Page 7 of Dad Bod Snow Job

The words slip out before I can stop them. I bite my lip, sneaking a glance at Nico through my lashes. His blue eyes have gone soft around the edges as he watches Bear practically melt under my fingers. The corner of his mouth twitches like he's fighting a smile.

Nico reaches across, his fingers brushing my ankle as he untangles the lights. The touch sends electricity zipping through my body. I bite my lip to hold back a gasp.

“You're something else, Holly Carter,” he says, his deep voice sending shivers down my spine.

Bear nudges my hand, demanding more attention. “Well, your dog seems to think I'm okay.”

Nico releases Bear's collar slowly, like he's still not quite sure this is real. When Bear immediately flops onto his side, exposing his belly for rubs, Nico laughs. The sound is rough from disuse, but it transforms his whole face.

Oh. Oh wow. If I thought grumpy Nico was dangerous to my heart, smiling Nico is absolutely lethal.

Bear wriggles closer, shoving his head under my palm while his tail thumps a steady rhythm against the floor. I glance up to find Nico watching us, something unreadable flickering in his eyes.

“It's taken him six years to warm up to the staff,” he says quietly. “Even my brother can't pet him.”

“Really?” I scratch that sweet spot behind Bear's ears, but my attention is fixed on Nico. “Maybe he just needed the right approach.”

“Maybe.” His eyes lock with mine, intense and searching. “He's got good instincts about people.”

My breath catches. Is he saying what I think he's saying? Before I can respond, Bear lets out a whine and headbutts my hip, nearly knocking me off balance.

Nico's hand shoots out to steady me, his palm warm against my lower back. The touch sends electricity zipping through my body, and I bite my lip to hold back a gasp.

“Easy there, big guy,” Nico says, but I'm not sure if he's talking to Bear or himself. His hand lingers on my back a moment longer than necessary before he slowly pulls away.

Bear looks between us, his tail still wagging, and I swear that dog is smirking.

“Right.” Nico clears his throat, taking a step back. “The trees need unloading.” His gaze sweeps the transformed shop. “You've done good work today. But maybe tackle the rest of the decorating with both feet on the ground.”

“No promises.” I grin up at him. “I have big plans for this place. Wait until you see the social media mock-ups I've been working on?—”

“Holly.” My name in his deep voice sends shivers down my spine. “One miracle at a time.”

“Persistent, remember?” I scratch Bear's ears one last time. “And now I have an ally.”

Bear's tail thumps against the floor in agreement.

“Traitor,” Nico mutters, but his voice holds a warmth I haven't heard before. He shakes his head, walking toward the door. “Try not to let him convince you to give away all our inventory while I'm gone.”

I watch him go, absently scratching Bear's belly. Day one, and I've already won over the guard dog. Now for the bigger challenge—his equally guarded owner.

Chapter 4

Nico

Idrum my fingers on the steering wheel, watching snowflakes dance in the truck's headlights. Bear's massive head rests on the center console, his amber eyes fixed on Holly's front door.

"You're pathetic, you know that?" I scratch behind his ears. "One pretty girl shows up with treats, and suddenly, you forget whose side you're on."

Bear's tail thumps against the seat.

"Don't give me that innocent act. I saw you yesterday, rolling over when you saw Holly. What happened to being the fierce guard dog?"

He huffs, and I swear he's laughing at me.

"Holly is temporary help," I say, but the words taste bitter. "As soon as she lands a fancy marketing job, she'll leave faster than you can say 'Christmas spirit.'"

Bear fixes me with those soulful eyes, head tilted.

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