The way Andrew’s shoulders fall might as well be a knife to my chest. I try to remind myself this is how I ended up watching those three Great Danes one weekend. I hate disappointing people.

“I’ll do anything,” he says.

“Dress up like an elf?” I raise an eyebrow and his smile almost undoes me. The man has a set of pearly whites I could get lost in. “I’m kidding. You could help me…”

His eyes widen and his smile vanishes. “Me? I don’t know the first thing about party planning.”

I shrug. “You seem somewhat intelligent, what with being a lawyer and all. I’m sure you can take instructions well enough.”

His eyes narrow at my sarcasm, and he brings his hand to the back of his neck, rubbing there. “I’m not like the two of you… I’m not a well full of ideas to make people enjoy themselves.”

I lean in close. “I wouldn’t want you for your mind, Andrew, just your muscle.” I touch his upper arm and, sure enough, he’s hiding a great body under that suit.

“My schedule is packed. With the holidays…”

Which reminds me. “Speaking of the holiday in question, why does Bethaney think you love Christmas? We both know that’s a lie.”

He cringes. “I may have alluded to loving it in order to get into her good graces. She leads my boss around by his dick and I need him to vote me in as partner.”

I nod. That makes more sense.

It’s then I realize I have some leverage. Not like it’s kept me up late at night, but Andrew’s dislike of Christmas has been bothering me. How can he hate a holiday that’s the majority of people in this country’s favorite? I can’t help but believe he’s missing out. And an idea pops into my head.

“I tell you what… I’ll do it under two conditions.” I hold up two fingers.

His hands drop to his sides. “Name them.”

“First, you agree to help me when necessary. I’m not going to put you in charge of ideas or execution, but I might need you to make follow-up calls or pick something up from a vendor. Who knows?”

He nods, a short, concise movement. “Done.”

“Second…” I pause, letting him know he’s not going to like this one. “You have to agree to let me take you to three holiday activities around the city and you have to attend them with an open mind. I’m determined to show you how great Christmas can be.”

“Why do you care so much whether I like Christmas or not?” His eyes search mine.

“I don’t really know,” I answer.

His deep-blue eyes meet my own, and neither of us looks away for a beat.