Page 17 of A Game-Changing Christmas

Bri nodded, and again, he cuddled her between his torso, wrapped in the length of his arms as he led her to an open passenger door. She slipped inside and adjusted herself while Raphael rounded his way to the driver side. Once he was comfortably in, he turned to her.

“Would you like the same meal as everyone else, or do you care for something different?”

“Right now, I could settle for something light, and maybe sweet like a cup of cappuccino or vanilla ice cream.”

Raphael lifted his head in thought. “Where should we get ice cream at this hour?”

Bri lifted her shoulders and smirked. “I don’t know, maybe ... McDonald’s?”

Raphael’s grin lit up his handsome face. “Beloved you know McDonald’s ice cream machine is not operational.”

Bri tossed her head back and laughed, and Raphael found himself drowning in the sound of her joy. His heart thumped, and his nerves danced along his skin.

With laughter still on her tongue and her eyes barely a squint, Bri cried out, “I could say the same for steak and potatoes!”

“And green beans. Don’t leave off the green beans, girl.”

Her laughter continued to hitch, and tears formed at the edge of her eyes.

“And green beans!”

Her mirth gave him pleasure, warming his heart and sizzling his loins right down to the very edge.

You’re in trouble.

“I’ve got an idea,” Raphael said, trying to ignore his thoughts; unaware his path was led by his heart. Raphael put the Land Rover into drive, and fifteen minutes later they were poised inside a convenient store, standing stock still in front of the pints of ice cream.

“This was a great idea.” Bri tapped her temple. “You so smart.”

Raphael chuckled then reached out and tugged her earlobe. His gentle caress sent shivers splintering down her spine, and Bri squirmed then blushed up into his soulful eyes, adoring the blue hue that shadowed the rim of his pupil.

“What’s your flavor?”

Bri forced her eyes to the freezer. “Hmmm. I feel like trying something new.”

“Yeah?”

“Yeah. What’s your favorite,” she asked him.

“I’d go with butter pecan before anything.”

“Yeah, I slightly agree.”

Raphael turned to her with a peering eye. “What’s better than butter pecan?”

“Chocolate chip,” she said victoriously.

Raphael twisted his lips. “If you say so.”

Bri laughed. “Have you ever had some?”

“When I was a kid.”

“That doesn’t count now.”

“No?”

“Not even close.”

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