Billionaire Romance: Christmas Surprise (Book One) Read Online Free PDF Page B

them later.” She
pulled a five from her jeans and handed it over with an
apology.
    “Thanks, ma’am, and have a Merry
Christmas.”
    “You too,” she grinned along with Angel, who
sent her own holiday greetings in baby speak. “Now let’s see what
we have here, little girl.” She sat Angel on her play mat as she
opened the boxes to reveal a gorgeous evening gown with jewelry,
shoes and lingerie to match. “Wow, that’s gorgeous isn’t it,
sweetie?” Angel clapped and reached for the sparkly royal blue
gown.
    She looked inside a small bag to find
mistletoe and a note. “For the kisses we haven’t shared yet,” it
read. She blushed. The last box was much smaller and she wondered
at its contents. When she opened it, a tear tracked down her face.
It was a silver locket shaped like an angel. Inside was a photo of
Angel on one side and a photo of her holding Angel on the other.
“It’s beautiful,” she said with a shaky voice.
    “I knew he was smitten!”
    Flora’s voice startled her. “I doubt that.
This is about sex or gratitude, maybe both.” She wasn’t naïve
enough to think these gifts meant his feelings for her had changed,
just as she wasn’t desperate enough to accept whatever little
affection he was willing to give her. She could admit now that,
despite his arrogance and mistrust of her, she had developed
feelings for him.
    Dumbest mistake of her life. She knew
choosing him as her first lover would complicate her feelings.
Luckily, she would be gone soon and Dean Harwood would be a distant
memory.
    “I wouldn’t be so sure, Krista. Dean doesn’t
make sweet gestures like this unless he’s invested. I’d say he’s
invested in you.” Her cloudy grey eyes twinkled with delight.
“Good, this house is in need of a woman’s touch and a child’s
laughter.”
    “This house has you and now Angel. That’s
more than most homes.” Including her own. “Why would he buy me
something as impractical as an evening gown?”
    “My guess is it’s his way of inviting you to
the Harwood Industries annual Christmas Ball. It’s in two days and
a lovely night. My Harold and I go every year.”
    She smiled sadly. It was a good thought, but
she wanted--no she needed --to be with Angel. She couldn’t
spend any of her last few nights away from Angel for a fairytale
that would never be more than pretend. “I can’t go.”
    “Of course you can, dear. Harold’s brother
broke his leg so he’s upstate helping on the farm for a few days,
leaving me all free for a date with my favorite little girl.” She
watched Flora lift Angel in the air and kiss her tummy, making her
sweet laughter ring out.
    “You should go, Flora. This night means more
to you since you work for Dean. I’ll stay here with Angel.”
    “No one is staying here.” Dean’s voice
boomed loudly from the entrance to the sitting room. He held up a
tiny garment bag. “I have a dress for Angel in here, and Flora, I
have it on good authority that you’ve already purchased a dress for
the ball.”
    Flora blushed and swatted a hand in his
direction. “You’re too kind, Dean. Some woman is going to be lucky
to be on the receiving end of all that goodness.”
    “Let’s hope so,” he said and turned his
green gaze to Krista.
    “I’ll just take the little one with me while
you two…talk.”
    ~
    “Well she’s about a subtle as a freight
train,” Krista joked as she delicately laid the dress back inside
the large box. Her wide blue eyes turned to him. “Thanks for the
locket. It’s beautiful.”
    He took in her blond curls, wilder today
than normal, probably thanks to Angel’s curious fingers. Her blue
eyes sparkled, but they were sad too. “I’m glad you liked it,” his
voice was gruff even to his own ears. She didn’t even mention the
larger pieces he’d bought to go with her ball gown.
    “I really do. Thanks.” She stood and wrapped
her arms around his waist, squeezing tight. “It was very
thoughtful, Dean. But I can’t accept