Page 7 of The Present

Chuckling, he shook his head. “We weren’t as serious as you seem to think we were. At least I wasn’t. Apparently, Janice wasn’t either.” His face sobered. “I was annoyed with her tonight, especially that she didn’t even have the common courtesy to tell me she was breaking up with me to my face. Bringing you into what should have been a private moment between us was shitty as hell. And abominably unkind to you.”

“I’m used to that.” All her life, really.

“Well, you shouldn’t be.” He smoothed the jacket again, running his hands down the sleeves, setting the tingles all over her body. “You’re a nice person, Tess. One I want to get to know better.”

The light was so damned poor she could only see parts of his face, but he smiled at her and his eyes had a hopeful gleam.

“I’d like that too, Hal.” More than a little.

His smile deepened as his hand cupped her chin. Raised it just enough to brush his lips across hers.

Heat poured through her, making her so hot she might actually steam in the cold air.

“Six o’clock tonight?” Another brush of his lips set her on fire, this time in her innermost core.

“Uh huh.” Her voice had taken on a deeper tone she didn’t recognize. “You know where I live?”

“Text me.” He pulled away and handed her his phone.

Hands shaking, she entered her phone number. “Ping me and I’ll text you.”

“Will do.” He opened her door. “See you this evening.”

Tess smiled at him but hurried into the car. When he wasn’t touching her, she could feel the cold all too well, jacket or not. She shut the door then he motioned for her to lower the window.

“You don’t want to forget this.” He handed her the red velvet box and grinned. “I also wanted to say ‘Merry Christmas,’ Tess. You are the best present I ever got.” He leaned in for a final kiss that seared her lips, then he was gone.

Tess watched him walk away, then gazed at the box in her hand and opened it. The earrings caught the scant light and twinkled like stars. She stared at the cold jewels in her hand then glanced at the warm man retreating across the parking lot. “You’re the best present I ever got too. Merry Christmas, Hal.”