Page 38 of A Festive Surprise

‘I’m sorry.’ She met his gaze briefly, then looked away.

‘Why?’ He flexed his fingers. ‘Not good for you?’

‘Are you kidding? I was all in. But… well, I shouldn’t have jumped you like that.’

He ran his hand up the back of his neck. Keep cool. His heart pounded overtime. ‘Do I look upset?’

‘No. And you did pick me up and almost hurl me in the sea.’

‘I did. And that was very naughty of me. We are both now on the naughty list.’ He moved forward, so they were close again, then took her face in his hands. ‘Jamilati, you are too beautiful.’ Leaning in, he kissed her again. This time his hands were free. He pushed his fingers into her hair, cradling her head as they kissed long and deep.

They broke apart. Holly smiled at him. ‘Maybe we should head back. There’s no guarantee I’ll behave myself and I don’t fancy being done for exposure out here. Also, I might die of hypothermia.’

‘Why? Are you planning on swimming after all?’

‘Swimming? No bloody way. I’m planning on drowning in your kisses for the rest of the day.’

Farid smirked and threw his arm around her shoulder. ‘Let’s go back then and warm up. I now understand the need for hot chocolate at this time of year.’

‘And do you think you’ll prefer that to kissing me some more?’

‘Ah, jamilati, there’s room in my heart for both.’

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