Page 13 of Wrap Me Up

Pots and pans bang as he gets everything in place. He putters over to the refrigerator and rummages inside for his ingredients.

“What are you doing for the workshop competition this year?” Noel asks as he mixes a few things in a big bowl.

“Winning.”

Noel barks out a laugh as he finishes mixing the things in the bowl and sets it aside.

“I’m not joking. My studio is beating Dylan this year.”

“I was disappointed you didn’t win last year.”

“I know!” I throw my head back. “I was sure a hand-bound leather book of the history of the North Pole would be a ringer, but we got third place.”

“I mean… the glass dildo was beautiful, and then the mini pies from the bakery were amazing, but that book was perfection.”

“That’s what I thought,” I mumbled. “But whatever. It’s fine, because this year we’re winning.” If I say it enough, it’s got to come true, right?

“Sounds good to me.”

“And… I’m not sharing, so you’ll find out with the rest of the North Pole.”

Noel chuckles as he continues with his tasks. He’s so at ease in the kitchen.

“Have you ever thought about working in one of the restaurants or bakeries?”

He shakes his head. “I really love being a gift wrapper. It’s low stress even during peak season. I’m admittedly lazy.” He shrugs and stirs something in a pot.

“I don’t think it’s lazy to know what you enjoy and what you’re good at.”

“I’m really good at gift wrapping. Unless I’m distracted by thoughts of a certain elf.” He turns to give me a wink and I don’t know why, but that makes my cheeks burn.

“You’re such a tease, Noel. Tell me about these thoughts.”

“Hmmm, other than how amazing you are, I don’t have many. You’re beautiful and sexy, smart as a whip, and—”

“You think I’m sexy?”

“Oh, fudge, yes.” He spins around to face me, then power walks to the sink and washes his hands. “Let me show you how sexy I think you are.”

And this is the Noel I know. The confident guy that knows how to get things done.

I, on the other hand, must look like a fish gasping for air. My mouth drops open, then I shut it, only for it to open again.

He throws a dishtowel over his shoulder and saunters toward me, stealing my breath.

“You deserve to be worshipped, Tinsel.”

I swallow and shift in my seat. Usually, I get right to business, but this is Noel, and I don’t want to scare him away.

“You’re not going to scare me away. Not this time.” He dusts his hands through my bangs.

“Did I say that out loud?” I slam my hand to my mouth.

“No, but it’s etched all over your face.”

“Ground rules,” I whisper.

“Lay them on me.”

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