Page 8 of Holiday Flame

“They had some calls to make,” he says at last. “To wives. Partners. That sort of thing.”

“Oh, and you didn’t have any calls of your own to make?” I ask innocently. “No girlfriend or hot date waiting for you.”

His dark eyes flash. The heat in them sets my pulse racing.

“No. No girlfriend. No hot date. No one is waiting.”

Each word, said in his deep timbre, seems to stoke the growing desire inside me.

“Well…” I slide the tip of my tongue along my lip, just the way Piper is pantomiming right now.

“I swear, Jade.” He groans. “I don’t know whether to kiss or spank you.”

Ooh, this is it. A perfect opportunity to be flirty. “Seeing as how I’m on your lap, it seems like we can go either way.”

The humor slips from his face. “What did you say?”

“Kissing or spanking.” I shrug. “I’m fine with whatever you decide. I’m not picky.”

He opens his mouth, but nothing comes out. I lean toward him, ready to place a hand on his knee and then who knows where next. But as the tips of my fingers touch his jeans, he jumps to his feet.

“Shit, I just remembered.”

I pull back. “Remembered what?”

“I… have to go do some shopping.”

My brow knits. “What?”

“You know, ‘tis the season and all.”

I shake my head. “But it’s after nine.”

“Yeah, well, I’ll do it online. Or something.” He pulls out several bills and throws them on the table. It’s enough to cover all of the drinks and still leave a healthy tip for the server. He races toward the door before I can fully register what’s happened. He’s walking stiffly, as if he’s just gotten off a horse.

I stare at the wad of cash. Ordinarily, I’d appreciate seeing a man be so generous, but not right now. Right now, I have just one question.

I turn to Mabel who has just made her way across the room with a smirk. “What the hell just happened? Did I come on too strong? Did I gross him out?”

“No way.” She gives me an encouraging nudge. “You have him right where you want him.”

“And where exactly is that?”

“Running to take a cold shower, no doubt.” Her eyes sparkle. “That man was hot and bothered. He’s as good as yours.”

“I don’t know.” I chew on the inside of my cheek. “What if he really isn’t into me?”

“I’m not even going to answer that, it’s so ridiculous. Now.” She leans toward me and whispers. “I have a plan about what you can do next.”

“I feel ridiculous,” I say, staring at my reflection.

“Well, you look hot,” Mabel says with a satisfied nod. “Hot enough to set that firefighter of yours on fire.”

I smooth the skirt of my green velvet dress down. “Really?”

“Seriously. You’re gorgeous. Look at those gams of yours.”

As if anyone will be able to look at anything else. They are covered in candy cane-striped tights at the moment. If that wasn’t enough, I’m wearing a pair of green shoes with absolutelygiant buckles on them. But, as Mabel has reminded me over and over, at least it matches the green buckled hat on my head.

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