A Princess By Christmas. Jennifer Faye

Santa back there mistaking us for a happy couple?”

      “That he needs a new pair of glasses.”

      “Surely being my girlfriend wouldn’t be so bad, would it?”

      Once stopped at a red light, Reese gave him a long look.

      He started to feel a bit paranoid, as though he had a piece of lettuce in his teeth or something. “What?”

      “I’m just looking for some sign that you hit your head when you were swinging that tree around.”

      “Very funny.” When she smiled, a funny sensation filled his chest. “You still haven’t answered my question. Would I make good boyfriend material?”

      She jerked her gaze forward just as the light changed. “You can’t be serious. We—we don’t even know each other. And I’m not looking for a relationship. Not with you. Not with anybody.”

      “Understood.” He was at last breaking through her calm reserve. He couldn’t push her too hard too fast. “I was just hoping your rejection of the idea of us being a couple wasn’t a personal one. After all, I showered and shaved today. My clothes are clean,” he teased. “And I carried that great big tree for you.”

      “That’s the best you can come up with?” She smiled and his breathing did that funny little tickle thing at the back of his throat again.

      “Pretty much. So if circumstances were different, would I stand a chance with you?”

      “I’ll give you this much, you are persistent.”

      “Or maybe I’m a glutton for punishment.” He sent her a pleading look.

      “And I’m sure those puppy eyes work on all of the ladies, don’t they?”

      He sat up a little straighter. “Is it working now?”

      The chime of laughter filled the truck. “If you aren’t a salesman, you certainly missed your calling.”

      Did that mean he’d sold her on the idea that he was worthy of a second or third look? He didn’t know why her answer had suddenly become so important to him. It wasn’t as though this part of his plan had to be implemented—yet.

      Still, he found himself enjoying the smile on her face. It lit up the night. She should definitely do it more often.

      Reese tramped the brakes a bit hard for a red light, jerking him against the seat belt. “I’m sure you’ll make some lucky lady the perfect boyfriend.”

      It was his turn to smile. “Thanks for the ringing endorsement. What would it take to tempt you to play the part?”

      “Of what? Your girlfriend?”

      In for a penny, in for a pound. “Yes.”

      She laughed. “Fine. If you must know, if by chance I was looking—which I’m not, but if I were—you might have a chance. But I seriously don’t have the time...if I was interested.”

      “Ouch.”

      “Is it your hands?”

      “No. It was my ego. It just took a direct hit.”

      She shook her head and smiled. “I’m sure you’ll survive.”

      He leaned back in the seat as she skillfully guided them homeward. With Reese behind the wheel, Alex relaxed enough to let his thoughts wander.

      How was it that someone so beautiful and entertaining could be single? Surely she wouldn’t be alone for long. The image of Reese in someone else’s arms took shape in his mind and with a mental jerk, he dismissed the unsettling idea. Her future relationships were none of his business. Period.