Page 11 of Christian Clause

Everything in the place, from the wreaths to the golden bells hanging around the mall reminds me of Christmas as a child. I tuck my hands into my black coat as memories of fighting for who would put either the star or the angel on top of the tree flood me. Every year, Debra and I would flip a coin for who got to do it.

My eyes lift to the floors above as shoppers throng all over the place. I’m amazed at the number of Christmas shoppers since it’s only two days to Thanksgiving. I hear gleeful laughter in the midst of the Christmas music piping through the speakers situated throughout the mall.

I glance to my left to see a large ice-skating rink erected. Kids and adults alike swirl around the festively decorated rink, having the time of their lives. My mouth lifts into a smile and I just continue standing there, viewing the skaters with longing. A feeling of melancholy overcomes me when I remember how Debra and I spent time here as children with our parents. I wish I could turn back the hands of time. Those are such happy memories that I will treasure forever.

Catching myself staring unblinkingly at the skaters, I shake off the nostalgic feeling. A happy feeling overwhelms me as I think of Debra, Aria, and me skating at the rink. Oh, what fun we’ll have.

Suddenly, the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end. My spine stiffens and my heart hammers against my chest.

What’s going on?

I can’t remember the last time I felt this way. I feel as if life is being sucked out of me. Unexpectedly, a thrill of excitement flows through me.

Something must be going on around me.

I slowly turn my head and meet intense gray eyes staring at me. The man’s eyes remind me of smothering ashes with swirls of smoke rising from its embers. Such gorgeous eyes!

I shiver, and my hand automatically goes to my chest. I rub it as if I’m trying to tell my heart to stop pounding. I can feel his stare piercing me to my very soul. My regular breathing turns into pants, and my heart continues to beat erratically against my chest. Emotions roll through me as the man’s gray stare searches mine.

Then one side of his mouth tilts up and my heart flips in response to his sexy grin that shows off his perfect white teeth. My eyes travel down his magnificent body.

Wow! Am I hallucinating? Are men still made like this anymore? My throat runs dry. He’s at least six feet four inches in height with broad shoulders, narrow hips, lean long legs, and a face that would make a Greek god jealous. His wavy blond hair is beautifully cut and styled, and swept back from his forehead. His brows are neatly trimmed, his nose slightly pointed, and lips and jaw firm. His broad shoulders fill out his black jacket impressively. I can see the firmness of his stomach through his blue shirt. His pant-clad legs show strength. He doles out masculine strength in waves. I can feel it wrapping around me.

This guy is the total package.

Tugging at my earlobe, I’m stunned at the effect he’s having on me. I have seen countless handsome men; Terrance is in fact drop-dead gorgeous. So, why is this man making me weak in the knees? Heat inflames my body as I wonder what’s happening to me. I take in a deep breath and let it out slowly, trying to calm my ragged nerves.

Oh, my God. His eyes trail my body and heat suddenly pools in between my legs.

His eyes are so expressive my lips part in arousal. His relentless stare causes a shiver to slither down my spine. I can feel him undressing me. And I like it. Usually, I would be both irritated and disgusted and would walk away. But, I find myself rooted to the spot, ensconced in his stimulating presence.

Belatedly realizing how silly I look gawking at a stranger, albeit a drop-dead gorgeous one, I make to move away.

Chapter Six

Christian

My gaze roams with boredom around the mall until my eyes finally settle on a curvaceous woman standing in the center of the mall. For some reason I don’t understand, my interest immediately piques. Perhaps it’s the way she’s standing still, despite the throng of shoppers.

Even though her back is to me, I crave to get just a glimpse of her face. I take a step closer, eager to see the face that goes with such a banging body. My crotch area tightens as I take in the way her clothes fit her curvy backside. Her skintight jeans hug snuggly her flaring hips.

Suddenly, the woman turns and our gazes clash. Her dark brown eyes widen, and her mouth opens and closes. I take in her flawless dark brown skin with awe. My gaze shifts to her full lips shining with gloss.

“Hello, have we met before?” I ask, taking in her curvy form.

The stunning woman is considerably short in my estimation. Her chin barely reaches my chest area. I figure she should be about five feet three. I tower over her like an apartment building. I root my gaze to her heart-shaped face, down-turned dark brown eyes with specks of lighter gold. Her nose is straight with the tip pointing downward. Her medium length, natural black hair bounces against her shoulders.

My eyes drop lower to her lovely neck, then lower to the generous mounds on her chest. Gosh, I wish I could put my hands on them and squeeze them until I hear her moan. Instantly, desire licks through my veins. I want her deliciously curvy body under me so badly I ache inside. The woman remains speechless as she stares up into my face. Her spine noticeably stiffens before she replies.

“No, I don’t know you.” She turns to walk away and, unexpectedly, I panic.

I can’t allow her to go without knowing her name or a way to contact her. Everything inside me admits that she’s definitely an interesting woman to get to know.

“Wait. Don’t go. Can we have coffee together?” I ask, trying to keep this gorgeous woman from leaving, and me from never getting to see her again.

I don’t know what’s wrong with me. I have never in all my life done this. Most times, it’s the other way around. I go somewhere and have the women falling over themselves to get to know me. And even when I want to approach a woman, it’s not at a mall with a cheesy line like ‘Have we met before?’

I run my fingers through my hair as I wait for her reply. I swallow thickly as I see her shaking her head. My eyes widen. No way! No woman has ever rejected my offer before. A thick frown crosses my face. What in the world is happening? Maybe, I should have just sent my secretary instead of coming here myself to look for the best birthday gift for a friend.

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