Page 72 of Fake It 'Til You Sleigh It

“That’s… actually pretty incredible,” she admits, her eyes fixed on the show.

You’re incredible, I long to say, but I’m not quite ready to face another rejection just yet.

I take the champagne and flutes out of the picnic basket, popping the cork with a flourish before handing her a flute.

“Ooh, very suave,” she says, eyebrow arched. “Now I see why the women are lining up to be your rotating arm candy.”

It’s confirmed. She still thinks I’m a douchebag ladies’ man.

And now, I’m paying the price for living up to that shallow image. I’ve had my share of ladies. Actresses, models, fans who wanted a taste of the “King of Christmas.” I played the part, reciting Chase’s scripted lines as foreplay and making their holiday rom-com dreams a reality. But none of them ever wantedme.

“Okay, I gotta know,” Chase says. “Where do I rank on the Ethan Barrett Starlet Scale? Am I a solid 7? Or have I reached the coveted 8.5?”

Ouch.Is that really all she thinks she is to me? The idea of Chase being just another quick fling has me ready to hurl myself into the bay.

I take a deep breath, looking her straight in the eye. “Chase, you’re not like the rest. You play in a whole different league.”

“Oh please. I’m being serious. Don’t give me your heartthrob lines. We both know I’m not your usual type.”

Something snaps inside me. How can this brilliant, hilarious, insanely talented woman not see how amazing she is?

I set my glass down, turning to face her head-on. “That’s right. You’re not my usual type. You are something else entirely.”

She tries to cut in, but I can’t control myself. Words just tumble out like I’ve cracked open some kinda emotional floodgate.

“You’re whip-smart and funny as hell, and yeah, you make me crazy. Sometimes I don’t know whether to argue with you or shut you up with a kiss. You challenge me, and you call me on my bullshit, and make me want to be better. That’s not something I’m used to. I really like that about you.”

I tuck a strand of hair behind her ear, happy to use it as an excuse to touch her.

“So no, you’re not my woman of the week, Chase,” I continue, my heart pounding. “I don’t know what this is, but you’re the woman I can’t stop thinking about, the one I want to impress, the one I…”

The weight of my realization hits me like a sudden plot twist.She’s the person I can’t picture my life without.

Chase stares at me, her expression unreadable. The silence stretches between us, filled only by the gentle lapping of waves against the boat and the distant sounds of the parade.

I’m laid bare, raw as hell. It’s like I’m out here, treading water in a churning sea, just waiting. And she’s either gonna toss me a lifeline or let the abyss claim me.

Come on, Chase. Say something. Anything.

She clears her throat, her voice dry. “Wow… I’m going to steal those lines for my next script. Maybe you’re better at wooing than I thought.”

Words aren’t getting through, so I switch to action. I softly cradle her mesmerizing face in my hand. “Chase,” I whisper, bringing our lips so close we’re almost touching. “I want you. I need you. Please.”

That single word—please—ignites an inferno between us. Her mouth comes to me with a hunger that sends my senses reeling. She battles for dominance, and I gladly surrender, letting her shatter my defenses.

Her hand reaches over, bold and unapologetic, palming my fast-growing hard-on through my pants. A groan escapes me, swallowed by her relentless kiss.

She offers a gentle squeeze, and my hips instinctively move towards her, craving more.

Her fingers trace the length of me, triggering shockwaves of pleasure.

I’m pulsing.

Throbbing.

Every nerve ending aching with need that only she can satisfy.

She breaks away, her mouth charting a blazing course down my jaw, my neck, her breath hot and ragged against my skin.

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