Page 45 of Mistletoe Bargain with the Billionaire

Like last night, she cuts me off from finishing.

Except this time, it’s with a kiss. The sweetest, hottest, most mind-blowing and soul-searing kiss of my entire life… right under the mistletoe.

“I know what you meant,” she says, her beautiful eyes welling up with tears. “I know now. And, I love you, too. Even when my head's in the clouds, I know you'll keep my feet on the ground. No adventure or holiday, big or small, is more exciting than the ones I share with you.”

You know those moments people talk about, when your whole world shifts and changes irrevocably? This is one of them. I never want to return to the time before Carol Wilder came back into my life.

25-Carol

Whistler’s town square has long been a special place to me but tonight it became the most special place. Because of Nick. Seeing him up there ringing the bell, I hoped I was right about what the nutcracker was doing. I have never felt more loved than I did right then.

When our lips meet for the second time under the mistletoe for another toe-curling kiss, the hushed crowd around us erupts into a hearty cheer. Ordinarily, I might feel embarrassed over that. Tonight, I only kiss him harder, like I can’t get enough. I don’t think I ever will.

“Ring the bell, you two!” someone shouts which finally prompts us to break apart laughing.

“We’re not newlyweds!” I shout back.

“Not yet,” Nick rasps in my ear, that husky, dark growl of his making my lady bits hum anew while the promise of those words make my stomach flutter.

“I know we’re supposed to go caroling…” I say, glancing towards our grinning group of Frosties.

“I think they’ll excuse us this year.” He nuzzles my neck, making me weak in the knees, and then I’m lifted up in his arms as he carries me, bridal-style, towards the waiting SUV. People all around us start to applaud. I feel like I’m inside a Hallmark movie.

“They’re not even a real couple. He paid her to do that,” a snide voice says from the outskirts of the crowd.

Janey. Of course, she’s here to rain on the parade. I don’t even care. Not when I’ve got Nick. Not when we both know how we feel.

“Are you blind, lady? That’s love if ever I saw it,” our loyal Tysha calls back and there are several hums of agreement as Janey’s shut up by a sassy twelve year old.

I wrap my arms around Nick’s neck to kiss him again as he carries us past the tide of well-wishers. “Where are you taking me?” I ask.

“Home.”

How my heart thumps hearing those words from him. We’re in our hometown but I think home might also be anywhere we’re together from this day on. Whether it’s the Evergreen Suite, California or a rental SUV with a very grumpy cat.

???

A short while later, we’re sneaking into the house I grew up in, feeling as mischievous as we ever did as kids and as naughty as my very naughty cat.

Speaking of which, Mr. Jinglebell literally zooms down the stairs the second he hears Nick’s voice to wrap himself around his legs. And he’s… purring! “I think this cat missed me,” Nick says, scratching the kitty’s chin. “Oh, honey. Please, don’t cry.”

I can’t help it. My purr-baby missed his dad. I’m the happiest I’ve ever been. I’m a mess.

But not for long.

Eventually, we’ll make our way over to Grams’ party where my folks are tonight. We’ve just got plans first. Naked and alone plans.

“Condom?” I ask, dreading the thought of not having him right this second.

With a devilish grin, he plucks one from his wallet and we hurry upstairs. A very disgruntled Himalayan is left outside my bedroom door as we strip off our Christmas sweaters and boots.

Desire stirs to a fever’s pitch as my fingers fumble with his jeans. He doesn’t help, too busy removing my bra, kissing and nipping every inch he reaches, making my job all the more difficult as he draws gasps and moans from me.

At last though, his cock is free, jutting forth eagerly, as I push his jeans and boxer briefs down his muscled thighs. I sink to my knees while grinning up at him, giving that giant peppermint stick a slow stroke. “Hello there.”

He chuckles but shakes his head. “Not now, honey. Need you too much,” he rumbles, lifting me off the floor.

Laying me down on the bed, Nick climbs over me, his forearms braced on either side of me as he’s kissing and caressing, ensuring I’m drenched and desperate for him. I already was. He rolls the condom on and centers himself.

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