Damn, it was sexy. Riding his long, thick peppermint stick was in my future. I could see it vividly. My fingers wrapped around his bulging arm and I narrowed my eyes up at him.

“I fucking mean it,” he stated with confidence.

Don’t show him you’re turned on by the growling.

“What’s with the fuck me face?” he whispered.

My heartbeat thudded in my chest. Now I couldn’t control my faces around him.

“Wait until we return home. I’ll give you something that will satisfy you.”

“No, not happening. I don’t want you to hurt Ismael. He’s harmless.”

“Hope, he’s lucky I didn’t pick him up and throw him across the hardware store. He’s begging to be taught a lesson.”

My palm rested against his heaving chest. “Calm down, big guy. Forget about Ismael. I’m happy you’re here with me. Let’s have fun tonight.” My smile widened across my face.

“There’s no place I’d rather be than with you.” He pulled me against his chest as we approached the counter.

We rattled off our sizes to the attendant, then Noah ushered me to a bench, so I could change into my skates. “I’ll be right back.”

“Ok.” The second I removed the tall boots, the bitter snap of cold struck my legs. The beautiful snow falling all around me kept a smile on my face despite the blistering weather.

I slid my foot into one of the white leather ice skates.

“Does it fit?” My bones warmed the moment Noah sat next to me.

“Yes.”

“Good. Here.”

Brows scrunched, I peeked at the package Noah held out in front of me.

“Are you serious?” My body zinged with excitement.

“Unfortunately, I am,” he sighed, looking all kinds of adorable.

“Reindeer skate covers.” I couldn’t wait to see what the brown covers with a red nose on the tip looked like on my skates.

The man who hated Christmas made a sweet gesture for me, the woman who adored this jolly holiday.

“They’ll go perfect with my...” I reached under the bench and retrieved reindeer antlers from the large winter wonderland decorative bag I kept close. I pressed a button before adjusting the brown headband over my red beanie.

Noah palmed his face. “Why is this happening? You couldn’t just buy a simple antler headband. Yours had to have red lights.”

“Yes,” I laughed hysterically.

“The elf slippers, Ms. Clause robe, festive T-shirts, and, sweaters were the extent of my holiday wardrobe. Until I met you.”

He glanced at me as he slipped on the second skate. “Oh really?”

“Yes. You were clearly bothered by all things, Christmas so I figured I’d take it up ten notches.”

I reached into the bag again. “Noah, I have another gift for you.” I grinned from ear to ear.

“No thanks.” He shook his head.

My face tensed. “You don’t know what it is.”