“Tell me more.” She nibbled on a slice of pineapple.

He nodded at the menu. “Decide what you want to eat and I will.”

She was starving. Eagerly she flipped through the menu. “I’m having the most fattening, decadent thing on here. Oh my god—lobster nachos? Score!”

“And here I thought you’d order the filet mignon.”

“Nope. I’m indulging. For the next two weeks it’s nothing but sin and fun for me.”

“That fits my plans well.”

“So, speak to me of these mysterious plans.”

“Tomorrow is the first day of Christmas.”

“Like in the song?”

“Yes,” his lips twitched in amusement. “Though it’s an old tradition. For each of the twelve days of Christmas, we will indulge in something...special.”

“Something sexual?”

“Yes.”

“Do I get to know what it will be?”

“No, these will be surprises for you. But you have to agree to accept these gifts with an open heart. Each day I’ll give you something. I will spend time with you as I can—”

“When you’re not fighting with people.”

“Exactly. And in the evening, we will indulge ourselves.”

“Okay.”

He laughed that warm, open laugh of his. Like gold and sunshine. “No other questions or terms?”

“Nope.” She grinned at him over the rim of her margarita. “Sign me up. Twelve Days of Sexy Vacation Christmas.”

“You’d make a terrible lawyer.”

“Maybe.” She slid her thigh against his under the narrow table. “But I can sell you anything—and I know a good deal when I see it. Sometimes endless negotiating gets old, don’t you think?”

“Yes.” He put a hand on her bare knee and she warmed, heating with a delightful flutter. “I like it much better when I have things my way.”

“Mmm. Do you plan to have me your way, also?”

“I do.” His fingers slid higher, caressing the soft skin of her inner thigh. “In every way.”

“Maybe we should get started tonight after all.” She held her breath, hoping he’d go higher. Instead he smiled, tantalizing, and took his touch away. She frowned at him and he shook a finger at her.

“The game has begun, Roo, and along with it, the anticipation. Your only responsibility is to receive.”

“Maybe I should have negotiated more.” She pretended to pout. The waiter set down a platter of the most decadent nachos she’d ever laid eyes on. “Wow.”

“See? All good things come to those who wait. Enjoy yourself.”

This would be good for her. No-strings-attached sex. None of the usual getting-to-know-each-other dinners and laborious conversations over meeting families or blending friend-groups. Just sun and kinky fun. She scooped up a chip piled with fresh lobster and dripping with cheese, then winked at him. “I intend to.”

December 25