“Oh, come on,” Lucy said. “How many times did Tatum and I end up face-first in snow while you three ran off laughing?”
The three of them mumbled, knowing she was right. They gave up, grinning in defeat.
“Exactly,” Lucy continued.
“Well played,” Jared said, toasting her with his mug. “Might need another cup, though. My boots are full of snow and I can’t feel my toes.”
Tatum laughed. “Sorry.”
“Somehow I don’t believe that,” Spencer said, his eyes pinning hers.
She couldn’t say a word. The heat in his look was blazing, chasing away any of the chill that clung to her. When his gaze traveled along her neck, she could almost feel his touch on her skin.
“So how’s life been treating you?” Dean asked, breaking the hold Spencer had on her. “I hear you’re single. I’m happy to volunteer my services as your rebound guy.”
Tatum looked at Dean, stunned. Was he serious? Dean had always been the hot guy, the ladies’ man with the biting humor and the restless spirit. While there was no doubting he was nice to look at, he was—and always would be—Lucy’s annoying brother.
Jared nudged his brother. “Seriously subtle, bro.”
“Wow, Dean, just wow,” Lucy said, shaking her head.
“Pissed I beat you to it?” Dean asked Jared, ignoring Lucy altogether. He grinned at Tatum. “Think about it, Tatum, if you’re looking for a way to get back in the game—” He pointed at himself, cocking an eyebrow. “I’m just saying—”
“I think we all get what you’re saying,” Spencer barked. “But if we want to get the house ready for tonight, you’ll have to hold off on your sweet-talking for now.”
Tatum glanced at Spencer, taking in the tightness of his jaw and the slight narrowing of his eyes. What was surprising was just how much she liked his irritation over Dean’s flirting.
While the others finished off their coffee, she ran back to her room to get her glove liners. It was cold and she wasn’t as used to it as they were. If she was going to be any help she’d need—
She turned to find Spencer filling the doorway. “Spencer?” The way he was looking at her...it was hard to breathe.
She found herself pressed against the wall, his lips parting hers, his tongue seeking entrance and his hands holding her face. Her fingers threaded through his thick hair, pulling his head down to hers. There was nothing gentle about his touch or his kiss. It was possessive—claiming her, making her quiver and ache.
He pulled back, his eyes searching hers before he left her panting against the wall. She stood, trying to calm the frantic beating of her heart, as she heard the door open and close.
She was still pulling herself together when Lucy poked her head into her room.
“He leave you all hot and bothered?” Lucy asked. “’Cause he looks like a ticking time bomb. I thought you two would have, you know, done the deed by now.”
Tatum felt the heat in her cheeks as she tugged on her glove liners.
Lucy giggled.
“We should go help,” Tatum said, unable to stop the smile on her face.
Even with the glove liners, Tatum’s fingers went from tingling to numb. The others had no problem wrapping the large tree in white lights. She and Lucy hung all the wood-chip angels, adjusting the lights so the whole tree was illuminated. When the only thing left was the star for the top, Jared and Dean held the ladder while Spencer teetered on the top step.
“Be careful, Spencer,” she called up to him, wincing as he balanced on one foot to place the star.
“Will do.” His voice reached her.
“Some things never change.” Jared chuckled.
Jared was right. On the surface, it all felt very familiar. Except it was so very different now. She and Spencer had been young and crazy in love—strong and deep. Well, it had been for her. They weren’t in love—how could they be? They didn’t know each other anymore, not really.
This wasn’t about love; this was about want. And she wanted Spencer more than she’d ever wanted...anything. She wasn’t going to spend hours wondering about his thoughts or feelings. She was going to spend hours exploring his body and her sexuality. This was different.
Maybe it was reckless to invite Spencer into her bed when there was still such a strong connection between them. Maybe it was a mistake. Maybe she’d regret it...later. Right now, the thought of touching him, kissing him—having his hands on her—was all that mattered. Her body needed him in a way she didn’t fully understand.