Page 39 of Mistletoe Masquerade
Me: What about lunch tomorrow?
Dean: Perfect
Not only didDean and I have lunch the next day but we did so for the three days that followed as well. We even did a lap around Rockefeller Center and watched families ice skating under the giant Christmas tree. I wasn’t dressed for skating, but he said he’d skate with me another day if I wanted to go.
I’m so taking him up on that.
But not today because it’s Christmas Eve, and the city is expecting two feet of snow. But even more importantly, it’s the first time we’ve been alone together since the charity dinner. I had to restrain myself when I opened the door to find him wearing a Santa hat. It was a smidgen crooked. And did I mention he has dimples?
I’m surprised I didn’t strip him naked right then and there.
Christmas miracles do exist.
“Hey!”
“Hello, gorgeous. I hope you don’t mind that I brought an overnight bag. I didn’t want to look presumptuous—it’s this weather. It’s getting pretty bad out there, and I’m not sure I’ll be able to make it home before working tomorrow.”
“Not a problem at all. I’d rather you stay than go back out in that unnecessarily.”
Please,please, stay.
“I appreciate it.” He sets an overstuffed backpack by the door.
“Make yourself at home.” I motion to the sofa, thenskip to the kitchen, which is technically just a corner of the living room. “I have homemade snack mix, homemade fudge, and … wait for it … homemade Babka bread. It’s delicious.”
“You made all this? I thought you said you carve food, not cook it.” He stands behind me to admire the spread over my shoulder as I make a plate for us to take to the sofa.
“Never said they were made in my home. All gifts.” I tear off a corner of Babka. “Try this. Dani’s Gran makes it. I think she must be a witch because this stuff’s magical.”
When his lips take my offering and make contact with my fingers, my girl bits swoon.
His eyes dilate as if he knows. I clear my throat.
“Ready to watch the movie?”
“Definitely.” He takes the plate and sets it on my small coffee table. Once he’s seated, I sit next to him then gasp when he hefts me closer until I’m tucked up against him. “That’s better.”
“Yeah,” I say in a dreamy tone. “Want me to turn the tree lights off?”
“No way. The lights are the best part of Christmas.”
“That’s what I say, too! Most people who see my place this time of year think it’s too much, but I love it.” Pride beams in my eyes as I take in the sparkling array of reds, greens, and golds.
“They’re just envious.”
“Right? You know, I was surprised you had a tree.Seems like most single guys don’t bother. I was a twinge worried you were married.”
Dean chuckles. “Not married, as you now know. I always make sure to decorate for the holidays because it was my mom’s favorite season. When I see that tree, I feel closer to them.”
Did my ovaries just quiver?
“That’s super sweet,” I tell him quietly.
He pulls me a tiny bit closer and drops a kiss on the top of my head. “Talk about sweet. You better get that movie started before I get other ideas.”
His gravelly words rake across my skin like a physical touch. We’ve kept our time together very …friendlysince the charity dinner, and the tension building between us is stifling. I appreciate his effort to be a gentleman. He’s done an amazing job proving he’s interested in more than my body, but my body’s feeling a little neglected at this point. I’m ready to remedy that.
“Actually, I have a gift for you.” I rise to my knees and straddle his lap, then lift my shirt over my head to reveal a sheer white bra trimmed with red satin ribbon, looking just like a present.
