Page 8 of Tempted By December

"Oh." December exhales a tiny, relieved breath.

"Speaking of other things," Ruby says. "The caterer will be ready in fifteen minutes. You need to go down to meet them. I refuse to do it this year, Alaric. I gained five pounds sampling all of the hors d'oeuvres last year."

I glance at her to see a knowing gleam in her eye as she looks between me and December. Ruby Goines is a genius, and I don't pay her nearly enough.

"De…Jillian can help me," I say, catching myself at the last minute.

"Oh, I can't do that," December disagrees, eyes wide. "I'm supposed to be helping set up Santa's workshop."

"We have an entire team of interior decorators to oversee that," I say. "But there's only one of me and about a thousand different hors d'oeuvres. You're helping me sample them, angel."

December looks to Ruby for help.

"He's the boss," Ruby says with a shrug. "My life is far less difficult when I don't argue with him."

December gulps.

"You'vebeenavoidingme,sweet December," I growl as soon as we're alone in the elevator. I back her up against the chrome wall, planting one hand over her head to block her in. "I don't like it."

"Back up," she whispers.

"I like it right here." That's a lie. I love it right here, with her sweet curves pressed to my frame, her warmth searing into me. Fucking hell, touching her feels a little like touching heaven.

"Back up, Alaric."

"Why?" I skim my nose down her temple, breathing her in. "Fuck, you smell good."

She exhales a sob, her entire body shuddering.

"Give me one straight answer. Just one, and I'll back up."

"W-which answer?"

"Do you remember me?"

She hesitates as floors tick by one by one, the elevator slowly descending toward the kitchens. And then a shuddering exhale leaves her lips. "I never forgot you," she whispers.

I close my eyes, reveling in her answer. She remembers me. Maybe she shouldn't. Hell, I don't know anymore. Until four days ago, I never thought of her like this, but now I can't unthink it. I want her. If that makes me wrong, fuck it. I'll be wrong. We never forgot each other for a reason. That means something.

"Am I the reason you came to work here, angel?"

"You said one answer."

"I lied," I growl. "Give me one more."

She bites her lip, staring up at me with those pretty eyes clouded with worry. "Yes. I mean, sort of. I mean, maybe?" She huffs out a breath. "I wanted to see you again. But I also want to work here. Can you please back up now? I can'tthinkwhen you're this close."

"What's your name, angel?"

Her shoulders go back, her chin coming up in a stubborn display that makes my dick throb for relief. "I already answered your questions, Alaric."

I want to gnash my teeth in frustration. I want to bend her over and spank her until she's sobbing for relief. I want to promise her the world in exchange for her secrets. I hardly know which I want more. But I do none of those things.

"You're attending the Christmas party as my date tonight."

"I am not!" she gasps.

"You are," I growl, nipping at her ear. "You're arriving on my arm, and you'll be leaving on my arm. It's the only way I'll go."

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