room, as she followed behind. “This is my leaf collection. And my rock collection. And my stick collection.” He pointed to his favorite things.
    Gregor laughed. “A future naturalist. I’ll bet your mom loves all the rocks and sticks in your apartment.”
    Hannah rolled her eyes. “No comment.”
    “This is my side of the room. I have a Nerf basketball set. I’m really good. Do you play basketball?” Matteo tossed Gregor a Nerf ball.
    Gregor bobbled the ball in his hands. “Can’t say that I have. Although my brother Oskar has a hoop in his office.”
    “We’ll teach you!” Matteo shot a Nerf ball toward the net hanging on his wall.
    Anthony jumped into the air and deflected the ball with ease. “Denied!” he yelled. “Here, Gregor.” He passed him the ball.
    Gregor attempted a shot. The ball ricocheted off the rim.
    “Good try,” Matteo said. “But no cigar!”
    Hannah leaned against the wall to watch the game. “His grandpa taught him that expression.”
    Gregor shot another ball toward the net. It bounced off the backboard. He frowned. “What am I doing wrong?”
    “You’re shooting too hard. Lighten up,” Matteo said.
    “More arc!” Anthony added.
    Gregor took shot after shot and still had no luck. The look on his face was comical. It was obvious he was not used to failure.
    Hannah bit her lip to keep from laughing.
    “Any more pointers? I’m not getting the hang of this.” Gregor practically growled the words.
    Anthony grabbed onto Gregor’s hands. “You’re whipping the ball too hard. It’s a Nerf ball, Gregor. Not a real basketball. Try it like this.” Anthony lightly tossed the ball into the air and it plopped right into the net.
    Gregor followed his lead, and the ball sank in. “That worked!” He high-fived Anthony.
    Matteo cringed. “Uh-oh. Now he knows the secret. Time for some defense.” Matteo tackled Gregor and tried to snatch the ball.
    Gregor teased the boys with the ball just out of reach, and finally he banked a shot into the hoop.
    Anthony giggled. “Every man for himself!”
    All three of them grabbed Nerf balls from the bin and began to shoot. Hannah watched the game in silence, shocked by Gregor’s transformation. His shirttails were hanging out, and he was laughing just as much as the boys. When the twins double-teamed him, he tossed the ball to Hannah. She took a shot and the ball sank right in.
    “I want Hannah on my team next time,” Gregor announced.
    “Mom’s really good at this game. She’s had lots of practice.”
    “You’re looking rumpled, Mr. Klaus.”
    Gregor stared down at his disheveled