Page 46 of His Christmas Wife

“Do you enjoy cooking?”

“Baking, mostly, if I’m honest. Sugar is my favorite food group.” She stirred the milk. “I find it relaxing, but I don’t get to do it enough.”

“Work again?”

A defensive note laced his question, and she glanced at him. For once, she hadn’t mentioned her schedule to insult him. Perhaps because of their past, tension seemed to taint their conversation. “Partly. But also all that family stuff, you know?”

Frost opened a cabinet and pulled out two good-size mugs that he placed on the counter near her. He crowded her space, filling her senses, sending her thoughts into a sexy spiral.

“You can come here and make as many cakes and cookies as you’d like.”

His comment surprised her. She’d never seen him grab a single pastry from the break room at work. “You don’t appear to be someone who indulges in many treats.” Or had the suggestion been meant in an offhand way? Or had it been broader, as an invitation to visit when she wanted?

As quickly as it had arisen, she shoved the thought aside. After the holidays, their personal arrangement—and charade—would end, and they’d have no need to spend time together. If what he said was true, he also wouldn’t be running Christoff much longer.

Why did those thoughts no longer appeal to her?

Bubbles popped on the surface of their cocoa, and she turned off the burner and removed the pan. “If you’ll excuse me? I need a little room to work.”

He stepped aside, and she sighed with relief.

This version of Frost was far more dangerous than the bosshole one she knew and didn’t like.

After she filled the cups, he pumped in the syrup.

With the scent of peppermint in the air, the kitchen smelled festive. “Marshmallows?”

“If you say.”

Again, his response surprised her.

She topped both beverages with the tiny, pillow-like puffs, then drizzled chocolate on top.

“Any ideas for exercise after this?”

His suggestive question made her hand shake. “A long walk?”

He angled his head to one side. “Not exactly where I was going.”

“I guessed that.” Kaylee barely recognized this bold version of herself. Generally she was only flirtatious at the Quarter, but he brought out a naughty side of her that she often kept hidden.

He picked up the mugs and offered one to her.

She took a sip of the peppermint-laced deliciousness and warmth went through her, spreading relaxation. “Wow.” Curious about his reaction, she waited for him to have his first drink.

“I’ll need to see my dentist after this.”

Kaylee winced. “That doesn’t sound good. Is it too much?”

“On the contrary.”

“You don’t hate it?”

“In fact, I could make this a nightly habit.”

Unsure whether he was joking or not, then deciding it didn’t matter either way, she grinned. “Enjoy.”

“Would you like a tour?”

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