Page 4 of Christmas of Convenience

“Lava cake?I think those are the exact reason why I’m not a model.”

“Back to my question. Do you want to be?”

“No, but that’s not really the point. The point is that she’s perfect and I’m the opposite of that. I couldn’t be a model even if I wanted to.”

“Do you want to be?”

“Why do you keep asking me that?”

“Because you could be, if you wanted to be.”

“I’m not getting skinny and… yeah, that’s just not me.”

“That’s not what I’m saying. You’re perfect right now.”

She laughs and fidgets with the flatware on the table. “Yeah, well, I’m paying you to say that, so… good job.”

“You’re not paying me for compliments. This is just us talking right now. Nothing more than that. Believe me when I tell you, you’re beautiful.”

Her cheeks turn red, and I can tell she’s not used to taking compliments. Truthfully, I’m not used to giving them.

The waiter sets a basket of bread in the center of the table and settles two local IPAs down in front of us. I recognize the brand from a small distillery in Whiskey Falls.

Jen tips the amber bottle up and takes a long, hard drag, letting the liquid linger in her mouth before swallowing it down. “This is good. Like really good. Have you had it before?”

“A while back. I like local beers when I can get ‘em. You?”

“Not really. I’m a Coors girl, but this is good. It’s got an orange flavor to it I like.” She takes another sip and sets the bottle down slowly. “So, how do we make this look real?”

I hold my palm out, face up. “Put your hand in mine.”

Her dark brown gaze meets mine with suspicion. “Do we touch and then some magical thing happens?”

“I hope so.” I wiggle my fingers, prompting her toward me. “Let’s try.”

More suspicion, though I’m starting to like how shy she is. It’s cute the way her cheeks turn pink, and her nose scrunches up.

Slowly, her soft hand lands in mine and there’s a spark of something that I can’t describe. It comes on fast and lingers as she holds space against my skin.

Fuck!My cock presses at the seam of my jeans, and for the first time in a long time, I’m suddenly awake in ways I haven’t been in for what seems like forever. Honestly, I really shouldn’t be, considering none of this is meant to be real.

Her tiny hand lands against mine, and despite the fact that I’m burning too hot too quick, I close my palm around her, stroking the back of her hand with my thumb. “So, now that we’ve determined that you could model if you wanted to, and you’re clearly the more successful sister from a professional perspective, it’s obvious that you’ve got no one who compares to you. What else can I solve for you tonight?”

Her brows narrow. “Wow. Really?”

“Yeah, I mean… it’s true.”

“You haven’t seen my sister. The second you do, you’re going to see why I’m paying you to play with me.”

I can feel a slight chuckle leave my lips. “Not a chance. I’ve never really been into the whole thin girl thing. I mean, don’t get me wrong, I’m not shaming anyone’s body, but I’ve just always liked thicker girls. I’m a guy who needs a girl with something to hold on to. Plus, one of the greatest joys in life is to have someone who can sit down and eat with me, ya know?”

She tears into the bread and butters both sides before taking a bite and rolling her eyes up slightly. “Well, that sounded very convincing. You almost had me believing that’s really what you’re into.”

“No, I’m serious. I like a woman with some weight on her.”

“Yeah, tits and ass… that’s what all men say.”

“No. You don’t get the tits and the ass without the stomach, the arms, and the thighs.” I groan, “The thighs are my favorite.”

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