Page 85 of Christmas Criminal

I pour us each a glass and we continue into the living room, where I get a fire started and we sit in front of it, each of us attempting to warm the other's skin because it's not as fun to rubyourselfwarm. I tug her between my legs, my hands running along her outer thighs and her upper arms.

She has her hands on my knees, squeezing and rubbing her way along my shins in a way that she doesn't intend to be sexual, but it's very much inspiring those thoughts. She's touching myshinsand it's turning me on.

I leave a little kiss on her neck, brushing her hair out of my way so it doesn't get stuck in my stubble.

"Mm," she says, leaning into the kiss. "If this is what I get for going to the tree lighting, maybe it's worth it."

I snort, wrapping my arms tighter around her. "Please. Youlovedthat tree lighting. You were staring up at it literally like a kid on Christmas."

She elbows me. "I was not!"

I laugh as I sigh into her neck. "Noelle, you were watching the tree lighting, but I was watching you. And I know what I saw."

Her head shakes, and I can only imagine she's rolling her eyes. "Youthinkyou saw me enjoying it. But it was really a strategic attempt to remove myself from the Christmas that has been thrust upon me. Sometimes you have to embrace your challenges in order to overcome them."

I kiss her neck again. "You're my little Christmas elf. My small little spitfire."

She nestles in closer to me and speaks in a mocking tone. "Well, if you're going to see what you want to see..."

I tug her closer and leave a triad of kisses along her shoulder.

She's quiet for a moment, tucked into my shoulder. "Hey, what's that?" she asks.

I lift my head to follow her gaze and realize it's hooked on the gift underneath the tree. "It's a present. Sometimes people do that, on Christmas. Give each other cute little things."

She twists to look at me. "Who's it for?"

"You, Criminal."

"You got me a present?"

"Well, yeah. You keep letting me play with your vagina, so I figured it was only right."

She snorts, elbowing me. "What is it?"

"You'll have to wait until Christmas to see."

She turns to face me fully, her eyebrows raised. "Are you coming to Christmas with my family?"

I gauge her expression carefully. Her mom's invite was incredibly thoughtful, but I don't want to impose on another family's Christmas.

It would be one thing if we were an established couple. If I didn't think she was going to run right back to Philadelphia once the season is over.

She's here now, and I'm loving every moment, but I'm under no false pretense that she's going to want to give up her flashy life to live in a town she hates.

"If you want me to, I'll go."

Her eyes narrow. "You sound uncertain."

"Yousound uncertain."

She swallows, licking her lips. "I want you to come."

Lord help me, my chest swells. "Yeah?"

"I think that would be really nice."

I can't help the grin that spreads across my face. "Okay, I'll come for Christmas."

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