Page 68 of The Crush of Christmas Past
A lot.
Too much, probably.
“I want a kiss,” I tell him.
There. Simple. Direct. Honest.
Theo arches a brow. “A kiss? That’s all?” His voice drops and deepens. “You’re a clever woman, Isla. Creative as hell. But if you want to get ahead in business…” He leans in, gaze dragging over my mouth. “You’ll need to be more ruthless with your demands.”
I hold his stare, defiance sparking in my chest. “I didn’t saywhere.”
A smirk tugs at his lips. “Smart girl.”
Encouraged, I push further. “Orhow many.”
His eyes flash. “Guess I underestimated you.” With that, he closes the space between us, his tall frame caging me in, forcing my back against the cool windowpane.
My lashes lower and my head tips back as I give in to the sensations engulfing me—the sigh of silk on my skin, winter’s icy call behind me, and Theo’s heat at my front.
The rush is invigorating. Dizzying.
“You look incredible,” he murmurs. “That dress is an ad for undressing you.” His fingers trace my shoulder, then glide down my spine, teasing the lattice of ribbons holding the gown in place. “Only problem? Too many strings.” Warm breath brushes my ear. “Didn’t you specify you wantednone?”
“I did,” I needle, pouting when he pulls his hand away. “But you keep stalling. Trying to tie me up with polished prose?”
“Oh, Sunshine, you’d know if I was tying you up.” A predatory gleam flares in his eyes. “I’m simply assessing how far you want me to push.”
“I told you.” I press my palm to his chest. “A kiss. More than one.Everywhere.”
My truth is bold and reckless. Its power lies in knowing how our story ends.
This quick, no-strings arrangement will deliver the gift of closure on a six-year-old Christmas confession. By the time this vacation is over, I’ll have exorcized my longest, most unshakable crush.
And then…
New Year, New Isla.
No Theo.
I raise my chin. “So?”
“So…” His thumb swipes along my bottom lip. “I swore I’d take my time if I ever got the chance to kiss you again. Savor each second. Indulge.”
“Indulge…you or me?”
“Both. I have no intention of being selfish, but when it comes to you, I can’t promise to be entirely selfless, either.” He teases the seam of my mouth, his eyes locking in on the touch. “Instinct tends to take charge.”
He moves as if to kiss me, but his hand stays between us, creating a barrier.
Delayed gratification will be the death of me.
“Theo…”
“Your heart is hammering.” He smirks, pleased with the discovery. “Right here.” Gently tapping the center of my bottom lip, his voice dips into dark amusement. “So wild. Like it’s trying to break free, and—”
“Punish you for not kissing me.” My retort is part tease, part taunt,allimpatience.
I’m racing toward the edge of a cliff and craving the fall. Obviously, there is something wrong with me. Yet…I can’t stop. I’m stuck in one of thoseif-this-is-wrong-I-don’t-want-to-be-rightmoments.
