Page 15 of Fake Out Forever

I pick up a fistful of snow, pack it down tight, and stuff the snow down the back of his jacket when he squats to put the arms on the littlest snowman.

“Holy shit!” He spins around laughing. “You’re gonna pay for that, duchess.”

I start to run but can’t get far with the massive boats on my feet. He tackles me to the ground, flat on my back. We’re both laughing like kids until he pins my arms over my head. Suddenly, I’m not cold anymore. I’m hot. Very hot.

The snow is clinging to his long lashes. His cheeks are rosy and pink. I look away from his burning eyes to his mouth. His breath starts to saw in and out.

Kiss me. Please. Kiss. Me.

My head is swimming, and I know it’s not from the eggnog. It’s everything Cade.

He licks his lips, and I part mine, hungry for what’s to come. However, he doesn’t kiss me. He picks up a glove full of snow and smears it across my face.

“That’s cold!” I screech.

“How do you think my back feels?” He chuckles. “By the way, you violated the no-snowball agreement.”

I wriggle to get free. “I never agreed.”

“Umm, yes, you did. You said, no snowball throwing.”

“Yes, that’s true. I did say that, but my fingers were crossed, so it didn’t count.”

“I see.”

His grip tightens on my wrists. “Now you owe me.”

“I owe you?” I wriggle some more. “What do I owe you?”

“A kiss.” His eyes twinkle.

“What?” I feign shock while my heart starts pounding.

“Kiss me, duchess.”

I scrunch up my face, faking aggravation. “What if I don’t want to.”

“Then you don’t have to.”

I chew on my lip. “Fine.”

He touches his lips against mine. I blink away the snow falling in my eyes, pucker my mouth, and give him a quick kiss.

He roars with laughter, rolling onto his back.

“What’s so funny?” I push myself to my feet, brushing off the snow.

“That wasn’t a kiss. It was a peck— the kind you give your unwelcomed old uncle.”

“Sorry, did you expect tongue?” I roll my eyes.

“Something with a little passion would’ve been nice. The kiss you gave me was blah. I know you can do it better.” He gets up and takes my gloved hand in his. “Come on, let’s go in to get warm. Just remember, you still owe me a kiss.”

I exhale a deep breath. “We’ll see.”

He gives my hand a squeeze. “Lucky for you, I’m a patient man.”

His laughter is a low, deep rumble that cuts right through me. I tuck my head down to block the wind. I had an opportunity to give Cade the kiss of his life, and I bombed. With every step, my heart beats faster. I want to kiss him —I want to kiss him now— but I’m afraid I won’t be able to stop.

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