“I forget that sometimes,” he added.
“You and your friends like to compete.”
It wasn’t a question. “We do, but how do you know that?”
Her gaze glimmered with mischief. “I remember a race to see who could finish a sudoku puzzle the fastest during one of your treatments. Things became a bit…heated.”
Wes laughed. That would have been Blaise, who always needed to win. Though the guy had chosen love—and Hadley—over winning the bet. “It wasn’t too heated because security wasn’t called.”
“I believe that threat was made at least once,” she teased.
Heat flooded Wes’s face. “Your memory is correct, but in my defense, it made the chemo go quicker.”
“Whatever it takes.” She sounded sincere.
His health, then or now, wasn’t something he wanted to discuss. “So toys…”
“Many of the top ten toys are sold out,” she said in that doctor tone of hers he’d relied upon as much as oxygen when things had been difficult. “Board games are popular. You can never go wrong with a LEGO set.”
“I loved those when I was a kid. Do you think…?”
“It’s a great toy, and not only for children. I knew someone in his forties who loved them, too.”
Her nostalgic tone made Wes wonder who. And she’d spoken in past tense. Possibly a patient or family member.
“We need two toys for the dinner. And…” He held up the three gift requests. “These from the mall’s giving tree.”
Tilting her head, she studied him as if he were a lab rat. “That’s sweet of you to do.”
“It’s nothing.” He could do so much more.
“No, it’s something,” she countered. “You keep surprising me, Wes Lockhart.”
Her compliment made him straighten, but he hoped she liked him doing that. “Thanks.”
She took the three tags and read them. “We can go down each aisle and see if anything looks interesting to you.”
“Okay.” He glanced at Craig. “Paige, this is Craig, my driver. He’ll help us carry things.”
Paige extended her arm to shake Craig’s hand. “Nice to meet you.”
Craig flashed a charming smile. “The pleasure is all mine.”
The bodyguard’s flirty tone grated on Wes.
“Ready to shop?” he asked.
She nodded.
Wes followed her inside. They went to the first aisle, which contained baby items and stuffed animals.
The next aisle was a kaleidoscope of pinks and purples—dolls, accessories, and dress-up clothing. The campers and townhomes were interesting, but the dolls weren’t babies.
Paige tapped his shoulder. “One of these would be good.”
The first box contained an individual doll with a blanket, bottle, and outfit. Two others were sets that had more accessories. He had no idea what would be best. “Which one?”
She reread one of the paper ornaments. “The child is five, so I suggest a set. More to play with, but the largest box has small items which might get lost.”
He studied each before pulling a medium-sized set from the shelf. “This one doesn’t have as many accessories, but it has more clothing and a baby carrier.”
She nodded. “Good choice.”
His mouth slanted. “Is this a test?”
“No.” She laughed. “Your money. Your choice. I’m just here to offer suggestions.”
He handed the box to Craig. “Tell me which you’d purchase.”
She smiled. “You’re one for one.”
Craig’s smile widened, but he remained quiet. Wes hoped the bodyguard stayed that way.
The next row was full of games. He searched shelves. “I’m not seeing a chess set.”
“This is where it would be.” She went up on her tiptoes and then bent over to the lowest shelf. “Down here.”
“No wonder it was hard to find.” As Wes reached for the one that caught his eye, his hand brushed Paige’s. Heat ignited at the point of contact.
She jerked hers away as if burned.
What had Craig said about looking not touching? Wes needed to remember that.
He pulled out the two sets. One was for beginners. Perfectly fine, but he preferred the one in a wooden case with a nicer board and pieces.
“This one.” He handed the box to Craig.
Little kid toys were in the next aisle, including a wooden train set. Wes eyed them with confusion. “They are all cool. How do you pick just one?”
“The child is three. Any set will be fine.”
Except Wes wanted to purchase the perfect one. “Which would you choose?”
“I’ve never had a train, but my nephew was a huge Thomas the Tank Engine fan when he was that age.” She pointed to a larger set. “That’s the closest to what he had. It was a well-loved and played-with toy.”
“How many nieces and nephews do you have?”
“Three.” Affection shone in her eyes. “Two nephews and one niece. They are the cutest. They live on the East Coast, so I don’t see them often, but when I do, I love to spoil them rotten.”
“Lucky kids.”
“Lucky aunt.”
His gaze held hers. The connection flowing between them made him want to move closer. Touch her.
No touching. Only looking.
He removed a set from the shelf.
“Craig only has two hands so I’ll carry this.” Wes held the box like a shield as if it could keep him from doing something stupid where Dr. Paige Regis was concerned. “What’s next?”
Amusement glimmered in her eyes. “Picking out the two gifts for the dinner.”
Those presents were the reason they were here. “Let’s see what’s on the next row.”
As soon as he turned the corner, he froze. Building blocks, bricks, sticks, and logs of every kind filled the shelves. Individual pieces and a variety of themed sets. “Now we’re talking.”
“Do any catch your eye?” she asked.
“All of them,” he joked.
“I don’t think you’re kidding,” she teased. “Must be the engineer in you.”
His gaze jerked to hers. “You know what my degree is?”
Paige nodded. “You and your company are well-known around town. I pay attention to the local news.”
He stood taller until he realized she might have heard the rumors about his business dealings and private life, too. He forced his shoulders not to droop. “Not everything reported is true.”
“They didn’t lie about your degrees, right?”
His muscles bunched into tight balls. She used the plural, which meant she likely knew about his MBA. What else had she heard? “No, but the other stuff…”
Paige touched his arm, a gesture of comfort but one he relished. “You’re a good man, Wes. I know better than to listen to gossip or innuendo.”
Emotion clogged his throat. He didn’t want Paige to think badly of him. Though if she had or did, she’d never let it show.
Because she’s a doctor and a professional.
Was that all she was being now?
He didn’t want to know the answer.
Wes swallowed. “Thanks.”
She smiled softly before lowering her hand. “You’re welcome.”
He removed a large box from the shelf. It was a set from a hit movie franchise that had a premiere coming up later this month. “What do you think of this one?”
She grinned. “Perfect. Do you want to donate two or find something else for the second toy?”
Two would make this easy, and they could get out of there. But then what? Say goodbye to Paige until Saturday. Wes wasn’t ready to do that.
“One is good.” He would have Eliza order more sets online and have them delivered to the Hood Hamlet Fire Station as an anonymous donation. “Let’s see what else is here.”
A mix of science kits and electronic items filled the shelves.
As Paige surveyed the toys, her face lit up. “When I was a kid, I received a
circuit board set. It was my absolute favorite.”
“Not a microscope kit?”
She shook her head. “I didn’t think about becoming a doctor until I was in high school.”
“What made you want to study medicine?”
“My best friend’s mom was diagnosed with leukemia. I helped as much as I could. Visited her in the hospital.”
“Did she…?”
“She died two years after her diagnosis.”
When he’d gone into remission, but not Zeke. “I’m sorry.”
“Thanks, but going through that set me on a path that brought me here.” She didn’t sound upset or filled with regret. “My friend lives in Southern California now. She’s supported me every step of the way and says her mom would be proud.”
Wes was proud of Paige. A tragedy had led her to saving lives, including his. A lump formed in his throat. “I’m sure.”
Paige focused on the kits. “Any of these would be great.”
She wanted to change the subject. That was fine with Wes, but he was glad he’d learned something else about her. He checked the different products and then…
One featuring a blue robot grabbed his attention. Excitement shot through him. “I read about this toy. It’s won awards.”
“A robot! That would be cool.”
“It would.” As he read the features listed on the box, longing built inside him. He would have loved a toy like this when he was younger. But then again, his family called him a nerd.
“The way you’re eyeing the robot makes me wonder if you want one, too.” She sounded amused.
Busted. He laughed. “One will be enough, but I might have to ask Santa for my own.”
A toy that taught basic coding skills and was fun belonged on his list. All his friends’ lists, too.
Geeks r us.
She took a box from the shelf. “Do you need anything else?”
“I’m finished buying my family gifts.”
“Me, too. I did everything online.”
“I did something similar.” He’d discovered Cassandra’s Attic, an independent bookstore in San Francisco, through Brett Matthews. The shop’s book concierge had helped him pick out a special gift for each person on his list. “Everyone is getting a book this year.”
Paige clutched the robot’s box. “Books are the best presents.”
“I hope my friends and family enjoy theirs.”
“It’s a gift,” she said. “How could they not enjoy it?”
“I agree.” His family, however, could be hard on a present-giver, but if they weren’t happy with a special- or limited-edition book, that was their problem, not his.
After he paid, they exited the store. “Thanks for coming with me tonight. Toy buying was easier than I thought it would be.”
“All I did was walk with you and share my opinion. You did the rest.”
“It was a team effort.” He glanced at the time. “Want to grab dinner?”
A range of emotions flashed in her eyes. He had a hard time keeping up with each, but he hadn’t missed the longing. That told him she enjoyed spending time with him as much as he did with her.
Paige opened her mouth but then closed it. She tried again. “Thanks, but I need to go home.”
What? His breath hitched. He was sure she would go to dinner. But he couldn’t force her to stay.
“I have some work to do,” she replied as if an excuse would make her rejection any better.
“Okay.” Except it wasn’t. Wes wanted to have dinner with her. “Thanks for your help.”
She appeared as if she wanted to say something but blew out a breath instead. “You’re welcome.”
“I’ll take your bag,” Craig said to her.
Paige handed it over. “See you on Saturday.”
Wes nodded, but he didn’t want to wait to see her on Saturday. Maybe he could change that…
Nope. That was what old Wes would do. Flash his money. Crank up the charm. Convince someone to do what he wanted.
“I hope you get everything done quickly.” The words tasted like sand, but they were the correct ones to say.
“Bye,” she said.
As he watched Paige walk away, his insides deflated.
Craig nudged him. “Let’s get these toys home.”
Wes could eat dinner there, but eating by himself was getting old. Which was why he’d invited Paige out. He was tired of being alone. If only he could fix that.
But how, when he didn’t want to date anyone?
CHAPTER SIX
After leaving Portland, Paige’s drive to Hood Hamlet was relatively free of traffic. A pleasant surprise on a Saturday. She hadn’t known how many people would head to Mount Hood this morning, which was why she’d left early.
As she drove east, gaining elevation with each mile, the piles of snow lining the side of Highway 26 became higher, but the road remained clear. That, however, didn’t lessen the knot in her stomach—one that had been there since Thursday night.
Thanks, but I need to go home.
Even though Paige had wanted to go to dinner with Wes, the words had shot out of her mouth before she could stop them.
The reason—fear.
She’d been afraid of spending more time with him.
Paige gripped the steering wheel. Being with Wes at the toy store had been fun. More fun than she’d had in weeks. The way he wanted to pick the right gift endeared him to her. That, however, worried her because a glance or a smile left her unsettled. Which meant…
I have a crush on Wes.
Paige half laughed. Shook her head. Turned up the radio to hear “Home for the Holidays” better.
Having a crush at her age was ridiculous. But add in who the object of her affections was…
She blew out a breath as if she could expel the crush as easily.
No reason to worry, though. She had a reason for feeling this way.
Wes Lockhart was gorgeous, kind, and rich. By donating money to the cancer center, he was making her Christmas wish come true.
Who wouldn’t crush on him?
But she’d need to keep her attraction hidden. No staring at him no matter how handsome he looked. No sighing. Forget swooning. Otherwise, she would make a fool out of herself.
A large sign on the side of the highway read Hood Hamlet. Her directions were to Wes’s house, but she would see the town soon enough when they attended the Christmas Magic celebration.
She followed the directions on the map app, leaving the highway. Tall pine trees with snow-laden branches lined the sides of the street. Add in the clear blue sky overhead and she felt as if she’d entered a winter wonderland.
“Turn left on to Hamlet Heights Lane,” the voice on her phone instructed.
Paige did.
A log cabin sat on the right. Though “cabin” didn’t describe the immense size. This was more like a mountain lodge, something she would see on HGTV or in a home magazine.
She drove past other lodges until she reached the end of the road. Snow covered the yard, but the driveway was clear. She pulled into it.
Wes’s house was larger than the other seven. White lights dangled from the eaves, outlining the roofline. A holly garland wrapped around a wooden lamppost. A large wreath with a red bow hung on the front door.
Gorgeous.
Like something out of a Christmas movie.
Paige turned off the engine, pulled the key from the ignition, and slid from the car. The cold temperature brought a shiver. The snow in the yard glistened. The sharp scent of pine lingered on the crisp air.
She grabbed her purse and bag from the back seat. As she went to the front door, she saw pinecones and holly in the large wreath. Paige rang the doorbell.
Bells chimed.
“Fancy.”
The door opened. Wes wore jeans, a sweater, and wool socks. No shoes. Nothing out of the ordinary, but on him, the outfit looked like high fashion. Yes, she’d always considered Wes attractive, but he’d been her patient so
seeing him as anything else would have been wrong. But now…
He grinned. “You made it.”
Her pulse sped up. She nodded.
Wes opened the door wider. “Come in.”
As soon as she crossed the threshold into the two-story foyer, warmth enveloped her. The scent of fresh-baked cookies filled the air.
Wood floors and earth tone décor gave the home a welcoming feel. To her right was an office behind glass doors, but then the entryway opened up to an expansive living area with a great room, dining area, and gourmet kitchen. A lighted garland covered the wood banister leading to the second floor.
This was like a movie. Wes was the star, but she was no lead actress. More like the loyal friend and confidant.
Paige swallowed a laugh. “Your house is amazing.”
“Thanks.” He closed the door. “Let me take your coat before you overheat. The caretaker keeps the lodge warm.”
“Toasty and cozy.” She set her bag and purse on the floor before shrugging off her puffy jacket. “Well, for a big house.”
Wes hung up her coat on a hook. “Dash calls this place a log cabin on steroids.”
A valid description. Paige recognized the name. She’d meant to research his friends but had worked late last night. Truth was, she remembered names better than faces, but she would take a shot. “Is Dash the younger guy? Tall and thin who brought video games for you to play?”
Wes smiled as if he was remembering. “That’s him. He’ll be at the dinner tonight with his girlfriend. How was the drive?”
“Great.” She followed him into the massive living area that ran the width of the house. “No traffic.”
“You beat the rush.” He motioned to the combination kitchen/dining/living space. “The theater is upstairs, but I spend most of my time in here. The fridge is stocked, so is the bar. Please make yourself at home.”
A huge island separated the gourmet kitchen from the dining area. The wood cabinets and butcher block countertops softened the more contemporary stainless steel appliances. Two decorations sat on the breakfast bar. A moose holding a chalkboard that read “Let it snow!” was on one side of the counter. A coordinating cookie jar had been placed on the other corner.
The Wish Maker (The Billionaires 0f Silicon Forest Book 2) Page 7
