Mistletoe Baby (Crescent Cove 9.50)

“I have a condo.”

She wrinkled her nose at me. “Anyway, that’s the house I always look at when I let myself dream.”

Let herself? I had a feeling that didn’t happen all too often. I slid my hand down her back. “Pretty good dream, if you ask me.”

She straightened up. “Dreams are just that.” She moved toward me fully for the first time since I’d met her. Well, beyond our first kiss. She’d melted into me under the mistletoe like taffy on a ninety-degree day, but I’d been chasing her ever since.

While I appreciated the chase, I wondered how it would end.

“How are you with fantasies?”

I swallowed. “Not that I’m complaining—because believe me, I’m not—but this is a bit of a change in

mood.”

The glow from the tree lit half her face. Her smile was slow and a little dangerous. “I’ve been convincing myself all night not to let myself enjoy you. I’m sure you’ll be taking that hot little car out of town by morning.”

“How do you know it’s a hot little car?”

“Dare’s eyes lit up like it was a dream. Pretty sure it’s either a muscle car or one with an engine that men lust after.”

I shrugged and dragged in a quick breath when her fingers slid under my coat then along my sweater. I cleared my throat. “Engine.”

Her touch wandered lower. Her head was still tipped enough that she looked at me through her lashes. “Are you compensating?”

“Would I own up to it if I was?”

“Hmm. That’s true. Most men can’t gauge size.”

Not one to be outmaneuvered, I inched my hand into her coat and coasted over her hip to her spectacular ass.

Her breath hitched this time. The sound turned into a long exhale as I pulled her tight against me to show her just how adequate I was. Her nails dug into my plaid shirt, and I took a damn chance.

I’d been gambling on her all day. I wasn’t going to stop now.

She was right—we didn’t have a lot of time. Christmas was almost here, and I was tempted to invite her back to my folks’ house. But I had a feeling that would make her jackrabbit faster than the White Rabbit. Only her important date didn’t include me.

And I really wanted to change her mind.

I lowered my mouth to hers. Instead of pressing in on her with the need so readily flourishing between us, I took it easy. I gentled my explorations with a slow, drugging kiss. Cinnamon and apples mixed with her unique flavor, and I would’ve willingly drowned in her forever.

Her hands slid up to grip my shoulders. I cupped her face and tilted her head back to deepen the kiss. The crowd had thinned, and we were practically alone out here with only the lapping water and the deep night cloaked around us. We were far enough from the festival that it was only her quickened breath playing as our soundtrack.

A sound I’d be glad to hear much more of.

“Come to my room with me,” I said against her mouth. “We both need that fantasy.”

I’d been so wrapped up in my classes and stressing about a new project for my agent that there’d been little time for me to tend to my own needs.

Seeing her, tasting her, and wanting her had brought them back into such crisp focus, I literally ached. And maybe after one night, I could convince her for more. I had a feeling that once wouldn’t be nearly enough for either of us.

“A fantasy,” she said with a nod. “Yes.”

I brought my other hand up to cup her cool cheek. “I’m at The Hummingbird’s Nest.”

“Guess we need to go get your car. It’s a bit of walk, and I’m freaking cold.”

I laughed. “Then let’s get you warmed up.”