Wrapped Up in a Beau by Angelita Gill Read Free Book Online Page B

knew they probably thought along those lines to some degree.
    All except Sophie. In her letters, she hailed Greta’s carefree lifestyle, by turns describing her “ordinary” life in Swan’s Crossing with her colorful family. The cantankerous grandfather, the controlling mother, the indifferent father and the bachelor brother. They were far from the ideal family unit, but despite their differences, they were close. Especially Mason and Sophie.
    They believed in keeping their family legacies alive. Greta envied siblings with such a relationship.
    The next day, while she drove to Galore, Greta was determined to put Mason and his heart-stopping kiss out of her mind. She had plans to go shopping with Sophie and Anne, go out for dinner, then curl up by the fire with her journal and radio.
    As she pushed in the door to the shop, she wiped her boots on the mat. No customers were inside. “Leo?” Stripping off her scarf, she walked toward the counter as the Italian came out, grinning.
    â€œThere’s my Christmas angel! I have a feeling it’s going to be extra busy today.”
    â€œPerfect. The busier I am the better.”
    His meaty hands rested on his hips. “Funny. That’s what Renclair said.”
    Greta stopped so sharply, her shoes made a loud squeak on the floor. “Who?”
    Leo didn’t have to repeat the name as Mason stepped out from the back, all fresh and handsome as ever in a casual button-up. “Hi, Greta.”
    You sly devil.
    â€œSophie told me you’d asked for more help. Since she couldn’t be here, and I had some time on my hands, I volunteered in her place.”
    Greta pasted on a polite smile. “How thoughtful of her to enlist you.”
    Leo beamed. “Now I can give my customers even better service. I’ve already showed him a few things. The man catches on quick! Hardly surprising since he runs a corporation, no?” He leaned in, cupping a hand to the side of his mouth. “Plus he’s doing it for free. I’m a blessed man this Christmas.” A customer walked in. “Mrs. Vickers!” He turned to greet the elderly woman.
    Greta crooked her finger at Mason, and walked past him into a tiny office. He followed her with a knowing smile. When she turned to give him a piece of her mind, she found herself a little too flustered to speak. Even with his sleeves rolled up, black hair slightly disheveled and chocolate on his chin, he was more attractive than ever. Her heart was still thumping at the sight, the nearness. How dare he spoil her innocent day with his sexiness?
    She lightly pushed at him with one hand. “If you’re feeling charitable, you should spread your holiday spirit elsewhere. Your mother is the head of several committees. There must be a dozen places where you can volunteer.”
    â€œThis is one of them. Is it so bad I showed up?” He took a step closer to her, and though she wanted to move back, she didn’t. “I can’t stop thinking about you,” he murmured. “And trust me, I’ve tried.”
    Ditto. She lost the ability to breathe for a second, and swallowed. “You’re no different from any other man I’ve known, Mason. You just like the chase.”
    His brow furrowed and he appeared offended. “No, I like you. If you ended the chase right now, and agreed to go out with me, I’d like you even more.”
    â€œI said I would think about it, and I did. The answer is no.”
    â€œWhy? Give me a reason I can understand.”
    â€œI already did. You’re Sophie’s brother, and I don’t date the locals.” And a few other, private, reasons why. She sensed once their match was lit, a whole blaze would start. Though she’d taken part in a brief affair or two in the past, it wouldn’t be very wise right now. Her attitude had changed; she wanted to go back to England, meet someone special, perhaps start a family. Giving in to