Page 67 of Fake It 'Til You Sleigh It

And it’s burning hot.

Suddenly I want to be anywhere but in this crowd. For a hot second, I wonder if this boat has a bedroom. Or hell, I saw some port-a-potties when we were walking down the dock…

Get a grip, vajayjay!

Okay, enough. I need to focus on work. This isn’t some tropical getaway. It’s a job. Even if that job currently involves being pressed against abs that could slice through steel.

I pull away from the kiss, trying to ignore how his lips chase after mine. “I’ve been doing the math for our subscriber goal,” I say, my voice embarrassingly breathy. “And I was thinking—”

“Bah. We’ll deal with it later. Let loose and have some fun decorating. Ya know, be part of the Christmas festivities.”

“We’ve only got five days left. Sure we’re on track, but we can’t afford to lose focus.”

“It’s always work with you. Fine.” Ethan sighs. “Mama, can you start decorating without us? Chase and I got a work thing.”

Darla’s eyes twinkle. “If that’s what you’re gonna call it, fine by me. Just don’t forget to hang your stockings with care, if you catch my drift. Ya know, wrap up that present extra tight… Unless you’re hankerin’ for a special little delivery.” She sighs dreamily.

As soon as we’re out of earshot, I hiss, “Your mom thinks we’re leaving to go have sex, doesn’t she?”

“Yup.”

“Tell her we’re not. I don’t want her thinking we’re getting freaky. It’s embarrassing.”

“You want me to lie to my mom, before Christmas?”

“Either that, or we are not having sex anymore,” I say, crossing my arms over my chest.

Ethan leans in close, his breath hot against my ear. “I know you love my cock. But if you think you can live without it, be my guest.”

And there’s that damn charm. I find it as infuriating as I do exhilarating.

Ethan grabs my hand, practically dragging me down the boardwalk. The weathered planks creak under our feet, and the smell of salt water fills the air. Seashell garlands with twinkling blue and green lights decorate the railings. It’s “Florida festive.” Not what I’m used to, but it’s growing on me.

“Where are we going?” I ask, pushing aside the thought of how perfectly our fingers fit together.

“To get our subscribers for the day so you’ll relax and have some fun.”

“What about the dare jar?”

“It’s all up here,” he says, pointing to his head.

I grab him and plant a kiss on his goofy grin. I can’t control it. He’s adorable, and his laid-back vibe is rubbing off on me(and now other things are too). When he finally pulls away, we’re both breathing hard. A nearby palm tree, wrapped in golden lights, seems to sway from the intensity.

“After this is over, I need more of that,” Ethan groans.

I somehow manage to find my snark. “You want it, you gotta earn it. I don’t give my Christmas cookies away for free.”

Ethan smirks. “Time to put those directing skills to work, boss.” He presses theGo Livebutton on his phone and hands it to me. Suddenly we’re streaming to thousands of eager fans.

“Hey, Ethan Addicts!” he greets the camera. “Today we’re granting Christmas wishes in real time. If you’re local, come on down to the boardwalk. And if you’re on the livestream, reachout and tell me your wish. Just keep it PG-13, folks. This isn’tMiracle on 69th Street.”

He winks at the lens. “You gotta help me out because Chase said she won’t kiss me until we hit our quota today. I’m dying of thirst over here! Let’s grow those Cherish Channel subscribers!”

Watching him work his magic on screen, something within me shifts. This is Ethan in his element—charming, genuine, and connecting effortlessly with people. For once, I don’t want to critique or micromanage him. Instead, I see possibilities unfolding naturally and spontaneously. Perhaps our dynamic doesn’t have to be all sharp edges and power struggles. Maybe there’s room for both of us to shine, blending his natural charisma with my vision.

What if I don’t have to choose between being respected and being happy?

Ethan pulls off his shirt—his physique, tanned and tone, is on full display.Yowsa!He grabs the Santa hat from his back pocket and puts it on.

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