Christmas Choices Read Online Free

as she continued to eat with enthusiasm. He couldn’t help but smile at her. “I can’t believe you’ve never been here before. How can you love burgers and not come to Danny’s? They’re the best around.”
    She nodded her head, took another bite with closed eyes, and savored the sandwich. A bit of mustard hung on the corner of her mouth, and her tongue peeked out and snatched it.
    Kellen’s pulse quickened again. He concentrated on his own food to keep his mind occupied. He needed to quit finding everything this woman did so damned cute. Now he cursed himself for agreeing to take her to Garret’s on Thursday . The more distance between them the better.

Chapter Five
    T hursday afternoon Kellen found himself anxious as he drove to Rhian’s house. They had spoken on the phone earlier that morning. Her father had agreed to the prices, and her grandfather had agreed to the changes and the addition.
    He pulled up in front of Rhian’s apartment building. It was a nice place for a rich girl to live. Old oak trees, heavy with Spanish moss, lined the cobblestone street in front of the two-story, redbrick structure. A wrought iron gate to the left of the building led to a large courtyard. Christmas lights were everywhere. Even the street lamps were decorated with holly and festive lights. He pulled his phone out and hit the call button. Rhian answered on the third ring, sounding out of breath.
    “Are you here already? Just let me throw on my T-shirt and I’ll be right down. I’m so sorry.”
    “No problem, take your time.” He clicked the phone off. He pictured her up there in just a bra, looking for a T-shirt. He closed his eyes, sighed, and counted to ten. I’m so not going there. When he opened his eyes, she was walking along the pathway toward him. She wore a pair of tight blue jeans with her hair pulled back into a high ponytail. Both the jeans and teal T-shirt hugged her curves just right. “Down boy,” he whispered when he felt himself harden. Get a hold of yourself. Shit.
    He leaned over and opened the door, pushing it out so she could step into the truck. From the look on her face, he could tell men routinely opened the car door and helped her into the vehicle. He glanced away as she got in, disgusted with himself to have forgotten that simple little gesture. “Hey, how are you today? Anymore news on your grandfather?” he asked as he waited for her to buckle the belt.
    “He is doing wonderfully. He might come home in a few days. The doctor said he's made a remarkable recovery for a man his age. Thanks for asking about him, Kellen. He’s an important part of my life.” She turned toward him, a smile lighting up her entire face. “I’m so excited to look at the appliances. Isn’t that ridiculous?”
    “No, it’s not. I think having the correct tools for any trade is really important.” They pulled away from the curb, turning left at the next road to head toward the highway. “You want to talk or listen to music?”
    “We can’t do both?” she asked, cocking her head sideways to look at him. “I can listen to music and talk, can’t you?”
    “I’m giving you a choice instead of assuming.” He shrugged his shoulders. Can’t I do anything right around her?
    Her eyes widened when she realized his attempt to be polite. She giggled. “Sorry, I was just trying to be funny. Sure, we can listen to music. What kind do you listen to? We could find a station with Christmas music if you want.”
    “Except for Christmas music, I pretty much like anything. Old rock, blues, some country. What about you?” Kellen found he wanted to learn more about her.
    “Pretty much anything but rap or jazz.” She reached for the knob and turned on the stereo. Bob Seager’s “Turn the Page” blared from the speakers. She glanced over at him, and he quickly turned the speakers down.
    “Sorry. When I’m by myself, I like it a bit loud.” He actually felt the heat brush across his face.
    “I do the same thing