Chapter Twelve
“I like this one.” Zach pointed to a tree, and Tilly immediately shook her head.
“Are you kidding me?” She grabbed the trunk and gave it a shake.
Needles fell to the ground, releasing a pine scent, which Tilly inhaled.
She’d been right about how Zach’s cologne reminded her of Christmas trees.
The second they’d walked onto the lot, she’d been surrounded by the smell from the man beside her and the trees in front of her. She loved every second of it.
“How did you know the tree wasn’t a good one?” Zach asked.
Tilly shrugged. “When you grow up around flowers and plants, not to mention you’ve bought many a Christmas tree over the years, you recognize the signs of one that has lost a little bit of its sparkle.”
Zach laughed. “I will bow down to your superior knowledge, oh wise Christmas tree expert. Now tell me which one is the ‘perfect’ tree.”
Tilly giggled with him. “I like being called an expert. As for picking the tree, there’s no real science to it.
I just know when I see a tree that it’s the one.
Like pairing someone up with the perfect dress or outfit that accentuates their hair color, body, and features.
The way their faces light up when they see an outfit they didn’t think they’d ever wear, or even consider trying on, looks brilliant on them . . . it’s the best.”
She clamped her lips shut so she wouldn’t say any more.
There were so many times when she’d been in a clothing store and she’d seen someone grabbing something that wouldn’t look good on them.
Even though she’d tried to temper her interference, she usually hadn’t and she’d intervened.
Most people had welcomed her help, and in the end walked out with something that looked amazing on them.
On more than one occasion, she’d been told she should get a job in retail.
“Sounds like something you’re very passionate about. How come you don’t do that for a career?”
“It’s not a reliable source of income. Most stores in bigger cities work on a commission basis. One bad day and it affects . . . everything.”
The conversation was heading in a direction she definitely didn’t want to continue. It brought back memories she’d shoved to the far reaches of her mind so she didn’t have to think about them.
“Right. But you know, personal stylists earn a lot of money. At least, they do in Hollywood.”
Tilly scoffed. “I’m not good enough to dress the stars.” She examined the closest tree. “This one’s okay, but not quite right. Come on, let’s check out this lane. It’s why we’re here.”
Please don’t ask any more questions.
Zach studied her for a few seconds before shrugging. “Sure, let’s check them out.”
Relief swept through her, glad that he didn’t push for more.
For the next fifteen minutes, she and Zach examined the trees until they stopped in front of one.
“This is beautiful,” she said, admiring the fir tree Zach was holding.
“It’s going to look great in my house. Let’s take it over to the counter and ask them to hold it while we look for your tree.
” She was excited about finding the perfect tree.
“I’ve been thinking. I’m not sure I need a tree.”
Tilly waved off Zach’s protest. “Stop thinking. You know you want one.”
As much as he said he didn’t want a tree, his actions told a different story. He’d examined them closely. He’d listened as she mumbled to herself about the merits of each tree. How he gently touched the needles. He wanted one, but he just didn’t know how to come out and say it.
“I suppose there’s no harm in looking. It might be nice to see one in my apartment,” he said, and Tilly mentally high-fived herself. But she wasn’t going to gloat.
“There’s a corner of the lot that has smaller trees. I think that’s where we should look for yours.”
She gave a little yelp when she was grabbed and yanked against Zach’s hard chest as two kids came barreling down the aisle. If Zach hadn’t pulled her out of the way, they would’ve hit her, and all of them would’ve ended up sprawled on the ground, bumped and bruised.
Beneath her cheek, Zach’s heart pounded loudly and he rubbed his hands up and down her back. “Are you okay?”
Tilly lifted her head and looked up at him. “I’m fine—thanks to your quick thinking. I didn’t even see them.”
“They darted out from between the trees there.”
She looked at where he pointed. “They came through that gap?” It wasn’t very wide, and she was surprised none of the trees were damaged, especially considering how fast they were moving. But they all looked fine.
“It’s amazing the spaces kids can get through. They’re wily sometimes.”
“Yeah, I guess they are.” Tilly was aware that she was still ensconced in Zach’s arms. His warmth seeped through the layers she wore. She should pull away, but found it difficult to do. “Um, I guess we should continue on.”
“I guess we should,” Zach murmured, but his attention was on her lips, and she moistened them with her tongue.
Did he just groan?
Is that what she heard?
Tilly didn’t have a chance to think more because Zach’s lips landed on hers. They were cool from the air, but it wasn’t long before they warmed up. With her hands pressed against his chest, she wished that he wasn’t wearing a thick coat so that she could feel him better.
The noise from the people picking their trees faded, and all Tilly was conscious of was her heartbeat and Zach’s mouth on hers. Slowly he pulled away, as if he didn’t want to stop, and she didn’t want him to.
He took a step back, and she mourned the loss of his warmth, but his fingers entwined with hers and gave a small squeeze. She returned the gesture, happy that he didn’t appear to want to break their connection either.
Hand in hand, they walked to the area with the smaller trees. Some of the townspeople were watching them, but she didn’t care. She was buying Christmas trees with a handsome man. She would enjoy this moment to its fullest.