Page 24 of The Boyfriend Material Novellas

Quinn’s black boots click-clack on the sidewalk as she walks toward me, her red hair peeking out from under a green knit cap that’s sexier than a knit cap should ever be.

But then, everything about her is sexy.

Everything about her makes my pulse race.

And everything about her makes me want to kiss her.

So that’s what I do when she reaches me. I slide a hand around her waist and say “Hi,” then dip my mouth to hers.

I surprise the hell out of her, and I love it, because when I break the kiss, her eyes are still shut and her lips are still parted.

It’s the perfect look on the most tempting woman.

And I can’t get her out of my head.

10

VAUGHN

The salted caramel hot chocolate is sinful. The dark-as-night kind is decadent. And the spiked cocoa is insanely good. The splash of tequila, courtesy of a flask Quinn brandishes, is just the right touch.

“Here’s my verdict for the party,” I tell her as we survey the hot chocolates Lulu served us. “Let’s have it all. Every single flavor.”

Quinn nudges me with her shoulder. “You have quite an appetite.”

“I’m just saying, this is all way better than eggnog.”

Quinn lifts a finger. “Ah, but you haven’t had Lulu’s eggnog hot chocolate.”

“Is that a thing?”

Quinn waves to the curly-haired blonde with the vibrant green dress who’s working behind the counter. “Oh, Lulu! We have a doubter. Can you bring us one of your fabulous eggnog hot cocoas to try?”

“Coming right up. Followed by one eggnog hot cocoa convert.”

Quinn rubs her hands together. “I. Can’t. Wait.”

I narrow my eyes. “You planned all along to sneak the eggnog in, didn’t you?”

“Of course I did. I’m a planner,” she says with a wink as Lulu swings by, setting down a ceramic cup with panache.

“I dare you not to fall in love,” Lulu declares.

I glance between them suspiciously. “Ladies, why do I feel like you know something I don’t?”

Quinn points excitedly to the cup. “Try it. Lulu is a goddess of all things chocolate, and she can convert even the most skeptical. Like you.”

I bring the concoction to my lips, and it’s . . . rich and creamy and chocolaty and tastes like nutmeg and Christmas mornings and promises. I don’t even try to hide my satisfied grin. “It tastes like the best present ever feels.”

Quinn shimmies her arms in victory. “Knew it, called it. Pay up.”

“And split it with me,” Lulu says as she returns behind the counter.

I offer the cup to Quinn. “Let’s see how it tastes on your lips.”

“Yes. Let’s do that.” Her eyes glitter as she takes a sip. When she sets down the cup, she lifts her chin—an offering. I groan quietly as I slide my hand through her soft locks and brush my lips over hers. She murmurs as I kiss her, melting into our embrace.

I taste the chocolate, the nutmeg, and the sweetness of her.

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