Total pages in book: 29
Estimated words: 26731 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 134(@200wpm)___ 107(@250wpm)___ 89(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 26731 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 134(@200wpm)___ 107(@250wpm)___ 89(@300wpm)
She swallows, her breath a little shaky as she stares up at me. The lights from the tree cast a warm glow around us, the snow falling softly, and I can’t hold back anymore. Not when she’s looking at me like that, like I’m the only thing in the world that matters.
“Come here,” I murmur, pulling her closer, my hands settling on her waist. I can feel her pulse under my fingers, the warmth of her body pressing against mine, and it’s like every wall I’ve ever built crumbles in that moment.
I tilt her chin up, watching her eyes flutter closed, and then I close the distance, my lips finding hers in a kiss that’s been building between us for far too long. She responds immediately, her arms wrapping around my neck, her body pressing into mine like she’s been thinking about this just as much as I have. The kiss is slow, unhurried, but there’s a heat simmering beneath the surface, a hunger that neither of us is trying to hide.
Her fingers slide into my hair, tugging slightly, and it sends a surge of need through me, my hands tightening on her waist, pulling her even closer. She tastes like warmth, like Christmas and cinnamon, and I don’t think I’ve ever felt anything this right in my life.
When we finally pull back, we’re both breathing hard, the cold air mixing with the heat between us, our breaths visible in the night air. She stares up at me, her eyes dark and a little dazed, her lips swollen from the kiss.
“Cole,” she whispers, her voice barely more than a breath. “I…I thought you’d never come around.”
“Well, here I am.” I press another soft kiss to her forehead, feeling a sense of peace settle over me. “And I’m not going anywhere.”
Her eyes light up, and she leans into me, resting her head against my chest. I wrap my arms around her, holding her close, and we stand there in the quiet, under the falling snow, with the sounds of the festival in the background. It’s like everything else fades away, leaving just us, and for once, I don’t feel the need to keep my guard up. I don’t feel the need to hold back.
“Do you think Copper Mountain will get tired of my Christmas cheer?” she murmurs, a smile in her voice.
“Not a chance.” I chuckle, running my fingers through her hair. “They might pretend to grumble, but they love it. Just like I do.”
She lifts her head, her eyes sparkling. “You love my Christmas cheer?”
I grin, brushing a thumb over her lips. “I love everything about you, Ivy. Even if it’s taken me a while to admit it.”
She smiles, and it’s the kind of smile that makes the whole damn world feel brighter. And as we stand there, wrapped up in each other, I realize that maybe Christmas isn’t so bad after all—especially if I get to spend it with her.
“Come on,” I say, taking her hand and leading her through the snow. “Let’s walk for a bit.”
She nods, her fingers laced with mine, and we stroll through the town square, past the Christmas lights and decorations that she’s worked so hard to put up. She leans into me, her head resting on my shoulder, and for the first time in a long time, I feel…at peace.
“Thank you, Ivy,” I murmur, squeezing her hand. “For bringing all this…bringing me back to life.”
She looks up, her eyes shining with something warm and unspoken. “I think you did most of that on your own, Cole. I just helped you remember what was already there.”
I pull her closer, feeling the truth of her words settle over me. Maybe she’s right. Maybe she just reminded me of the parts of myself I’d forgotten. But I know one thing for certain—I don’t want to forget again. And as we stand there, watching the snow fall under the glow of the Christmas lights, I realize that Ivy’s not just a part of my life now. She’s become the best part.
Chapter Thirteen
Ivy
The crisp night air nips at my cheeks as Cole and I make our way back to his truck, the snow crunching underfoot. Christmas lights glow around us, casting a soft, warm light that only seems to intensify the hum of energy sparking between us. I glance over, catching the hint of a smile on his face—an expression I’m coming to crave more than anything else.
Once we’re back at his workshop, he opens the door, letting me step inside first. The familiar scent of wood and oil wraps around me, grounding and warm, but tonight it feels different. There’s a tension here, a pulsing undercurrent that’s been building between us, reaching a point where holding back feels impossible. I look up at him, and he’s watching me with an intensity that makes my pulse spike.