Page 92 of Holiday Hire

I tear my gaze away as Alexander moves me closer to the wall.

The people at the table get up, and I tear my eyes off him. They open the door to return inside, and music vibrates around us.

The three people disappear, and the door slams. I turn, and Alexander's intense gaze is back on me.

This time, I break the stare and glance at his lips. Adrenaline races through my veins. I deeply inhale, then slowly meet his stare.

He spins me so my back is against the brick wall, slides his hand through my hair, and lowers his face to mine. He stops inches from my mouth, and his hot breath tickles my chin.

My chest rises and falls faster. I open my mouth, but nothing comes out.

His jaw tightens. He presses his body against mine, places his palm on my cheek, and strokes my chin with his thumb. Blue flames flicker in his eyes, growing hotter every second he peers at me.

Music blares around us. Voices fill the patio.

Alexander turns his head. A drunk crowd fills the tiny patio.

"Excuse me," a woman shouts.

Annoyance fills his expression. He presses closer to me so she can get by, then asks, "Do you want to go back inside, or are you ready to head home?"

"Home sounds good," I reply, disappointed we got interrupted and wanting nothing more than to be alone with Alexander.

He doesn't waste time, leading me into the bar, parting the crowd, and getting me safely to the truck. He opens the door, I get in, and he hurries to the driver's side.

We don't say anything on the way home. He keeps his palm on my thigh. Country music plays on a low volume, and my butterflies flutter harder every second that brings us closer to the ranch.

15

Alexander

Thanksgiving lights create a glow around the ranch, welcoming us home. I pull through the gate, my cock hard and aching like never before. The country music playing on the truck's radio barely registers. Phoebe's floral scent teases me, creating havoc in my veins to the point I feel semi-delirious.

I park in front of the house, get out, and walk around the truck. I open the door, and my heart hammers harder against my chest.

Phoebe's eyes swirl with a wildness I saw the first day I met her. Mixed in is something else.

I help her step down and then shut the door. I study her closer and realize she's a bit nervous.

I don't think, I just react. I push her against the truck and lift her chin. "Hey."

"Hey," she softly replies, her eyes shining under the moonlight.

"I think I forgot something at the bar."

She arches her eyebrows. "Oh? Do we have to go back?"

"No." I run my thumb over her lips, stating, "It's right here."

Her lips twitch. She inhales deeply.

I lower my head and slide my tongue into her mouth as a gust of wind howls around us. I cage myself farther around her, and my blood turns so hot I barely feel the brisk onslaught of air.

Her tongue dives deeper against mine. She slides her hands around my neck, caressing it like before. A whimper vibrates from her.

Tonight, with her, I feel alive. It's as if I've somehow been dead, and she's unearthed me from the grave.

I retreat, breaking our kiss, remaining an inch from her face, murmuring, "Glad I got that back."

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