Mistletoe Baby (Crescent Cove 9.50)

Something about the question and his use of my name made my throat tighten to the point that if I hadn’t gulped more champagne, I might’ve choked. This time, I didn’t mind the floaty feeling that overtook my body, or the resulting wave of warmth.

“I’m alone far too much these days. But right now? No. Neither of us is alone.”

He nodded, lowering his head for an instant while his jaw locked. He finally took a few sips of coffee before he met my gaze once again. “I have a room upstairs. Just for tonight.”

Questions flitted through my mind.

Who are you, Asher?

Why did you pick me to talk to?

Was it just that I looked lonely, so I must be an easy target for sexual advances?

In the end, I didn’t really care. We were both alone, and no one was waiting for me at home. What did it matter if I chose this handsome man to spend the evening with? No one would be hurt. And I would finally be able to cross one thing off my bucket list.

Sex with a gorgeous man, ch

eck.

Sex, period.

But that didn’t mean I’d make it easy on him.

“Who were the flowers for?” I stroked the downy soft petals of the pink tulip on top of the bouquet in my lap.

“My grandmother.” He smiled wryly. “She thinks I need to get out more, so she’ll approve that I gave them to the most beautiful woman I’ve seen since…” He trailed off, looking uncharacteristically unsure. Even with only knowing him a very short while, I was quite certain Asher rarely faltered. “Ever.”

“I believe you don’t get out much after that statement.” I rested my cheek on my fist. “My hair isn’t really blond, by the way. I put in a rinse today. Truth in advertising and all that.”

“It doesn’t look blond. Not exactly. More like the color of honey.” His voice deepened. “Rich and luxurious.”

“Glorious Tones hair color thanks you.” I toyed with the stem of my now nearly empty champagne glass. “When is the last time you approached a woman with that line about your room upstairs?”

“Never. I’ve never had a room upstairs here before.” His lips twitched. “And to be honest, I don’t have one now. I wasn’t planning on staying until I saw you. Writing so furiously in that.” He nodded to my abandoned journal. “What were you writing?”

“Where were you going after this?” I countered.

“To my grandmother’s. She was going to be who I counted down to midnight with.” He finally reached for his champagne and took a single sip. Easing back in his chair, he licked his lips, slowly and surely. “I’d much rather kiss you once the ball drops.”

“Which balls are we referring to?”

I didn’t know if he’d find me funny or crude. It was usually half and half, depending on my company. But his laughter was quick and appreciative. “You’re different than I expected.”

“Oh, really? What did you expect? A meek little mouse who’d trot after you and hop right into bed?” Okay, this had to be the champagne talking, because this was next level, even for me.

“No. I wasn’t even thinking about bed when I came over here. I just wanted to hear your voice. To see if you ever smiled. You still haven’t, you know. Not at me.”

“Smiles are earned. Keep trying. You might get there.”

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Daddy Undercover

Gina

Working at the diner gave me a pipeline into the Cove. I was privy to all the town goings-on, and the hours had given me the freedom to play with a few side hustles over the years. Between working here and bartending at my sister’s bar, I didn’t want for cash. I preferred a simple life.