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“As if I could be bored spending time with you. Let’s grab a coffee over at Réveille Coffee Company. But like I said, my sisters trained me to shop when I was a kid. Plus, I still need to pick up some things as well.”
Her heart flutter kicked and dove in her chest. “Coffee sounds perfect and I love that spot.”
Hand in hand, they meandered down the sidewalk, heading toward Chestnut Street, where the café was located. “And do you mind if we duck into City Lights Bookstore? I always buy my sisters books for Christmas.”
Okay, was he for real? “Absolutely. I was going to get my dad a book on renovations. My parents retired and moved down to Monterey not too long ago and they’re remodeling the cottage they bought.”
They reached the café, ordered two café au laits and a croissant to share. They settled into a small table by the street-front window when Trent’s phone buzzed. He glanced down and his lips curved up.
“It’s my sister Dani, do you mind?”
She waved a hand. “Of course not.”
The barista called her name, so she rose to fetch their drinks and snack. When she returned, he’d set down his phone.
“My sister is pleased with herself.” He rubbed his hand along his jaw and shook his head.
“Oh yeah?”
“She claims that since she set up my dating profile, she gets all the credit for us meeting.”
Laughter bubbled up in her throat. “That’s fair. So you told her about me?”
He reached for her hand. “You don’t mind, do you? She’s relentless and wanted all the details yesterday.”
Heat flooded her cheeks. “You didn’t give her details, did you?” Oh my god. How close was he with his sisters?
His lips twitched. “No way. She’s my baby sister. I just told her I’d met a special woman and we were spending more time together this weekend.”
“Only this weekend?” Her breath lodged in her throat.
“Camille, you’re just coming out of a long-term relationship. I want to keep seeing you but are you sure you’re ready? I don’t want to be your rebound guy.” His gaze grew serious.
Her heart skipped a beat or twenty. “I am ready. You aren’t my interim man, okay?”
His jaw softened. “Good. I really like you. Oh, and Dani invited you to Christmas––we have it at our parents’ house down in Redwood City.”
“What a sweet invitation. I can’t because I’m leaving for Monterey Thursday, but maybe we can have our own celebration Wednesday night?”
He shifted closer to her, his eyes gleaming with warmth. “I would love that. And I’d like to see you when you get home, too.”
Joy filled her. “It’s a date.”
“It’s just the beginning.” He lowered his mouth to hers.
She threaded her fingers through his thick hair and sank into his kiss. Trent Bell was every Christmas wish she’d ever had wrapped up into a perfect package.
EPILOGUE
One Year Later: At Local Edition
Trent checkedhis watch for the third time and glanced toward the bar’s entrance. Still empty. Tonight, Local Edition was packed because a famous jazz group from New Orleans was playing. He’d had to pay top dollar to snag a pair of tickets, but he’d have paid double to reserve the same table from last year. Where everything in his life changed.
Where fate delivered the most amazing woman to him, when he’d never expected to have another chance at love.
The waiter placed two tumblers of Red Breast 15 on two festive red and green napkins. The table’s white marble surface shone in the low twinkling lights of the club. Nerves skittered down his spine and he took a fortifying sip of the smooth liquor. Although part of him was thrumming with anticipation, a preternatural calm settled over him. For now.
Then, she appeared beside the table and his throat tightened. Tonight she wore dark jeans, a red velvet sweater that hugged her curves, and the ivory motorcycle jacket he’d surprised her with last Christmas. Her hair fell in loose waves around her face––her beauty slammed into him every time he saw her.
