Page 7 of My Sweetart Holidate

Charlotte

All romantic notions I had of Kash on his knees, helping strap on my snowshoes, flashing me that rare but heart-stopping smile have been shot to hell. There was no extra care, no tender touches near the roaring fire in the hotel lobby. Nope. I’m the last one waiting. I watched all the other couples smile and flirt as they helped each other. Witnessed a few stolen kisses that left me filled with envy.

Dammit, why does this matchmaking thing seem to have gone so flawlessly for everyone else? The other seven couples have gone on ahead on their romantic, snowy hike. Every one of them was flashing a beaming smile as they left arm-in-arm out the double doors twenty minutes ago. It’s as though their matches were so effortless. So perfect.

I had to be matched with the grump.

Ithoughtwe broke through the ice last night. That I was able to get him thawed out a bit. Except I ate my breakfast in bedalone.

“Dammit, I was too eager,” I mutter under my breath.

I blame the third whiskey sour for my actions last night. After two drinks, I’m bold but behaved. I still have my wits about me. But the third is always a recipe for disaster. Because that third one is what made me think I could seduce the grouchy mountain man. Lure him into my bed to have hot steamy sex that would inevitably have us falling in love by morning.

In retrospect, I probably shouldn’t have rambled on so much about love and weddings and babies over dinner. It would’ve taken a fourth whiskey sour to erase the embarrassing memories that now make me cringe. No wonder the man is a no-show this morning. I’d stand me up too. We’ve known each other less than twenty-four hours. Who the hell gushes about a hearts and flowers future with someone she doesn’t even really know? It took me halfway through dinner just to get Kash to give up his name.

Debating whether to hide in my room for the rest of the weekend or join the group—itisa beautiful, snowy day and I’ve always wanted to go snowshoeing—I attempt to stand in my poorly attached snowshoes. My body rocks back and forth awkwardly as I search for balance.

“I thought you were from Fairbanks, Cookie Monster.” The familiar, gruff voice grabs my attention, stealing my ability to concentrate on staying upright. My attempt to fall into the cushioned lobby chair fails, and I crash unceremoniously to the floor. My forehead narrowly missing the glass corner of the coffee table.

“I am.”

“But you don’t know how to put on snowshoes?” He hovers over me, offering a hand.

“I knowhow.”

Kash tugs me to my feet with such force I end up colliding with his chest. It’s covered in a winter coat, but it doesn’t tame my wild imagination. The same delicious woodsy scent from last night invades my senses. I was certain he was going to kiss me in the doorway of my hotel room.

“Don’t move.” His barked order would be more annoying if it didn’t send tingles straight to my core. Damn the man. Iwantto hate him, but all my attempts have been futile. He’s too sexy for his own good.

This matchhasto be a mistake. A computer glitch or mistyped email.

The force of Kash tightening my snowshoes causes me to rock. I rest a hand on his broad shoulder, trying to steady myself, and nearly curse when he lifts those green eyes to meet my gaze. A jolt of electricity rockets through my entire body when he places a hand on my thigh. The warmth radiates through two layers— I didn’t want to be too cold. Jokes on me considering I might burst into flames at his simple touch.

“Sure you want to go snowshoeing?” Kash is still on a knee in front of me, one corner of his mouth tipped up in wicked amusement. With his lips at hip height, it’s all too easy to picture his face buried between my legs. His tongue running through my folds as I grip those thick shoulders for dear life. I knew I was horny, butdamn.

Kash stands, his hand slowly slipping from my thigh. He licks his bottom lip, his gaze dropping to my neck. The rugged man could be a vampire, and I’d be helpless to stop him from turning me. Or bleeding me dry.What is happening right now?He reaches a hand toward my jaw, fingers combing back my hair.

“That seatbelt really kicked your ass, didn’t it?”

My hand flies to my neck to cover the mark. I want to back away, but I’m cornered in by chairs. Any hasty escape attempt will likely leave me a tangled pile of limbs on the floor. I’m suddenly regretting agreeing to this outing.

The amusement in those mesmerizing eyes is turned all the way to ten as he leans closer, his lips nearly brushing my ear. “Don’t worry. It’s only noticeable when you blush, sweetheart.”

I’m half mortified, half turned on. I want to run almost as badly as I want his lips on my neck. Or better yet—his lips on mine. I hate how badly I crave his kiss.

I don’t recall gripping the collar of his jacket, or moving closer so our bodies are a feather’s width apart. I can’t even fathom how it’s possible in these damn snowshoes. The only thing I can focus on is how close his mouth is to my jaw. If I turn just a little—

“Aren’t you two justadorable!”

6

Kash

The woman’s shrill declaration might as well be someone pouring ice water over the two of us. Did I really almostkissCharlotte, right here in the damn lobby? I put a small but safe distance between us. A cool breeze from the double doors opening carries away the heat of the moment.

Maggie, who’s standing beside the woman, lifts a subtle but curious eyebrow at me.

Just playing the part, Maggs. Like you asked. I keep those words to myself for a plethora of reasons. I suspect the woman in her impractical business suit and heels is the magazine writer Grandma Olive mentioned. And we’re probably the first couple she’s hoping to interview. Maybe if we get this out of the way, I can go home and find some release in private.

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