Page 17 of Love for the Holiday

"It's okay to accept a compliment and not feel pressured to reply," he chuckled.

"Sorry."

"What am I going to do with you?" He smiled and cupped the side of my face.

Keep me,I wished to myself.

The thought crossed my mind so naturally. Here we were naked in front of each other and all I could see was his heart. Nothing else mattered in that moment. I just wanted to be with him.

When had I fallen down the rabbit hole and fallen for him?

"What are you thinking about?" He smiled.

"Us." The second the word left my mouth I began wishing for a time machine. Internally I was cursing myself out. "I'm so sorry."

I tried to sit up, but he didn't budge.

"You have to stop trying to run from me, Love," he laughed. "Especially, when you haven't given me a chance to reply to you."

"That's okay. You don't have to. I'll leave," I blurted and tried to move again. No luck.

Jacob shook his head and smiled.

"May I please get a chance to reply, Love?" he asked.

"Yes," I sighed then directed my eyes toward the ceiling.

"Love… look at me, sweetheart. Please?"

It took every ounce of courage in me to look at him, but I managed to. He was looking at me with soft eyes and a bright smile.

"Is there anus?" he asked.

"I… I wasn't implying that I thought we were a couple just because… um… you know… I just —" He placed his finger on my lips and I quickly shut up.

"Let me rephrase," he grinned. "Love, I'd like there to be an us."

"Really?" The word was faint, and I could only hope he heard me.

"Yes. Really," he said playfully. "This probably isn't the best time to be asking you to be with me, since…" He looked my body over and grinned.

"Yeah, our timing is off," I giggled.

"A smidge."

We both smiled.

"So, are we official?" he asked. There was a hint of shyness in his tone.

"It seems so." My tone was just as timid.

"Good." He let out a long breath. "I can breathe again."

"That's good but I already told you I was willing to do CPR." It was meant to be funny, but it came out like a siren luring a sailor to her with her sultry voice.

Jacob spread my legs far enough to where he was able to lean down and kiss me. His kiss was filled with passion. If I had been standing, his kiss would have knocked me off my feet.

Our tongues swirled around each other's, while our hands roamed over each other's bodies. His skin was smooth and warm. My arms finally settled on his shoulders.

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