Page 26 of Snowed in with the Grump

“Is that so?” I ask playfully. “Did you keep your clothes on during those games?”

“I never lost a single round. The guys were always the ones stripping down, not me.” She stares at me like she’s issuing a challenge.

“Hmm, we'll see about that,” I say as I shuffle the cards. “I’m an excellent poker player.”

“Bring it on,” Ava challenges with a smirk.

We play the first hand, and I have a decent starting pair. I bet confidently, but Ava doesn't back down. At the showdown, she reveals a flush, and my jaw drops as I stare at her cards in disbelief.

“Read 'em and weep!” Ava crows delightfully. “Time to pay up!”

With a dramatic sigh, I slowly peel off one sock.

“Not exactly stripping, but it's a start,” she teases.

I wag my finger at her. “Just you wait. I'm going to wipe that grin off your face soon.”

We continue playing, the stakes rising with each hand. Ava has luck on her side as she wins another round.

I drum my fingers, pretending to look upset. “You know, I'm starting to think you may be cheating.”

A teasing smile tugs at her lips. “Me? Cheat? I would never!”

I lean in to kiss her cheek, nuzzling my nose against hers. She sighs happily, momentarily distracted.

Back and forth, the game continues. I completely forget about the outside world, caught up in the thrill of the moment.

On the next hand, the tables turn. I get a full house and nail it. Ava's jaw drops.

“Yes!” I pump my fist, elated.

With an exaggerated eye roll, she slowly peels off her sweater, revealing a lacy camisole underneath. I let out a low whistle. This game is getting better by the minute.

“I don't believe you. I demand a rematch!” Ava tackles me playfully, and we collapse in a laughing tangle of limbs on the rug.

I pin her down, holding her hands above her head. As she squirms beneath me, my fingers find a ticklish spot on her ribs.

Ava squeals, trying unsuccessfully to wriggle away. “No fair, stop!”

But I show no mercy, my fingers dancing mercilessly over her ribcage as she laughs uncontrollably.

“Give up?”

“Okay, okay, I concede!” Ava gasps between giggles.

I let her catch her breath, but I have a feeling I’ll enjoy this even more than winning. I throw off my shirt, unable to stand the heat. Ava does the same, baring her stomach and breasts to the cool air.

“You're so beautiful,” I breathe, fingers ghosting over the curve of her breast.

Ava shivers, eyes clouding with desire. “Show me how much you want me.”

I kiss her, my lips leaving a trail of wet kisses down her neck and collarbone. She shivers when I skim my fingertips over her breasts. Her nipples are already stiff little peaks.

I swirl my tongue around her nipple before tracing the curve of her breast with my tongue. She moans, and I feel her heart pounding against her ribs.

I trail kisses down her stomach, silently marveling at how soft her bare skin feels against my lips. She tastes like heaven, and I can't get enough of her sweet body.

When Ava kisses my jaw and throat, any restraint I had shatters. I need Ava, all of her, and I need her now. I capture her mouth again, pinning her beneath me as I lose myself in her intoxicating taste and scent.

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