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Oblivious to the clerk trying to marry us off, Paul had knelt down to admire the train set rimming the display model’s tree skirt. His eyes had a distant cast to them, and his half-smile made my heartbeat faster. I knelt next to him.
“Paul,” I whispered urgently. “Get the train.”
“Why?” He frowned, but his gaze was still on the train chugging around the tracks. “A train probably won’t show up in the proposal photos.”
“Get Brandon to put the ring box on one of the coal cars.” Tapping my temple, I tried to come up with more ideas before he could talk himself out of it. “Or load the cattle car with candy canes for him.”
Paul wouldn’t buy the train for himself, but he would for Brandon. I’d happily use that excuse because Paul needed this train.
“All right,” he allowed at last, standing back up.
“Good choice,” the clerk enthused. “Only one box left of that too. I’ll grab the tree and train both for you.”
“See?” Straightening my coat as I also stood, I grinned at Paul. “This was meant to be.”
“I see.” Tone solemn, he was studying my face intently. The air seemed to quicken, all my nerve endings vibrating. Something was happening. What, I wasn’t sure, but something. “Do you want dinner after this?”
“Out?” Was Paul asking me on a date? Yes. The answer was yes.
“If you want. I was thinking more of cooking for you.”
“Even better.” I wasn’t simply being polite. I ate far more takeout than I should. Someone cooking for me was a treat I wasn’t about to turn down.
“I have some meat in the fridge. Wait. Do you eat meat?”
“Yes, Paul, I eat meat.” I snickered like a twelve-year-old. “That sounds great.”
“Good. You can help set up the tree while I cook.” His tone was very matter-of-fact, but my heart still beat faster. Visualizing the scene alone was enough to give me goose bumps.
“It’s a…” I trailed off because I didn’t want to risk spooking him by calling it a date if it was more about him being hungry.
“Plan,” he supplied with a rare full smile.
“Yes. Exactly.” His understanding was a gift, a rare one. I had many friends and acquaintances, but few got me on the level Paul seemed to. And not only did he understand, but he seemed to embrace my bossy nature and obsession with details. And like the best gifts, I couldn’t wait to unwrap Paul under that tree. Soon.
Chapter Fifteen
Needed: some tenors! Our group is short two tenors for our turn caroling in the square! All are welcome. Please message me if you can sing! ~Randolph Clark posted to the What’s up Neighbor app
Paul
“I can help now. The pork chops and potatoes are finishing in the oven,” I announced as I returned to my living room to check on Gideon and the tree. Jim had been supervising my cooking, but she followed along behind me. “Put me to work.”
“Well, the hard part is done.” Holding a string of lights, Gideon gestured at the tree, which truly was huge. It filled out the corner nicely though. Gideon would probably call it a focal point or some such. “It came with lights already wired on, but I’m adding a few additional strands.”
“I see.” I helped him finish draping the lights along the fluffy branches. “Nice assembly job on the tree.”
“Thank you. It was mainly just branch fluffing.” His eyes twinkled when he said fluffing, and the back of my neck heated. “The tree parts snap together. I didn’t even need to go back home for my drill.”
“I have plenty of tools here.”
“Yes, but do you have my favorite drill?” Gideon’s smile widened, and the only thing preventing me from tumbling him backward onto the couch was the prospect of burnt dinner.
“Somehow, I’m not surprised you have a favorite tool.” I shook my head.
“I do.” Gideon’s expression turned hot. Possessive. I’d walked right into that one, and hell, charred meat might be a risk I’d have to take, especially when he added, “Now, you can have the top.”
“Uh…”
