Page 35 of Home for the Holidays

“I don’t want or need a ring or a fancy party,” I tell her. “I just want the commitment.”

She points at me. “Now all you have to do is talk to Jake. Make sure you’re on the same page.”

As if it’s that easy…

And when I get back to the apartment and find a black carrier bag from a designer boutique in it and pull out a gorgeous sequined dress in just my size… I think it might be.

fourteen

. . .

Jake

When Rachel walks out of her bedroom, my jaw hits the floor.

“Holy fuck.”

Her cheeks flush. “Should I change?”

Rising from the couch, I make my way over to her. I take her hand and brush my thumb over the back of her knuckles. “No. Never change.”

After MacGregor’s jawing about the party, I decided to treat her right. Larsson gave me the name of the boutique where he buys Vanessa presents and I had a dress and shoes delivered. I wanted to suggest she get her hair and makeup done after her nail appointment, too, but I didn’t want to overstep. I don’t want to change her or dress her up like a doll. I just want her to feel good in her skin.

At least Hailey convinced her to get a massage after their nails. She deserves to be pampered.

She deserves the world.

And looking at her now, wearing a floor-length sequined gown with a deep dip in the front, clinging in all the right places, her hair done and her makeup emphasizing her features…

She takes my breath away.

I swallow hard.

“You look… amazing,” I manage around the lump in my throat.

Rachel looks away, and my finger on her chin forces her eyes up to meet mine.

“You look amazing,” I repeat. “I’m torn between staying here all night and taking you out on the town and showing you off.”

“It’s just… hair. And makeup.” She waves a hand. “It’s nothing.”

Do I like her done up? Yeah.

I also like her fresh-faced, no makeup, wearing old, worn sweatpants and my t-shirt. I like her wearing her blazers and blouses for work. I like her naked and sweaty in my bed.

Basically, I just like her. The hair and makeup is just gift wrap on top of the present.

She brushes some invisible lint off my shoulder. “I like the suit.”

I’ve chosen a dark, navy blue suit with a blue and white checked shirt and a dark yellow tie. I wear suits all the time—every time I head to the arena, it’s a suit, required by the league. I was never a clothes-hound until I got into the league. Then it seemed like all the guys were into suits and fashion, fast cars, and golf. I still have no interest in golf. Two out of the three ain’t bad.

Tonight, I’ve put thought into my outfit, coordinating with her navy blue sequined dress. I want us to look like two pieces of a matching set rather than two people haphazardly thrown together. Like it or not, she owns me. And I like it. I like it a lot.

We make our way down to the garage and I open the door for her. Before, I was hesitant about touching her, too nervous about upsetting her or making her uncomfortable.

Now, though, my hand sits on her knee like it belongs there.

She tells me about her day, about seeing Van and getting to know Hailey better. She even suggested Hailey join their book club. I’m glad she’s getting along with my friends.