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)
I feel myself melting into him, my fingers curling into the fabric of his jacket, pulling him closer, needing him like he’s the only thing keeping me standing. His lips move against mine with a sensual rhythm, every touch, every stroke sending sparks skittering down my spine.
When we finally pull back, we’re both breathing hard, his hand still tangled in my hair, his forehead resting against mine.
“Ivy…” he murmurs, his voice rough and thick with something I can’t quite name.
“Yeah?” I manage, my voice a whisper.
He brushes a strand of hair from my face, his gaze locked on me, searching. “It’s snowing out there. I had my buddy haul your car to my garage so I can check it out after your little off-road excursion, but…I don’t think you should risk driving back tonight.”
The logical side of me knows he’s right, that the road down Copper Mountain is treacherous even in the best of conditions, let alone with snow swirling like it is outside. But the part of me still buzzing from his kiss, still caught up in the weight of his hand on my hip, knows there’s more to this invitation than just the weather.
I swallow, nodding slowly. “Okay. Whatever you say.”
His mouth lifts in a small, satisfied smile, and he steps back, holding out a hand. “Come on, let’s get you settled.”
He leads me back out into the cold for a moment before guiding me to the cabin beside his workshop, a rugged place that’s as much a part of him as anything else. Inside, the warmth of the wood-burning stove fills the air, and he sets about lighting a few lamps, casting a cozy, flickering glow over the room. It’s small but sweet, and lacks a single Christmas decoration.
“Make yourself at home,” he says, shrugging off his coat and tossing it over a leather chair. I watch him, unable to look away, captivated by the unfiltered confidence in his movements, the ease with which he fills the space.
I slip off my coat, feeling my cheeks warm as he watches me, his gaze unapologetically bold, dark eyes sliding over me like he’s savoring every inch.
“You really are something else, you know that?” he murmurs, stepping closer, the edge of his mouth tugging into a grin as he takes in the mess of Christmas decorations I’d managed to slip into my bag for the festival.
“What can I say? I like Christmas,” I reply, a little too breathlessly, as he grabs a string of lights, arching an eyebrow.
“Mind if I join in on the holiday cheer?” he asks, his voice rough, laced with something that makes my pulse kick up a notch. He doesn’t wait for my answer, taking the lights and winding them around the small tree standing by the window. I can’t help but smile as he works, his expression almost soft in the glow of the string lights. I love seeing this side of him that no one else sees.
“You’re getting the hang of this,” I tease, handing him a few ornaments to hang.
He scoffs, but there’s a glint of amusement in his eyes. “Don’t get used to it, Mrs. Claus. This is a one-time deal.”
“Oh, I’ll believe that when I see it,” I say, brushing a hand over his shoulder, feeling the solid heat of him under my palm. He glances down, his gaze flicking to my hand, then back to my face, a slow smile curving his lips.
“You keep looking at me like that, and we’re going to end up on your Naughty List,” he murmurs, his voice low and rough.
I feel my heart hammer in my chest, but I can’t bring myself to look away. “Maybe that’s exactly where I want to be.”
For a heartbeat, he just stares at me, the tension between us coiled so tight it’s a wonder we’re both still standing. Then, as if a switch has flipped, he pulls me to him, his mouth covering mine in a kiss that’s all heat and hunger. His hands slide down my back, pulling me against him, and I can feel every inch of him, solid and unyielding, as he deepens the kiss, his tongue sweeping into my mouth, claiming, demanding.
I moan against him, my fingers digging into his shoulders as he presses me back, his hand sliding up to tangle in my hair, holding me exactly where he wants me. He kisses me like he’s been holding back, like he’s finally letting go, and I feel myself unraveling under his touch, my knees going weak as he drags his mouth down to my neck, his teeth grazing my skin.
“Cole,” I breathe, barely able to get the word out.
He pulls back, his gaze dark and heavy with desire. “Ivy,” he murmurs, his voice rough, almost a growl. “I’ve been doing my best to wait–to give you what you deserve all night long.”