“I wasn’t aware that we had a relationship.”

Chandra leaned forward, her elbow on the table and her chin propped on the fist of her uninjured hand. Her rich brown eyes studied him.

“Well, you did hold my hand on the plane,” he reminded her. “In some cultures, that’s practically a marriage proposal.”

“True. But neither of us is from such a culture.” Her full lips curved in a reluctant smirk.

Julian had the sudden urge to glide his fingers around the nape of Chandra’s neck and tug her forward so he could sample the berry-tinted gloss on her lips.

“Then there’s that hug you gave me,” he continued, ignoring her earlier objection.

“That was a show of gratitude. You saved my life.”

Why was there the weirdest fluttery feeling in his chest whenever he thought of that moment?

Julian stared at her; his dark eyes filled with heat. “I’m not interested in any other woman, Chandra.”

* * *

A Valentine for Christmas by Reese Ryan
is part of the Valentine Vineyards series.