Page 27 of Wrap Me Up

“A gentleman never tells.” Noel takes the next shot he offers.

“Tinsel always tells.” Snow sticks out his tongue.

I take another shot. “Not this time.”

I got blue balls, and now I’m wasted. Best combo ever? We’ll find out.

I seriously contemplate going to the bathroom to finish what Noel started. Maybe I’ll drag him with me.

Before I can think of anything else, Snow drags me to the stage. It’s his turn and apparently we’re going together. His choice? Jinlge Bell Rock, because of course it is.

For the entire night, Noel teases me in the most infuriating and delicious ways. But when it’s time to go, he doesn’t invite me to his place. I don’t invite him to mine either. The anticipation for a next time is too strong to resist.

Chapter 16

Noel

Elves rush around me trying to get in holiday shopping on their off time. We elves try to get holiday shopping done as soon as possible because the season goes hard until at least new year. I stand outside Jingle Bell Cafe, waiting for Tinsel to join me.

It’s two weeks after our fun at karaoke and the first time I can see him since. Once the weather warmed up, I started my letters again, but we continued our near nightly sexting. It’s too much fun to stop. At least that’s how I feel about it.

I’ve read the book he gave me three times over in that time. The North Pole has such a fascinating history.

Tonight, our plan is something low key. A quick bite at our favorite cafe. I want to ask him back to my place. But it would be such a walk for him back to the studio, which is the main reason I don’t. He’s used to the quick commute.

I have another gift for him and I hope he likes it. He mentioned wanting it last year. I pulled a few strings to get it.

My phone buzzes, and I frown at the text.

Mistletoe: He’s being a dummy. Come get him.

Noel: Oh my way.

The path is thick with fellow elves until I get to the sector containing Tinsel’s workshop. When I walk through the door, he’s hunched over a worktable with the others that work with him, surrounding him.

Snickerdoodle is always very mother hen, and I appreciate her intervention with the karaoke. Tinsel really needed it. Right now, she paces behind him. He doesn’t even seem to notice anyone around.

“So close. So close,” Tinsel mutters to himself as he pushes a needle through a strap of leather. “Then I can leave. So close. So close.”

“Tinsel?”

His head snaps up at the sound of my voice, and he startles when he notices everyone around him.

“Thank goodness,” Jolly says. “You were freaking us out. Mistletoe called in a reinforcement.”

Tinsel’s shoulders drop. “Sorry.” He holds his work up. “I wanted to finish this. I’m so close and—”

I take his hand and set the work on the table. His eyes track every movement. “Tinsel, it’s time to call it a night. Okay? You’re overworking yourself.” I look up to Snickerdoodle and she nods.

“I’m going to take you out to dinner, then I’m going to tuck you into bed. The work will be here in the morning.”

Tinsel reaches for the leather. “No. I need—”

“No!” all of us cry out.

“Tinsel, please. Let me take you out, at the very least. You’re exhausted. Not thinking clearly.”

“That’s not true.” He shakes his head. “I’m—”

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