Page 8 of One Night at Christmas

He spotted her, and goose bumps popped out on her arms. She took her time standing. All the hairs rose on the back of her neck. She watched as he approached and his gaze slid down over her form. The dark purple sweater dress hugged her curves. Around this time of year, she always put on a little weight and then spent the better part of the following year trying to get it off. She held her breath, watching for his reaction.

He reached the table and stood in front of her. “I knew I made the right decision.”

To her surprise, he sounded a little breathless. She looked into his eyes to see if he was nervous, but she couldn’t tell for sure. Swallowing so her voice would come out okay, she said, “Hey.”

“Hey yourself.” He stretched a hand out and tugged her close. The next thing she knew she was engulfed in his embrace and held against his chest. She enjoyed the strength of his arms around her. He smelled just as she imagined, like magic, leather, and manliness for lack of a better description. She hadn’t thought of the specific scent but just the sexy nature of it.

They embraced a good twenty seconds before he released her and stepped back. A little shaky, she sat down and grabbed her wine glass again. The alcohol made her head buzz. “I didn’t think you would make it after your flight was cancelled.”

He signaled to the waiter. “Neither did I, but I promise you I would have found another way if I couldn’t get a different flight.”

“Is JFK bad?”

“Pretty much. The weather kept a lot of planes from landing. I ended up calling in a favor.”

“From who, the FAA?”

He chuckled. “No. I’m not that powerful—yet.”

She rolled her eyes.

“I’m kidding. Never mind how I got here. You look good, Charon.”

She blushed. “Thanks. So do you.”

He ordered a glass of wine and held up the waiter before he could leave.

“Do we want to order or…” Bryson raised his eyebrows in question.

“Yes, definitely. I don’t know about you, but I’m nervous as hell. I need to unwind a little and talk to you face-to-face. I guess you’re ready to jump right to it.”

“No.” He pushed fingers into his dark hair, ruffling it and making himself sexier. “I mean, I can’t get the idea out of my head about what it will be like, but I don’t want to move faster than what makes you comfortable.”

She glanced at the waiter. The man would be a fool not to figure out what they alluded to. Not that she cared. He didn’t know her. They met between their two locations in Virginia. Tomorrow, she would fly home and never come back there.

Bryson booked the hotel for them, and he paid for both her flight and his. She had offered to pay, but he refused. Since she was already over budget with the new clothes she didn’t argue.

They ordered. She chose something light that wouldn’t sit on her nervous stomach like a rock. Bryson, being a big guy with a healthy appetite, ordered the steak. The waiter left them alone.

“Hungry?” she joked.

“I need my energy.”

“Because you’re an old man.”

They laughed together, but he cut it short to reach a hand out to her. She took it, and his fingers entwined with hers. Tingles of delight raced over her skin. That was a good sign. He wasn’t just good-looking. He turned her on. One touch had her trembling and ready for more.

“I can’t wait, Charon.”

“F-for?” Why was she even asking? She knew what they were talking about.

“I’ve fantasized about kissing you. I want to do it now.”

“Now?” She gulped. “Here?”

He hesitated. “You’re not a virgin, are you?”

“Don’t be ridiculous. Did you forget Morris?”

---