Page 92 of Deck the Fire Halls

Actually, my heart was more than just happy. It was full and felt too big for my chest. It thumped a wild staccato, sending a buzz through my belly and limbs.

I put it down to the mind-blowing sex, and the giddiness was simply because this was a new and exciting thing.

It couldn’t possibly be anything else. It could not be because of that sexy man in my bed; not his body, not his soulful eyes, not his breathtaking smile or the sound of his laughter.

Or the way he looked at me.

Or how he made my whole body feel alive...

It was ridiculous to think it could be anything else. Anything more than infatuation. Certainly not anything starting with the letter L.

Love. The word you’re looking for is love.

Oh good. You’re back.

I never left. I’m you, you idiot. For an intellectual person, you’re pretty daft.

I don’t love him. I can’t. It’s too soon for that. It’s just... new and wonderful, and something I haven’t had in my life in... well, forever. That’s all.

Hm-mm.

Don’t give me that tone.

I’m not giving you anything. I am you.

Oh shut up. And keep your opinions to yourself. It’s not love. I’m not in love with him.

Anything you say, champ.

. . .

What? No comeback?

Champ?

My inner voice sighed.Yeah, look, I’m just gonna leave you to get used to the love idea.

Good.

What?

“I said good.”

“Huh?” Soren said behind me. “What’s good?”

I jumped, almost spilling my coffee. “Oh. Sorry. The coffee,” I lied. “Coffee’s good. Want one? I’ll make one for you.” I went to the machine, and he wrapped his arms around me, giving me a sleepy back hug. “I thought you might want to sleep in.”

“Hmmm,” he moaned out a sigh.

“Rough night at work?”

“Long,” he said, still holding me tight, still pressing his face into my shoulder. “Was exceptionally better when I got here though.”

I chuckled. “Glad I could help.”

I finished his coffee and, turning in his arms, put it in front of his nose. He inhaled and took it gratefully. I noticed then that he was only wearing his underwear.

“Are you cold?”

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