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Neither of them directs any comments toward me. I guess they realize I’m not friendly and kind like she is. Accurate.
Once she slides the last green bean into her luscious mouth, I lean over and brush my lips to her temple. “Ready angel?”
A shudder jolts her, and she nods eagerly. “Yes, thank you for lunch.”
“My pleasure.”
I stack our empty plates and rise, keeping my free hand on her lower back once she stands too. Waving good-bye to the couple, she wishes them fun and recommends the horse drawn carriage. Literally I have to drag her away before she invites them to join us. After I deposit our trash in the bin, I tug her to me. “Where next?”
Tension seems to fill her small body as she stiffens in my embrace.
“Um…if you’re ready to go, we can leave. I know this probably isn’t your thing. And it’s totally okay. I just appreciate you bringing me and spending so much money on me. It was really fun. Even more than I remember, and I never—”
“Still.” I press my fingertips to her parted lips ending her nervous discourse. Instantly obedient, she quiets and stares up at me.
God she’s amazing.
I slide my hand to her cheek and caress the cold smooth skin. “What kind of man do you think I am?”
“I…” She swallows, getting her bearings. “I think you’re an important businessman who’s very busy.”
“I am very busy.” I grin down at her to alleviate the frown burgeoning on her face. “So, if I didn’t want to be here with you, then I wouldn’t be.”
The uncertainty remains despite my admission. Life has made her insecure, and I fucking hate her skepticism. “You never have to doubt me. I’m exactly where I want to be. You’re exactly who I want to be with.”
The lines above her eyes finally smooth, and she grins her bashful smile. “Me too.”
“Good. Then tell me what you want to do next.”
“We can check out the candles, if you want?”
Always with whatIwant. I’ve got to convince her to do whatshewants. “Done.”
I tuck her into me and guide her to the booths. We pass tables with ceramic figurines and personalized stockings before stopping in front of a stall with several shelves of various sizes and colors of glass jars. She picks up a green votive and brings the container to her nose, breathing deep.
“This one smells wonderful. What do you think?”
She holds out the tiny candle to me, and I breathe in the scent of evergreen. “I like it.”
My approval pleases her with the slight wiggle of her body. She nods and turns to the lady. “I’ll take two please.”
She glances backward and catches my gaze. “One for me and one for you.”
Ridiculous for this poor girl with barely enough money to feed herself wants to buy me something. Yet here she is handing over three dollars to the merchant. I want to stop her but know how embarrassed and devastated she would be if I refuse her.
So, I accept when she kisses my cheek and holds up the bag with excitement. I’ll just have to spoil her in other ways. “Thank you, angel.”
“You’re welcome. Now when we burn them, we’ll think of each other.”
“I’m always thinking of you Seraphina.”
Her innocent giggle entices me more than the seductive laughter women I used to find attractive would emanate. Funny how things change so quickly.
Deep notes from a violin resonate around us, and Seraphina’s chocolate eyes widen.
“That’sWe Three Kings. Let’s go check it out.”
She thanks the vendor and grabs my hand, leading us to the first stage. A lone woman wearing a huge silver coat with fur lining the hood around her face begins humming, accompanied by a trio of string musicians.
