The Texas Christmas Gift

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UNFORTUNATELY, THE RESTAURANT Derek chose felt anything but businesslike. It was dark and romantic, with deep leather booths that afforded maximum privacy. Adding to the winter wonderland atmosphere were abundant Christmas decorations and soothing holiday music playing in the background. Not to mention the sense that, despite her insistence to the contrary, this was in fact their first real date.

“So I take it you have no siblings,” Derek said once the butternut bisque had been served.

Telling herself there could be no harm in getting acquainted in a friendly way—doing so might even eventually lead to more clients, upon his recommendation—Eve drew her spoon through the Granny Smith apple garnish. “No, it’s always been just me and my mom.”

He regarded her with interest. “Your mom never married?”

Trying not to feel a thrill at being with him in such an intimate setting, Eve shook her head and continued holding his gaze. “She never really even dated. The situation with my father turned her away from that. Although she insists it was really the best thing for her.”

Derek poured them both a little more wine, an inscrutable expression on his face. “Do you agree with that assumption?”

Eve shrugged, not sure. “The please-go-away-and-never-darken-my-doorstep-again check my blue-blooded father gave her enabled her to get a foothold here and launch what has been a very satisfying career for her.”

From the look of admiration he sent her way, Derek seemed to understand what a feat that had been for Marjorie, who’d come from nothing herself. “Does she want the same kind of life for you?”

“You mean single, high-powered career woman?” Workaholic? Eve added silently.

He nodded.

Good question. She finished her soup and moved the dish aside, giving his inquiry the serious consideration it deserved. “Well, she wants me to be able to support myself. She’d like it if I took over the business when she’s gone.”

Derek’s gaze roved Eve’s face, hair and lips, before returning ever so slowly to her eyes. “You don’t see your mom stepping down?”

Tingling everywhere his gaze had landed, as well as everywhere it hadn’t, Eve shook her head facetiously. “Not as long as there’s breath in her body.”

He chuckled. “Having met your mom, I totally understand. Mine is the same way.”

They leaned back as their soup dishes were cleared and plates of vinaigrette-dressed field greens peppered with pecans and cranberries were set in front of them.

Derek regarded Eve curiously. “What about you? Do you want to have more of a personal life?” He waggled his brows comically. “Are you dating anyone?”

His exaggerated interest had her rolling her eyes. “Checking to see if there’s any competition?”

“Something like that,” he said smoothly.