Page 20 of Jingle Bell Rock

“The concert starts soon, so if I were you, I’d go ahead and indulge.” Paige pointed to a huge bar set up on one side of the room. “Licked is where you’ll be able to grab a Locke Licker or a Santa’s Coming. Or a Grinch’s Jingle Balls, if that suits your fancy.”

My brow furrowed. “Are you talking about drinks?”

“Only the best drinks, courtesy of my best friend, Ryleigh. Tell her I sent you. And then over there we have catering by the Julien Thornton, one of the hottest chefs in the country. And I’m not just talking about his food,” she said. “Feel free to mingle, check out the items up for auction, do a twirl around the ice rink, dance, strip down to your Santa boxers. Anything goes.” Paige turned to leave. “Oh, and someone will grab you later to take you backstage, and you’ll pick up your VIP bags there too.”

“VIP bags?” I said.

“Of course. You don’t think we’ll let you boys leave empty-handed, now do you?” She laid a hand on Panther’s arm. “Oh my.” She squeezed his bicep and looked my way. “Aren’t you a lucky pair. Mmm.”

Dropping her hand, Paige smiled again, and I was glad I wouldn’t have to peel her fingers off my man. Though she seemed more appreciative than interested in either of us, which I supposed was flattering. I mean, Panther was the hottest fucking man on the planet, so I couldn’t exactly blame someone for noticing.

“You two have a fabulous time. I’m sure I’ll run into you later.” With a final wink, Paige headed off, and I squeezed Panther’s fingers.

“I feel like I should’ve hired a bodyguard for tonight. No one’s going to be able to keep their eyes or hands off you.”

Grinning, Panther wrapped his arms around my waist and pulled me in close. I didn’t think I’d ever get over how far we’d come, from having to hide our relationship while we competed against each other in the Elite program at NAFTA to being so open together in public. It wasn’t something I’d ever take for granted.

“And here I thought you were my personal bodyguard,” Panther murmured as he nipped at my lip.

“Oh, I’ll happily guard this body, don’t you worry about that.” I reached down to grab Panther’s ass and gave him a long, lingering kiss. Another thing I’d never get tired of: Panther’s full lips.

He leaned back an inch and smiled. “You ready to get this thing started?”

“Hell yes. Where to first?”

As my stomach let out a loud rumble, he laughed. “I’m thinking we should check out this world-class chef and then maybe grab one of those Grinch drinks Paige was talking about.”

“Perfect.” I stole another quick kiss and then reached for his hand again. “Let’s go see what this Julien guy’s got in store for us.”

Thirteen

Priest

“HOW LONG DID Jules say he’d be?” Robbie asked as we headed toward the front entrance of the large arena. Julien had left brunch early to check up on his staff, who were catering the charity event, and his absence was now being felt as Robbie and I headed toward our destination for the evening.

I tugged Robbie’s hand up to my lips to kiss. “Not too long, a couple of hours, maybe? And he’s already been gone—”

“One and a half.” Robbie pouted, his slicked-up lips that matched his Santa hat beckoning me closer.

I leaned in to place my lips at the corner of his. “I miss him too.”

It was true. The three of us were so tightly knit that when one of us wasn’t around it felt like part of us was missing, especially when it came to events and holidays. But we’d catch up with our delicious chef soon enough. For now I needed to find something to distract Robbie with, since the actual concert didn’t start for another hour or so.

People dressed in festive hats, tinsel scarfs, ugly Christmas sweaters, and signs with I love Fallen Angel walked toward the entryway along with us, all heading for the lines that led into the arena. Christmas music poured out of the speakers, and red and green lights lit the place up so bright that I was positive you’d be able to see it from outer space tonight.

I was about to guide Robbie to one of the lines so we could make our way inside, when he tugged on my hand and drew me to a stop.

“Everything okay, sweetheart?”

Robbie turned his pretty face toward mine and nodded. “Mhmm. I just worked out what we could do to pass some time.”

I could think of several things we could do, but judging by the mischievous grin on Robbie’s face, I had a feeling he was thinking of something completely different. “And what’s that?”

He tugged on my hand until I looked to the left of the arena, where there was an…ice-skating rink. “No.”

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