Christmas Choices Read Online Free Page B

problems, too. I always figured kids with money had nothing to worry about,” he said. “We’re almost there.”
    Rhian opened her mouth to respond but changed her mind. She watched him out of the corner of her eye. She thought she had seen something in his gaze, something he tried hard to hide. Her pulse receded; she couldn’t let herself fall for this man. She wanted some time on her own to figure things out. Time away from the control and expectations of her father and grandfather. Neither her father nor grandfather would approve of an attachment to this man. Would it be worth the confrontation? Oh, who am I kidding? I’ve tried to avoid their anger all my life.
    Nope, she would just oversee things and not allow herself to be drawn in by this man. Besides, anyone she had ever been attracted to always came up lacking in her father’s eyes.
    When they turned off at the exit, the truck hit a bump, jogging her from her doomed thoughts. Her eyes sparkled with excitement. “Oh, I can’t wait! I’ve never gone shopping for appliances before.” She glanced over at him and laughed. “I know, that sounds really lame.”
    “No, it doesn’t. I know a lot of people who have never actually shopped for appliances. They usually leave that part to me.”

Chapter Six
    A s soon as he parked the truck, Kellen jumped out and ran around to Rhian’s door to help her down. He liked the way she smiled at him for the simple gesture. “Garrett said to have the clerk call him as soon as we arrived.” He led the way into the large warehouse.
    Rhian looked everywhere at once. “I feel like a kid in a toy store.”
    He chuckled. “This way, Rhian.” They walked over to the counter. “Hey, Garrett is expecting us. My name is Kellen Slade and this is Rhian St. Claire.”
    “Yes, sir. He told me you would be here this afternoon. I’ll let him know you’ve arrived. Would either of you like something to drink?”
    “No thanks. Rhian?”
    “No. I’m fine. They certainly have a lot of appliances here.” She turned around to peer down one of the aisles.
    “Yes ma’am, we sure do. Oh, here comes Garrett. Please excuse me.” He walked behind the counter to answer the phone.
    “Kellen. How the hell are you?” They shook hands and he slapped Kellen on the shoulder. “You must be Rhian. I hear you’re looking for some commercial grade appliances for your café?” he asked, shaking her hand.
    “Yes, I think it’s time for an update.” She moved a little closer to Kellen. The man stood well over six-feet and was covered with tattoos. From the look on her face, Kellen doubted she had ever seen anyone like him before except on TV.
    Garrett raised his eyebrow and glanced at Kellen. “A little skittish?”
    “Well, look at you. You’d scare me if I didn’t know you were nothing but a big... uh, teddy bear.” He caught himself just in time. He presumed she was one of those women who would find the “P” word offensive.
    Rhian put a hand on her hip and pointed at the men. “Just because I haven’t been around tattoos and piercings before, doesn’t mean I’m frightened or judgmental. It just took me by surprise, that’s all.”
    Garrett burst out laughing and shook his head. “Come on. Let’s get started, shall we?”
    After they had picked out the stove, grill, sink, freezer, and refrigerator, Rhian seemed more relaxed. “Would you mind if I stepped away to use the ladies’ room?”
    “Not at all. I can take care of the rest of this with Garrett. It’s down that hallway to the left.”
    As the two men watched her walk away, Garrett turned to him. “Censoring what you say now? Is she someone special?”
    “No, just the boss’s daughter. I don’t want to fuck up before I get the job started. Rhian’s a rich girl who has led a sheltered life. I don’t think she would have appreciated hearing me call you a pussy.”
    “I’ve never known you to give a shit about what you said in front of a woman. Hell, I’ve never