Page 15 of Christmas with Hope

“It’s okay. It’s been a long day for both of us.” He bent down and picked me up into his arms.

“Colton,” I giggled and wrapped my arms around his neck.

He simply looked at me and smiled before walking out of the living room. In a few long strides, we were in the same bedroom that had frozen me nearly to death. This time warmth welcomed us as Colton carried me into the room.

“Your room, my lady,” Colton smiled then set me down on the bed. “If the fire goes out or you need me, I’ll be in the room across the hall–”

“You can stay in this room.”

“It’s okay, this room is already warmed up.” His words had me giggling. “What?”

“I meant, you can stay in this roomwithme.”

The lightbulb in his head finally went off. His eyes widened.

“Oh,” he whispered.

“Yes. Oh,” I laughed. “I understand if you prefer to not sta–”

“No. it’s fine,” he blurted then followed it with a groan. “Geeze. You’d think I was a teenager with the way I’m acting.”

“Nervous?” I asked, smiling.

“Definitely.”

“Why’s that?”

“Your Stefani’s sister and Tim’s sister-in-law, if I cross the line and something bad happens, they’ll both kill me. I’ll be killed twice.” He held up two fingers.

“Ah. I see,” I chuckled. “I don’t want you getting killed... Twice.” I held up two fingers teasingly.

“I think you’d be worth it though,” he said, making me melt in place. “You sure you’re okay with us sharing a bed?”

“Definitely,” I whispered, nodding.

“Alright,” he smiled. “Let me go lock up and turn off lights then I’ll be back.”

Without waiting for my reply, he hurried out of the room. A deep breath escaped me. One I didn’t realize I had been holding.

Was I crazy? I had just asked a stranger to sleep in the bed with me and I hadn’t even been thinking sex when I made the offer. For some reason, I just wanted to be close to Colton. The way I felt around him was a feeling I hadn’t ever felt before, but it made me crave more. I only hoped that I hadn’t bitten off more than I could chew.

While Colton locked up and turned off lights, I took the chance to use the restroom and freshen up. When I came back into the room, he was sitting on the bed. He turned towards me and smiled. I couldn’t help but return a smile.

“Hey,” I whispered and walked over to him.

“Hey, beautiful.” He took hold of my hand and kissed the top of it. My knees turned toJell-Oand I sucked in sharply.

“Is she all buttoned up?” I asked, rocking back and forth on my heels nervously.

“Yes, ma’am.”

Colton intertwined our fingers together then grabbed my other hand and did the same. His gesture gave me goosebumps. The room suddenly felt like it was a thousand degrees.

“Are you cold?” he asked looking at my arms. “You have goosebumps.”

“Definitely not cold,” I shook my head. Colton looked up at me.

“Ready for bed?”

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