Sweet Cinderella (A Christmas Novella) (The Klaus Brothers Book 4) by Penny Watson Page A

She sighed as they entered the living room. “They are so pumped up about meeting you and today’s activities. Thanks for being such a good sport.”
    Gregor shook his head. “It was nothing. I enjoyed my time with them. And with you. I—I forgot what it’s like to do simple things like ice skate and enjoy hot chocolate. I’m so entrenched in the business part of Christmas, I’ve forgotten the other side. You and the boys reminded me today.”
    Hannah leaned against the couch. “It must be hard. Working the business end while your brothers are making toys and gingerbread cookies.”
    Gregor sighed. “Yes. They’re involved in the festive side of the holiday . . . toys and treats and philanthropic events. My work is not so benevolent.”
    “But it’s necessary. You keep the business afloat. I’m sure they must be appreciative of what you do.” She touched his hand, trying to reassure him.
    He glanced down at her hand and then caught it in his own. “They are. But I feel . . . removed from them and the holiday. Today helped. I needed that as much as the boys did. Maybe more.”
    “Well, the boys had a ball. I don’t think they’ll be having any bad dreams tonight. They’re both wiped out.” She glanced at his less-than-pristine clothes. “I think they got you rumpled up today. Your high-brow outfit didn’t survive intact.”
    Gregor smiled. “I’ll live.”
    “Thank you for everything. It was wonderful.” She heard the hitch in her voice.
    “Yes, it was. I’m looking forward to many more wonderful days together.” Gregor sent her a heated look that made her nervous.
    “You must be joking.”
    “Not in the least.”
    “Gregor, I don’t think it’s a good idea for us to keep seeing each other.” She pulled her hand from his grasp. “We should probably just say good-bye. I don’t want the boys to get used to seeing you if . . . if . . . you know.
I
don’t want to get used to seeing you. I already had my heart shattered enough this past year. I’m really not in the mood to set myself up for more heartbreak.”
    Gregor stared at her hand. “You’re dismissing me? Is that it? After today, a perfect day, you’re bailing. Why?”
    “I’m scared.” There was no reason for pretense. She would just tell him the truth. “You are out of my league, and I’m not setting myself up for a huge fall. Or my boys. They already idolize you.”
    “That’s the second time you’ve used the expression ‘out of my league’ and I have to say, I pretty much hate it. It’s an insult to me.”
    “An insult to you?”
    “Do you really think I’m that shallow? That I judge people based on money or status or some other ridiculous way? Well, I don’t. You are one of the sweetest, kindest women I have ever met. And I want us to continue to seeing each other.” He cupped the back of Hannah’s neck. “Now, let’s figure out another time to get together. I want to make this perfectly clear. I’m not taking no for an answer.”
    He kissed her. It wasn’t slow or gentle or easy. It was filled with passion.
    Hannah pulled back and touched her swollen lips. “You’re just used to getting your way. I can tell. You say ‘jump,’ and everyone jumps. Well, I have news for you, Gregor. I’m not one of your minions. This isn’t going to work.”
    Gregor tensed. “I know you’ve had a brutal year. I’m so sorry about David. Honestly sorry, Hannah.” He stroked a finger down her cheek. “I understand your worries. But I’m not going anywhere. This is just the beginning.”
    She hugged herself tightly. “I can’t hang my hopes, and the twins’ hopes, on something that’s not a sure thing. We’ve been through enough this year.”
    Gregor’s face blanked. It was a frightening expression. Hannah could only imagine how intimidating he must be in the boardroom.
    He kissed her again. This time, a gentle quiet kiss. Was it a kiss good-bye? She tried not to cry.
    “I’m so sorry to disappoint