Page 15 of Snowed In with the Scrooge

Shit. Here we go…

I brace myself for impact, arguments against long-distance dating already popping into my brain.

It’s impractical. Things never work out. It won’t last.

“Where can I sleep tonight? The couch is fine, but can you put out the fire? And do you have some spare blankets?”

The knot in my stomach loosens, then oddly tightens again.

She’s not interested in a relationship?

I clear my throat, swallowing hard over my ego. “Don’t be silly. You can have the bed. Or we can share it.” I dangle the idea out there, surprised at the tension in my gut and how much I want her to say yes.

“We can share, if you don’t mind. You don’t strike me as a cuddler— I didn’t want to presume.”

Running my hand over her bare back, I pull her tighter against my body. Beneath that playful exterior, Ashton’s more vulnerable than I thought.

“You’re not being presumptuous. We had sex on the couch— which was amazing, by the way. Sharing a bed isn’t that big of a deal.”

A shy smile spreads across her full, pink lips, the golden glow from the fire sparkling in her eyes.

“Thanks, I’d like that.” She stretches across me, her arm sweeping the floor as she reaches for her discarded clothes.

I chuckle. “Forget the reindeer— unless you want them.”

She tips her head up, pressing her lips softly to mine, and I deepen the kiss, our connection. Something buried down inside me unlocks, a rush of emotion flooding my system, and for once, it’s not just lust.

I can actually see myself falling for this woman— and the thought’s more frightening than the typical credit card bill in January with compounding interest.

* * *

Weak,milky light spills through the picture window, the bedroom still and quiet except for a light snore rumbling my chest.

A snore that’s not mine.

Yesterday tumbles back— the curvy spitfire from the general store getting locked out and showing up at my door, the blizzard, the fireside sex.

My cock twitches, moving against Ashton’s bare leg, and she stirs in my arms.

“Morning, sunshine.” I stroke her shoulder, marveling at the smooth creaminess of her skin.

“Morning.” She snuggles deeper into the mountain of covers, shimmying her hips seductively.

Fucking sexy.I could definitely get used to this.

“You have big plans today?”

“Only if you count trying to get into my rental.” She grimaces and I wind my hands around her back, kissing her soft lips. She sighs happily, opening her mouth to me, and I rush in. Tongues tangle and now my cock’s rock hard, and it’s not just a case of morning wood.

“We’ll figure that out, don’t worry about it. I have a better idea of how to spend the morning.” I shift until I’m straddling her, my elbows resting on either side of her head.

“You’re so fucking gorgeous,” I murmur, dipping down and sucking on the tiny divot at the center of her neck. Goosebumps rise on her skin as I trail my fingers over her breasts, pinching and teasing the pink nipples. She arches up, wrapping her legs around my waist and pulls me closer to her, running her hand over my chin stubble.

“You’re pretty handsome yourself. Plus, you’re a real hero for letting me spend the night with you. Especially after I scored the last pizza.”

“I’d say you more than made up for that.” I bury my face between her breasts, licking and sucking at her skin. A soft moan vibrates in her throat and I reach between her legs, caressing her hot center. “You’re so fucking wet for me already, baby.”

“Mmmm…” she hums, and I press three fingers into her, then withdraw, push in again.

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