Page 22 of The Bookworm Who Stole Christmas
“Damn,” he breathes out, chuckling.
“Uh huh,” I murmur, just as dazed as he seems.
Parker’s hand finds my face again, almost like he can’t bear not touching me, then he’s leaning down, stealing another kiss.
“And there I was, thinking I’d have to trick you by getting the mistletoe out,” he mumbles against my lips.
“Er, Parker?” I murmur. “Look up.”
He draws back, a look of confusion on his handsome face, before he glances up at a small bundle of mistletoe that hangs from the ceiling of the doorway.
“I really hope that was meant for me and not anyone else, sweetheart,” he grumbles, jealousy clear in his tone.
“Do you honestly think I’d let anyone else near me?” I ask, raising an eyebrow.
“Fair point,” he agrees, smiling.
“The landlady put it there. Something about ‘everyone should have a kiss under the mistletoe.’”
His carefree nature is so charming, I don’t think we’ve had an encounter so far that I haven’t enjoyed in one way or another. His eyes crinkle at the corners, showing his age, but it just makes me find him all the more attractive.
“I should get going,” he whispers as he takes a step back.
My body protests with the move, but my brain agrees. I need to figure out my feelings for the hot, older mechanic who seems to have me wrapped around his finger.
He starts walking backwards as he asks, “Can I see you again?”
“You know where I work,” I retort playfully, the corners of my lips quirkingslightly.
He looks sheepish, his cheeks going red as he stops and shuffles around on his feet. “I meant on a date.”
A date? Can I go on a date with him? Can my heart cope with it? I look at him, weighing up my decision, but in all honesty, there’s no decision to be made—I already know my answer. Giving him a soft smile, I say, “Okay.”
The resulting grin I get back makes my cheeks warm, and a pool ofsomethingsettles in my stomach.
“Okay?” he questions, almost like me agreeing doesn’t register properly.
I lift an eyebrow at him. “You’re repeating me again.”
“Well, yeah,” he replies. “You kinda have a habit of saying no to me.”
“I didn’t say no to our walk,” I point out, smiling.
He shrugs. “True, but a walk is a little bit different to adatedate.”
“I feel like you’re wanting me to change my mind here.” I purse my lips, my insecurities hitting me.
Parker looks horrified. He reaches for my hands, taking them in his. “Absolutely not. I don’t want you to change your mind. I want you to go on a date date with me.” He pouts, giving me those puppy dog eyes that get me every time.
Honestly, this guy is too cute for words.
“Okay,” I laugh, feeling slightly better. “Yes, I’ll go on a date with you.”
Parker whoops in delight before engulfing me in a hug and picking me up, spinning me around until I’m dizzy. He puts me down gently, the snow falling on us as we gaze at one another.
He leans down to kiss me again, mumbling against my lips, “Okay.”
We break apart, and I fumble in my bag for my keys.Putting them in the door, I glance back at him. He gives me a big smile, and before I realize what’s happening, I’m smiling back. I open the door and walk inside, closing it softly behind me.
