Read Online A Mistletoe Kiss with the Boss by Susan Meier - Free Book Online Page B

going to buy the red one for myself.” She picked up the tag from the sleeve, glanced at the price and her mouth fell open. “Or not. I don’t think my parents paid this much for our last cow.”
    A laugh burst from Dean. “If you really want the red one, I’ll buy the red one too. But I’m asking nicely for you to wear the black one to the lunch.”
    â€œI can’t let you buy the red one,” she mumbled, turning to walk into the dressing room again.
    â€œWell, you’re going to need something to fly home in. You can’t wear those black pants and white shirt again.”
    The curtain flew closed in a resounding swish. She was mad.
    She was mad?
    Why?
    He approached the closed curtains and called out, “I’m happy to buy the red dress.”
    â€œJust stop.” The order came from behind the curtain. “I have plenty of clothes at home. I don’t need the red dress and before you get to harping about what I’m wearing home, I am not going to let you pay God knows what for a pair of blue jeans.”
    Ignoring her, Dean motioned to Jennifer to get a pair of jeans, knowing she’d have Kristen’s size from choosing the dresses that day and the gown the day before. Then he pointed at the sweaters.
    When she returned, he whispered, “Add shoes or boots and socks...whatever else she’s going to need to stay this extra day.”
    Jennifer disappeared into the racks as Kristen walked out. Her chin high, she headed toward the cash register. “I do not want the red dress.”
    He said, “Fine.”
    She stopped, faced him. “You’re losing an argument?”
    â€œNo. I’m simply not arguing over something stupid. I was happy to buy you the dress as a thank-you.”
    â€œWouldn’t we have to draw up another agreement for that?”
    He sighed. “I’m not that bad.”
    â€œNo. But for a guy who talks about balance you certainly don’t see my side of the story.”
    â€œAnd what side is that?”
    â€œThat I don’t want to take gifts. I have some pride. And I have a job. I can afford to buy my own clothes. I just can’t afford to buy them in this shop.”
    â€œOkay.”
    Her eyebrows rose. “You’re losing another argument?”
    He shook his head. “No. I’m doing what you told me to do. I’m seeing your side of things.”
    â€œGood.”
    â€œGood.”
    He directed her to walk to the checkout, where Jen stood beaming. He guessed she worked on commission.
    She scanned the tag on the black knit dress and a black wool coat. “I noticed that your coat is hip length and to wear a dress you’ll need a longer one.” She smiled hopefully. “I picked the most useful, inexpensive coat we have.”
    Kristen nodded.
    Jennifer scanned the tag of a pair of black stilettoes. She looked up at Kristen. “I remembered your shoe size from yesterday. The shoes you wore under the gown had such a small heel. I think you’ll need these.”
    This time Kristen sighed.
    Dean quietly said, “I don’t know a lot about women’s shoes but we’ve trusted Jennifer so far. If she says you need the shoes, you probably need the shoes.”
    Kristen rolled her eyes.
    Jennifer shoved the shoes into a shopping bag, then picked up a pair of jeans and a bright red sweater.
    â€œI hope those are for Stella.”
    He cleared his throat. “You know you need something to fly home in.”
    She eyed the red sweater.
    Dean saw the flicker of longing that sparked in her eyes before she could bank it, and he said a word he didn’t often say. “Please.” What was the point of having money if he couldn’t spend it to make someone happy?
    She faced him. “It’s not a gift? It’s not you saying thank you to me? It’s a necessity?”
    He nodded. “Absolutely. Unless you want to wash out your blouse in the sink