Page 15 of Inherited Holiday

She bit back a grin, trying to pretend my teasing didn’t affect her.

I didn’t know what I was expecting.

What I wanted from her.

I liked having her here. With me. Just not in this town.

Her scent.

Her hair.

Her soft skin.

It all did something to me in the same way it used to.

Unable to revert, I spoke the truth, “You can play this game all you want, but we both know it’s only a matter of time until you’re dealing with us.”

She pushed off my knees, standing tall in front of me. “In your dreams. Me kneeing you in the balls doesn’t change our relationship, Nicholas.”

“But look what it’s done for your perception. You’re saying we’re in a relationship now.”

“Don’t twist my words, or this will be a very long day.”

“It will be if you continue this charade of not giving a shit about me.”

“I don’t know what you expect from me.”

“I’d love for you to give me a chance to make things right between us.”

“Which includes what?”

“How about we start with dinner at my house?”

“I don’t want to have dinner with you.”

“Dessert then? Breakfast? Shit, I’d settle for coffee.”

“Not happening.”

I smiled, eyeing her up and down, and I didn’t hesitate to remind her. “As you know, Elle, I never back down from a challenge, so consider this war, Miss Woods.”

And I meant every word.

CHAPTER 7

NOELLE: THEN

My dad was away for the weekend, and I was used to staying alone—military life.

“Cute candy-cane onesie,” Nicholas expressed, walking into my living room as I grabbed a blanket from the back of my couch.

We were going to watch a movie.

My cheeks flushed, and my belly fluttered. If there was one thing I learned about Nicholas since I met him a few weeks ago, it was that he spoke his mind anytime he opened his mouth. He never held back, and in the little time we knew each other, it was one of the things I liked the most about him. He seemed as genuine as they come.

It was refreshing.

He was my breath of fresh air.