Page 10 of One Golden Ring

As Drake climbs into the driver’s seat and backs out of the parking lot, I can’t stop thinking that maybe, just maybe…I’ve been granted a Christmas miracle of my own.

Chapter Eight

Drake

I’ve been staring at her for way too long, watching as Wynter flips through the menu like it’s the most fascinating thing she’s ever seen. Meanwhile, all I can think about is how I’m going to kiss her before this night ends.

I don’t justwantto kiss her. Ineedto. It’s been gnawing at me since the second she walked into the library, since the moment she called me a Grinch with that sweet, sexy little smile of hers.

She’s crawled right into my heart without even trying.

“So,” she sets the menu down. “Do you always take women out for dinner after their cars break down?”

I smirk. “Only when the universe tells me to.”

She rolls her eyes, but I can see a hint of a smile tugging at her lips. “The universe, huh?”

“Yup.” I lean back in my chair, watching the way her eyes flicker like gemstones in the candlelight. “It whispered right in my ear.”

“Did it now?” She takes a roll from the bread basket. “And what exactly did it say?”

I lean forward, lowering my voice. “That I should make sure you never leave my sight again.”

Wynter freezes, her cheeks turning a gorgeous shade of pink as she swallows a piece of roll. “Do you have a book of lines?”

“A book of lines?’ I snag a poppy seed roll. “You don’t really believe that, do you?”

“Honestly? I don’t know. When we met, you were pretty tight-lipped and moody. Now you’re Drake the Cake on steroids…” her eyes widen. “Ohmygod…I shouldn’t have said that. I…I…when I get nervous…I…umm…I…”

“Drake the Cake?” My face hurts from smiling so wide. “You call me Drake the Cake?”

“Umm, well, yes and no. You see…umm…the girls in town call you that.”

“Is that so?” I reach over to touch her shoulder to reassure her. “It’s all good, sunshine. Drake the Cake isn’t so bad. Now, if it were Drake the Snake, we’d have to talk.”

Wynter laughs so loud she slaps a hand over her mouth to keep it in.

“Let it out, sunshine. I don’t care what anyone in here thinks.” I lean in close. “Except you.” I wink.

The waiter bustles over with our drinks, takes our orders, and rushes away. As I contemplate toasting my good fortune, I hear someone call out her name.

“Wynter!” A tall brunette is waving from the maître de station.

“Oh, no.” Wynter groans softly.

“Is there a problem?” I sit up straight. “You want me to take care of it?”

“Calm down, Thor.” She rolls her eyes. “That’s my best friend Rachel and her husband, Lincoln.” Wynter throws her hand in the air.

“Then why the ‘oh no’?”

“Because she’s never going to let me live this down.”

“You’ve lost me.” I put my arm around her chair and drag it closer. “Fill me in.”

“What are you doing?” She swats me on the arm. “She’s watching.”

“Good,” the air between us shifts, and I can’t hold back anymore. ”Wynter,” I brush my thumb across her cheek, “I’m going to kiss you now.”

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