Page 21 of Unwrapped

I watchas her eyes soften, and there’s something vulnerable in her expression that makes my chest tighten. She doesn’t look away, doesn’t put up her usual guarded smile. Instead, she holds my gaze, and I can tell—she’s letting me in, even if it’s just a little.

“Well,” she says, leaning in slightly, her voice playful but with a hint of something deeper, “if you’re looking for more baking chemistry lessons, you know where to find me.”

A slow smile spreads across my face. “I might just take you up on that.”

There’s a charge in the air between us, something electric. I feel it, and I know she feels it too. I take a small step closer, letting our shoulders brush, and the warmth of her skin against mine sends a thrill through me. “Okay, but don’t expect any shortcuts,” she says, her eyebrow quirking up. “Perfecting a recipe takes time and patience. And a willingness to get your hands a little messy.”

I lean in, feeling the pull of her words, and I can’t help the grin that forms. “I’m good with my hands,” I murmur, my voice low. I watch her face go pink, and there’s something about seeing her flustered that makes me want to push just a little further. Makes me wish I could reach down and pull her dress away from her body to see if the flush matches her nipples.

She swallows, trying to keep her composure, but I can see the way her eyes flicker, the way her breath catches. For a second, I think about closing that last bit of distance between us, about what it might feel like to just let this happen. But before I can decide, someone calls my name from across the room, and it breaks the moment.

I glance over and see one of my business associates waving me over, looking impatient. I sigh, a pang of frustration settling in my chest. I don’t want to walk away from this, from her, but I know I have to. “I have to take care of this,” I say, the reluctance clear in my voice.

She nods, and I catch a hint of disappointment before she covers it up with a smile. “Yeah, of course. Go do your CEO thing.”

I hesitate, not wanting to leave things like this. “Don’t disappear on me, okay? I’ll find you later.” I reach my hand out, letting it slide gently around her waist. “I’m sorry I have to step away again.”

She gives me a small smile, and there’s a softness in her eyes that gives me hope. “I’ll be around.”

I need to kiss her, to taste her but I can’t be rushed. Not the first time. I need to be able to savor her, to take my time. I let my hand fall from her body with a small nod.

As I walk away, I can’t help but glance back at her, the glow of the Christmas tree lights reflecting off her skin, making her look almost ethereal. My chest tightens, and I realize just how much I don’t want this night to end. For the first time in a while, I feel like I’m not just playing a part, but like I’ve found something real, something that’s not just about business deals or impressing people.

I take a deep breath, forcing myself to focus on the task at hand, but as I shake hands and nod through the conversation with my associate, my mind keeps drifting back to Ivy. The way she looked at me, the way she talked about baking and life, the way she made me feel like maybe—just maybe—there’s more to this holiday party than networking and putting on a show.

When I finally manage to wrap things up, I scan the room, hoping to catch a glimpse of her dark hair or the sparkle of her dress. But I don’t see her. The conversation took longer than expected and I glance down at my watch.

“Shit.” It’s just after midnight already. I feel my pocket buzz and pull out my phone to see a text from Ivy.

Ivy

Sorry I left without saying goodbye! Feet were killing me. Let me know when you’re interested in your next chemistry lesson.

The smile that’s been plastered on my face all night because of her returns. I almost type out a quick response but decide to hold off, waiting to craft the perfect response when I can offer her a time to hang out.

“What’s with that look?” Zane mutters as he shuffles over to me.

“What are you still doing here? I’m shocked you stuck around after the first hour.”

He shrugs, his bow tie hanging loose around his neck, an almost finished cocktail in his hand. “Open bar got me,” he says, raising his glass.

The look on his face tells me that is not the reason he stuck around tonight—or at least not the only reason. I’m about to ask who she is but I decide I’m too wrapped up in my head right now to hear about his latest conquest.

“Well, I’m beat, think I’m gonna head out. You good?” he asks, grabbing my shoulder.

“Great,” I assure him, grabbing my now warm champagne flute and lifting it toward his glass. “To another successful holiday party in the books.”

I don’t know what’s going to happen next with Ivy and me, but I do know one thing—whatever it is, I don’t want to miss it.

Because for the first time in a long time, I feel like I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be. And I’m not about to let that slip away.

Chapter 7

Ivy

“Thanks for inviting me to join you for your first time.” My eyes squeeze shut for a second.Shit.“I mean your first time at the Christmas market,” I quickly correct and he doesn’t even attempt to hide his laugh. The tension that’s been evident since we reconnected growing thick.

The wind is brisk as we step into the bustling holiday market, our breaths forming little clouds in the chilly air. Snowflakes swirl around us, dusting the rows of market stalls with a soft layer of white. The air is filled with the cozy, inviting scents of roasted chestnuts, spiced cider, and freshly baked gingerbread. Lights twinkle on every garland-draped stall, casting a warm glow over the bustling crowds. Asher walks beside me, his hands tucked into the pockets of his coat, a wool scarf wrapped around his neck. He looks like the kind of guy you’d see in one of those Hallmark movies Tessa loves.

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