Excerpt of A Christmas Hope by Stacy Henrie

She’d do well to remember Dale wasn’t just a friend; he was also her boss. No matter how much she was beginning to enjoy his company, both in and out of the bank. The sting of Friedrick’s rejection had dulled, but it had also made her cautious. She would not lay her heart at the feet of another man unless she was absolutely certain that man returned her affections completely.

“The reason you need more than new ties, Dale, is that the whole outfit makes the man.” She latched on to his arm again. “Now come on.”

He released a low growl of disapproval, but he allowed her to lead him into the building. Inside, Maria steered him in the direction of the men’s department. A middle-aged woman approached, smiling. “May I help you?”

“My boss is in need of several full suits. Jacket, vest, trousers, tie, everything.”

“Oh.” The woman glanced at Dale, clearly seeking confirmation.

He glowered at Maria, then pushed out a long breath. “She is correct.”

“Do you know your measurements?” the store clerk asked.

Dale gave a curt nod.

“Very well.” The kind smile appeared once more. “We’ll get started then. If you’ll follow me, sir.”

As he trailed the woman toward a screened partition, he tossed another pointed glare at Maria. She smiled sweetly in return and settled into a nearby chair to await his transformation from slovenly to stylish.

After more than a few minutes of drumming her fingernails against the chair arm, a movement near the partition caught her eye and she stood. Dale slipped from behind the screen, dressed in a light brown suit with a matching vest and a chocolate- colored tie.

He held his hands out as if in surrender. “Well?”

Maria came up behind him as he went to stand in front of the nearby mirror. “Much better.”

“But not dashing?” He watched her through the mirror, his expression riddled with amusement.

Good grief, her earlier compliments had gone straight to his head. She certainly wasn’t about to admit he looked even more dashing today than he had at his uncle’s party. “What do you think?” she countered.

He flexed his arms, then straightened the jacket and tie. “It’s not bad. Maybe wearing a full suit to work won’t be so uncomfortable.”

Maria suppressed a grin. It was a victory, however small. Still, she wanted him to appreciate himself in a new suit, not merely go along with her idea because she’d pushed him. “You should buy it, but I think you need one more…” She spun around and eyed the other suits on display. While the light brown one worked well with his dark hair, another color might produce the striking combination she hoped to achieve.

“Try this one.” She selected a dark blue suit and handed it to him. “And for a tie…” A nearby table held rows of neatly folded ties.

The saleswoman selected one and held it up for Maria’s approval. “Might I suggest the navy and white stripe for the gentleman?”

“Yes, perfect.” She passed the tie to Dale as well.

He examined the articles of clothing with a skeptical look.

“Both are very popular choices,” the saleswoman added. Maria couldn’t help wondering what she thought of her and Dale’s rather casual manner as employer and employee.

With a roll of his eyes, he ducked back behind the screen, the new items in hand. Maria returned to her seat. Would he like this suit better? Would it convince him she was right about how a bank manager ought to dress?

At last, Dale rounded the screen, his gaze on her. “Is this one better?”

The moisture fled Maria’s mouth, forcing her to swallow, as she gawked at him. Thank goodness she was seated. Otherwise her knees would have bowed under the shock of what she was seeing. The man before her looked like Dale, but in the new suit, he appeared decidedly more confident, even handsomer. She couldn’t wait for the bank patrons to see him dressed like this.

Once her initial astonishment had worn off, she hopped to her feet and swiped up a dark blue hat. Dale was still waiting for her answer. “You need one more thing.” She placed the hat at an angle on his head, then taking him by the shoulders, she turned him toward the mirror. “Now…you look dashing.”

Dale studied his reflection, his countenance revealing nothing of what he thought. He tipped his hat a little lower and turned from one side to the other. Maria remained behind him, one hand still holding his arm.

At last he muttered, “You win.”

Victory surged through Maria as she caught his eye in the mirror. She bent forward, one hand cupping her ear. “I’m sorry. What was that?”

He twisted to face her, an amused glint in his gaze that set her heart skipping chaotically. It was the same feeling of anticipation, of breathlessness, she’d experienced when he’d caught her on his first day at the bank, or placed his hand on her waist in his office, or peeled away her sock when she’d hurt herself skating.

“I said you win. I’ll buy them. The suits. The ties.”

“I knew it.” She laughed and started to pull away from him, but Dale captured her hand in his.

“You did not,” he argued, his smile almost mischievous. He brushed a curl from her face, his fingers lingering a moment longer than necessary before he lowered his hand.

Any clever remarks fled Maria’s head at his gentle touch. All she could think about was the sudden need to lay her hand against his strong-looking jaw. Something about Dale compelled her to be near him. To bask in the refreshment of his smile, the strength of his presence, the ease of his friendship. She took a step toward him, her feet bumping his.

“I figured you’d see things my way,” she half whispered, “eventually.” His smile deepened, then he glanced at her mouth. She hadn’t been kissed in ages and never by someone she thought might like her as much as she did him.