Page 54 of The Naughty List

We walk back over to the table where there’s a shot of eggnog and a shot of rum in front of each chair.

“This looks like a bad decision,” I say, eyeing the white milky liquid.

“It is, that’s why we’re doing it.” Karlie laughs as she grabs a shot in each hand and raises them both. “To another successful Santa pub crawl, the ho-ho-ho girls, and of course, to candy canes.”

I see Sadie’s eyes almost bug out of her head as she shoots a look at Karlie, who is laughing hysterically, and Caleb and Ariel join her.

“Did I miss something?”

“No!” Sadie shouts.

“Oh, no. Sadie just really really loves candy canes,” Ariel says, smirking. “Not like the normal ones you hang on your tree but the big ones. You know the ones you get at the hardware store? It’s really thick and long and—”

“Okay, we get it,” Sadie interrupts.

“And to men who don’t tell us we need boob jobs,” Karlie adds, giving Sadie a pointed look.

“What?” I can’t hide my shock and annoyance, because even without an explanation, I know it must be something Tim said. It’s written all over Sadie’s face as she gives her friend a look that screams what the hell?

“He asked if I’d ever considered getting a boob job; and for the record, I told him it was an insensitive question and he apologized. But yeah, fuck him.” She downs both her shots, one right after the other.

I do the same, then glance over at the dance floor where several couples have gathered. I want to take her mind off what she just revealed, and any excuse to get close to her is fine by me.

“Dance with me,” I say, nudging Sadie. She looks at me then glances at the dance floor.

“That’s okay.” She shakes her head and points down at her shoes. “Two left feet.”

“So, Mr. Snow,” Caleb says, stopping me from convincing Sadie to a dance. “Tell us about yourself. Sadie mentioned you live in Park Tower over on Michigan Ave. What’s life like in the penthouse—is it really private? Good views?”

I can’t hide my smile because now I know for sure she told them about the other day. “It’s okay; it’s high up and overpriced and ostentatious. I’m happy to give you guys a tour of the place sometime.”

“Will you be with or without a towel?” Caleb can barely finish the question before he’s doubled over with laughter, Karlie and Ariel right with him.

Sadie’s mouth falls open. She grabs my arm and starts pulling me toward the dance floor. “On second thought, let’s dance.”

My cheeks hurt from smiling so hard. Watching her get embarrassed is hilarious. The poor girl wears her emotions all over her face.

“So you told them?” I laugh, and she just shakes her head. “Don’t be embarrassed. If anyone should be, it’s me. I’m the one who ended up naked.”

“I still feel so bad about that. Beth really did tell me that you’d be expecting me, and your doorman said he had spoken with her.”

“It’s okay, seriously. I mean, I hadn’t planned on flashing an employee I barely knew; but hey, it could have been worse.”

She studies me suspiciously. “Really? How could it have possibly been worse?”

“Could have been Paul,” I answer, and she finally laughs. A real laugh that has her head falling back, her eyes squinting with how high her full cheeks raise. She is so fucking adorable.

I take her hand in mine and tug her toward me, wrapping my arm around her back. Pressing my hand against her warm skin, I bring our bodies together as we start to sway with the music.

Something about this woman drives me absolutely crazy. I want to protect her and worship her, treat her delicately; but at the same time…I want to completely defile her. I want my hands to make her tremble with desire. I want her begging for release on my tongue. I want her to experience complete and utter bliss while I impale her with my cock.

“You know what I was thinking about? Your offer in the elevator.”

“My offer?”

“To celebrate the holidays with your family. I know it’s probably a little unconventional to spend Christmas with your boss but…you made it sound so fun.”

I can’t read her expression. It almost seems like panic at first, but then it softens into something else. “It is fun; my family’s a blast. They’re very warm and welcoming.”

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