Page 12 of Wrap Me Up

Noel is the sweetest. I clutch my gift to my chest and can’t wait to open it. The path beneath my feet is smooth stones, and it feels like we’re walking to the apartments. Something low key would be wonderful, but I’m excited for whatever his surprise may be. I wish I could ease his fear from the past, though. I really am happy to forget the entire thing as long as we can enjoy ourselves now. I do have one concern though, and as soon as I’m allowed to see, I’m going to ask him.

“Marshmallows! Get your Marshmallows!” someone bellows, and I know exactly where we are.

Noel stops us from going any further and lets me go. I stand patiently and wait for his return when he says, “Open up.”

I do as he asks and a bite of delicious caramel and chocolate drizzled marshmallow drops on my tongue. “Mmmm. These get better every year.”

“They’re my favorite.” Noel pops another piece into my mouth before guiding me forward. “We can’t load up on sweets, though.”

“But they’re my favorite.” I fake a pout.

“I know, but I have something else planned for dessert later.”

“Oh, do tell.” I bat my lashes, but they’re trapped behind a blindfold. So I pout again instead. No one can resist my pout. Okay, maybe Dylan and Snow, but they don’t count.

“Be good.” Noel squeezes my hand, and it’s such a sweet gesture I practically swoon.

“I don’t even care where you’re taking me, Noel. I’m happy to be going with you.”

He squeezes my hand again. It’s not much longer before he’s saying, “Watch your step.” He taps my right thigh and I lift my leg higher.

I’m grateful for the prompt because I probably would have face-planted had he not said something.

“Almost there.” There’s a click, and a slight creaking sound when he opens a door.

“Can I see now?”

“Not yet.” Noel leads me inside and it’s warmer. We shuffle across carpet, then hardwood, before he drags a chair from somewhere and sits me in it. “Okay, now you can. I probably didn’t need to blindfold you to bring you home, but…”

He’s nibbling on his bottom lip as I lift the cloth. “I wanted to surprise you.”

“I love it.” His kitchen is clean with yellow countertops and silver appliances. I have a studio apartment behind my workshop, just like Dylan, so I’m a little jealous of the space Noel has. “Am I allowed to help?”

“No. I want you to sit there and look pretty for me.”

“Yes, sir.” I bite back a moan as his eyes grow wide, pupils fully dilated.

“Tha—that’s not how I meant it.”

“I know,” I whisper, and drop my eyes to my hands. “Jokes aside, I do have one question. And I don’t want you to take this the wrong way. Not at all!” I look up at him again. “But I have to ask. Are we at your place because you don’t want to be seen with me out in public? Are you ashamed of me?”

“What?! No! Never!” Noel takes the two steps towards me and drops to his knees. He takes my hands in his. “Why would I be ashamed of you? You are amazing.” He shakes his head. “We can go out out, no problem. I just wanted to show off my culinary skills. I’ve been taking classes and wanted to impress you.”

I suck in a breath. “You want to cook for me?”

“So bad.” Noel gives me a grin. “I think you’ll like the honey glazed salmon. I’m pairing it with sauteed broccoli and rice pilaf. Should be a light yet filling meal.”

I’ve attempted to date so many elves, but it always came down to them not being comfortable in public with me in a romantic way. We can be friends, or bang buddies, but trying to cross over into a relationship never worked out. I don’t know if it’s my self-consciousness projecting or what, but their reaction usually leaves a sour taste in my mouth. But not Noel.

“Sounds amazing. Can I help at all?”

“I want you to sit back and relax.” Noel pushes to his feet and brushes his fingers through my hair.

Before he can pull away, I snatch his hand and cup my face with it. “Thank you, Noel.”

He nods before turning on his heel. “So I hope you brought your appetite. I’m not telling you what dessert is, but save room for it. And don’t be surprised if I whip out the blindfold again for it.”

“I’m intrigued.”

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