Total pages in book: 96
Estimated words: 90266 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 451(@200wpm)___ 361(@250wpm)___ 301(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 90266 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 451(@200wpm)___ 361(@250wpm)___ 301(@300wpm)
“Nope, you didn’t.” She shakes her head as I level my gaze on her.
She’s begging for a kiss. I don’t have to be standing under the mistletoe to know that. I can see it in her eyes.
“Funny, I don’t feel trapped at all right now.” I pull her into my arms.
My lips find hers. They sear together. Our first kiss. I tell myself that I just want to taste her lips, but as soon as I do, I can’t help myself. Our tongues intertwine, and I begin to ravage her mouth. She kisses me back with the same ferocity. My body begs for more. I slide my hands up her back and resist the urge to push her toward the couch. I don’t want to go too fast, no matter how much I want to taste more than just her lips. By the time our lips part, we’re both forced to gasp for air. Sweet breath of life. Not nearly as sweet as Catriona.
“Wow, do you kiss every girl like that when you first meet her?” Catriona looks up with that same devious grin on her face.
“No, just the ones I plan to marry.” I let go of my embrace and take a step back. “I believe we have some more decorating to do.”
“I’ll try to concentrate on that.” She looks toward the box.
The kiss has lit a fuse between us. It’s burning, and it won’t be long until it explodes. I can feel it, and so can she.
We stand a lot closer while we’re decorating the tree. Our hands constantly brush as we hang ornaments. The electricity between us is so wild that the lights on the tree could probably turn on all on their own.
I’ve never felt anything like this before. My chest gets tight every time I see her smile. My heart is beating out of control. I can feel my pulse racing.
“What are we putting on top?” Catriona turns to me. “An angel or a star?”
“The only angel I see is you.” I reach over and pick up the star that normally rests on top of my tree.
“How many times are you going to make me blush today?” Her cheeks take on a soft pink hue as the words leave her lips.
“I want to make you do a whole lot more than blush.” I pull her close, and the Christmas star falls out of my hand.
“Oh yeah? Like what?” Catriona melts into my embrace, and I lean forward.
“You know exactly what I mean.” My hands explore her body as I taste her lips for the second time.
There’s no doubt in my mind that she does. I feel it in her kiss. The connection between us happened the first time we laid eyes on each other, and it has gotten stronger by the second. This woman is going to be my wife. I thought it was pure insanity, but now I’m not so sure.
I think I’m falling in love.
Chapter Six
Catriona
Nate kissed me twice. I lured him into the first one, but I didn’t have to beg for the second. Or maybe I did. My body language always betrays me. There’s something about him that pulls me in like a moth to a flame, and it isn’t just because I’m here to be his wife. I feel a genuine connection. It shouldn’t be this way. Not this quick. The day my heart was betrayed was the day I said I’d guard it with my life. I don’t feel like I have to protect myself around Nate. I’d tear my heart out of my chest and give it to him if he’d take it.
Being a mail-order bride seemed like such a risk, but I think it was the best decision I’ve ever made. If the scars on Nate’s knuckles are any indication, he’s been in a few fights in his time. All I want right now is for him to fight for me. For us. For what is blossoming between us as we turn his house in a Christmas wonderland.
“I think we’ve put out every decoration you own.” I look into the empty box.
“Yep, we have.” He nods.
“Now what are we going to do?” I turn toward him and can’t even begin to hide the grin that spreads across my lips.
“It’s about time for me to start dinner.” He motions to the kitchen. “Would you like to start with a glass of wine?”
“Sure.” I follow him into the kitchen. “Are you actually cooking, or do you have another one of your mom’s favorite recipes stashed in the fridge?”
“Are you worried that I might poison you?” He chuckles as he begins to open a bottle of wine. “My cooking isn’t that bad; I promise.”
“I can’t wait to try it.” I sit down at the table. “Need any help?”
“You just sit there and look beautiful.” He pours a glass of wine for me. “That’s all the motivation I need.”