“Perfect.”
He kissed her again before she pulled away for a quick trip to the bathroom. One glance in the mirror above the sink proved that while she did look rough from sleeping in her makeup, she did appear better rested.
She rinsed her mouth with water, finger-brushed her hair even more and headed out to be on her way home.
Rhys waited, looking like he’d splashed his face somewhere else in the suite if his spiky lashes were any indication.
“Are you ready?”
“You don’t have to come with me.”
“A gentleman sees his date home.” He tilted his head toward the door, and they left, once again using the service elevator.
Downstairs, Axel waited at the side of the building. She was quickly tucked into the vehicle, and they were on their way to the lot in seconds.
Like she’d feared, Buck waited for her to show up. The thirty-something man scowled when he saw her get out of the back of the fancy Mercedes, and Sara flushed when Buck gave them both a once over, like he could tell they’d spent the night together. Even though nothing had happened other than a few kisses during the movie.
“Hi, Buck. Thanks for bringing the new load.”
“You okay, Sara? I got worried when you didn’t answer. I even called a few times.”
Sara refused to look at Rhys. “I’m fine. My phone died, and— The trees look great. I’m sure they’ll sell well.”
Buck continued to glare at Rhys, who stared right back. She glanced between them, finally realizing the two were engaged in a silent battle for dominance.
Buck had liked her for years, but she’d never returned his feelings. And while she and Rhys weren’t really a couple, both men shot daggers as though staking a claim. “Rhys, this is Buck, my dad’s farm manager. Buck, this is Rhys.”
Rhys’s hand slid up her back to her neck where he gently but firmly squeezed in a gentle massage.
“Nice to meet you, Buck.”
Buck dipped his head but didn’t return the greeting.
“Well, Buck, I appreciate you unloading them and getting things set up. I’m sure you want to get back on the road.”
“I can stay the night and pitch in. I’m sure you’ll be busy once people see the lot is restocked.”
“No need,” Rhys said. “I’ll help her.”
She jerked her head toward him and saw Rhys still stared at the other man. “You’ll…helpme? Sell Christmas trees?”
Rhys finally broke his glare to look at her, amusement in his gaze at her audible surprise.
He used his hold on her to tug her close enough to drop a kiss to the top of her head and murmur, “Of course, sweet Sara. I am at your service.”
ChapterSixteen
That’s not a tree, Sara.”
“It’s perfect. It’s…whimsical.”
Thirty minutes later, after seeing a visibly upset Buck back on the road toward the farm, they stood inside the tiny camper staring at thelimbSara had chosen as her tabletop tree.
There were prettier ones among those available outside, and he didn’t know if she simply didn’t want to take a better tree from those provided or if it was a sympathy thing. He leaned toward believing it was Sara’s soft heart that did the choosing for her.
She’d seen the tree and instantly veered toward it. The smallest tree there, it fell over at the top like the Drakes’ tired toddler draped across his father’s shoulder. “Sara…”
“Rhys,” she said in the same tone.
