Page 13 of Wrapped Up

He reaches into his pocket and pulls them out, teasingly dangling them in front of me. "I think I'll hold onto these for now, Princess. As a little souvenir.”

I roll my eyes, but I can't hold back the smile that creeps onto my face. “You're impossible, you know that?”

“And you love it,” he retorts, tucking the silky fabric back into his pocket with a satisfied grin.

Despite the intimacy we just shared, it's surprising how easily we've fallen into this playful banter. There's a natural chemistry between us that both fascinates and excites me. I'm drawn to his carefree side, which balances out the intense passion we just experienced.

As we approach the bathrooms, he turns towards me and suggests, “I'll go clean up quickly. Meet me at the bar and I'll treat you to a drink.”

I nod, feeling butterflies flutter in my stomach. “Sounds great. I'll find my friend and let her know I'm still here.”

He flashes me a charming smile before disappearing into the bathroom, leaving me alone to process the whirlwind of emotions inside me.

As I enter the ladies' room, I catch a glimpse of myself in the mirror. The flushed, disheveled woman staring back at me hardly resembles the cautious and guarded Jennifer I know.

I splash cool water on my face, replaying our encounter in the stairwell with vivid clarity. The raw hunger in his gaze, his possessiveness, the pure bliss of surrendering completely—everything feels surreal yet undeniably real.

A sense of wonder washes over me. How could I, someone who is always so careful and guarded have let down their walls completely in just one evening? With him, everything feels natural and right. It's as if we've known each other for lifetimes instead of mere hours.

Suddenly, I realize that I don't even know his real name. But it doesn't matter. He is my “Christmas Prince,” a title that couldn't be more fitting. The thought brings a smile to my face and a glimmer of hope within me.

Maybe, just maybe, I'm not doomed in love after all. Perhaps love doesn’t despise me; maybe I had to sift through a few frogs and toads to find this rare and captivating specimen.

As I straighten my dress and run my fingers through my tousled hair, I feel this newfound sense of confidence and inner peace taking hold of me and I smile, knowing that I've found something rare and precious tonight.

Back on the dance floor, the bass thrums through my body, but it pales compared to the electricity still coursing through my veins. I scan the crowd, searching for Anna’s familiar blonde head.

“Jennifer!” Anna's voice cuts through the noise. She rushes towards me, relief etched on her face. “Where the hell have you been? I've been looking everywhere for you!”

I can't help the smirk that tugs at my lips. “Oh, you know... just living up to your Christmas miracle expectations.”

Anna's eyes widen, her mouth falling open in a perfect 'O'. “No way. Did you... did you meet someone?”

I shrug, trying to play it cool, but the flush creeping up my neck betrays me. “Maybe.”

“Oh my God!” she squeals, bouncing on her toes. “Who is he? Where is he? I need details, Jenn!”

I glance around, searching for his tall frame, but he's nowhere to be seen. “He's... around here somewhere.”

Peter appears, drinks in hand, eyebrow raised at Anna's excitement. “What's got you all worked up?”

“Jennifer met someone!” Anna gushes, practically vibrating with joy.

Peter chuckles, handing her a drink. “Should I start planning the wedding, then?”

Anna swats his arm playfully. “Don't tease. I just want her to find love.”

As Peter and Anna exchange playful banter, I tune them out, my focus consumed by the need to find the man who has so thoroughly captivated me. I can still feel the ghost of his touch, the taste of his kiss. Every cell in my body yearns for his touch, my longing nearly overwhelming me.

Suddenly the opening notes of Anna's favorite song fill the air, and she turns to Peter with pleading eyes. "Dance with me?"

Peter rolls his eyes good-naturedly, already setting down his drink. “How can I resist?”

I laugh, waving them off. “Go on, lovebirds. I'm going to look for my Christmas Prince.”

Navigating through the throngs of people, I spot him. He stands with his back to me, and I take a moment to appreciate the width of his shoulders and how his shirt hugs his muscular build.

My feet carry me towards him, a smile forming on my lips. But as I approach, I see a gorgeous woman approaching him. She's tall with long legs and honey-blonde hair, her face contorted in annoyance as she stops in front of him.

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