When the Wind Chimes - Mary Ting Page 0,25

problem. You’re welcome to put a small deposit and I can put it on hold for you. I don’t mean to sound like a pushy salesperson, but it might be gone by the time you decide to buy it. If you change your mind, you can let me know and I’ll refund the deposit. We can hold it for three days.”

He rubbed his chin, his brow furrowed. “Fine. I’ll purchase it now.” His eyes gleamed. “I know where I’ll put it. Credit card okay?”

“Sure,” I said cheerfully, happy to make a sale. “Follow me, please.”

Very aware his eyes were on me, I walked faster.

I picked up the card-reading gadget from the drawer and swiped Leonardo’s card when he handed it to me. After he signed, I’d extended my arm to give the card back when it slipped out of my hand.

I bent down quickly to retrieve it, but I smacked my head into something hard. Air whooshed out from my lungs as I landed on my butt with a thump. Pain shot up my spine.

Crap!

“I’m so sorry.” Leonardo bent to one knee and picked up the card. “Let me help you,” he said and extended a hand.

I let him pull me up. Our bodies were too close for comfort and he wrapped his arms around my waist to steady me. My heart skipped a beat and butterflies fluttered in my stomach. When his eyes locked on mine, they sparkled to life for just a second, and then he backed away in a hurry.

“Are you okay?” His baritone voice was smooth and pleasant. “Did I hurt you?”

I rubbed the side of my head and leaned against the desk for a moment. “I’m fine, but did I hurt you? I have a hard head.”

He chuckled. “It would be impolite for me to agree.” He winked. “But I think mine is harder. I’m fine, thanks for asking.”

Oh, goodness that wink. He looked so playful and sexy. Silence filled the air, and I tried to think of questions. Then I recalled his daughter.

“My nephew goes to preschool with your daughter.” The words flew out before I could stop them. Oops. I shouldn’t know that about him.

“My daughter?” He hiked an eyebrow. “How do you know I have a daughter?”

Heat flushed up my face as I made up a lie and I was surprised how quickly I’d thought of it. “Abby told me.”

“Oh. What’s your nephew’s name?”

“Tyler Fuller.”

“Tyler?” he said as if mulling the name. “Oh, yes. Bridget and Tyler are friends. She talks about him all the time.”

My breath caught for a moment. “Tyler talks about her all the time too.”

I wouldn’t have guessed. Bridget had blonde hair and blue eyes so unlike Leonardo’s dark eyes and dark hair. The blonde woman he was with at the shopping plaza must be his wife or girlfriend. All speculation, of course, but it made sense.

Leonardo shoved his hands inside his front pockets and rocked on his heels. “They should have a playdate sometime. If Tyler is available.”

“That sounds nice. I’ll let my sister know.” I pushed my hair behind my ear and clasped my hands together.

Why is Stella taking so long?

“Your sister?” He gave me a sidelong glance.

Of course he had no idea. Why would he? “Abby Fuller is my sister. I’m in town for Christmas. She was sick yesterday, which is why I was here and not her.”

“Oh, that’s right. Abby told me over the phone. I hope she’s feeling better.”

“She’ll be in tomorrow.”

I debated whether to ask him about the shirt, but the sound of someone clearing their throat interrupted me.

“Here it is. Sorry it took so ... long.” Stella brought the painting out, all encased up in bubble wrap. She had done a great job.

“Thank you, ladies.” He glanced between the two of us. “See you next time.” He gave a tight-lipped smile and headed for the door.

“Oh, wait. Mr. Medici, you forgot Cupid.” I rushed after him.

When he whirled, we would’ve collided yet again had I not skidded to a halt.

“Sorry.” I stepped back and pointed. “Your Cupid.”

“Could I pick it up another day? My hands are full.” He glanced from me to Stella and back to me.

“Of course. I’ll hold it for you, and you can pick it up at your convenience.”

“Thank you, Miss—? Missus ...?”

“Miss Summers.”

“I’ll likely stop by tomorrow. Have a good evening, Miss Summers.” He tilted his head and walked out the door.

“He’s so gorgeous.” Stella slumped into her seat with dreamy eyes. “And he’s such a gentleman.