Icing Up Love (Insta Love Shy Girl Romance 1)

“Absolutely nothing,” she smiled.

“And that makes you happy?”

She shook her head, a few blonde tendrils falling from her ponytail, curling around her cheekbone. “My family is visiting my brother and his new baby in Vancouver for the holidays, but I had to work. I couldn’t really afford it, so I gave the money I’d been saving to my sister so she could go. I’ll visit next year. I’m going to curl up with a book, watch a cheesy movie or five, and have a couple of days off.”

“That sounds relaxing,” I said. “But what about friends? Do you at least go out for a drink with the girls or something?”

She giggled adorably. “My friend has a Christmas Eve party that I’ll stop by for a bit.”

I desperately wanted to ask her if she needed a date. Or if she already had a date. I’d always been incredibly forward with women, but I didn’t want to scare Sharolyn away.

This was the first time I’d ever felt absolutely riveted by a woman’s presence. I’d gone out with a few girls, but they were always so focused on themselves. I wanted a woman of substance, who could actually discuss a book or a movie intelligently, not just the latest nail salon.

“Do I have ketchup on my face or something?” Sharolyn asked softly.

I shook my head, realizing that I had been staring. “I’m sorry, you’re just so gorgeous, and I was trying to decide if asking to be your date for your friend’s party would scare you off.”

Her mouth actually fell open for a blink. “I’m sure you must have plans already,” she said quickly. “I mean, your family is obviously the kind to have big parties and events.”

Reaching out, I took her hand, resting it on her thigh. “I don’t know what it is, but I’m absolutely drawn to you,” I said gently. “You’re beautiful, intriguing, and I really want to get to know you. If you don’t already have a date, may I accompany you to your friend’s party?”

Her eyes locked on mine, and I saw her take a slow breath. I didn’t want to pressure her, but for some reason I couldn’t let her go alone. She seemed frozen with indecision.

“Don’t say no,” I said quickly. “Please, let me get your number so that I can text you, and ask you again tomorrow after you’ve thought about it.” She handed me her phone automatically, and I sent myself a text so that we were connected.

“It’s not fancy or anything,” she said softly. “It’s just twenty people sitting on the floor of her tiny apartment, drinking cheap wine and eating tacos.”

“Tacos?” I laughed.

She laughed with me. “Jenny decided that spicy beef tacos are the exact opposite of turkey and stuffing.”

I raised my eyebrows. “Jenny is another smart woman, I take it. That’s a great idea.”

I quickly paid the bill and helped bundle her back into her big coat. “You look like one of those puffy dolls,” I laughed as we left the restaurant.

“Sometimes it takes a long time for the streetcar to get here in the winter,” she shrugged.

“May I walk you home?”

She looked up at me with the sweetest little grin I’d ever seen. “Sure.”

Sharolyn led me up the street, and as I took her hand, she walked a bit closer to me. I couldn’t help wondering whether she was timid because she was shy, or if she also had no experience with men. It was unusual how much the thought of her with another man disturbed me straight to the bones.

We reached a small gray apartment building, and she turned to face me. “I’ll text you tomorrow for Jenny’s address, so I’ll be prepared when you tell me I’m allowed to be your date,” I grinned.

Her eyes flashed as she gave me a saucy smile. “You’re pushy,” she giggled.

“That’s how you skate to the goal, sweetheart,” I laughed.

“We’re not on the ice right now,” she said.

“I’m about to be on very thin ice,” I said, wrapping my arms around her, “So tell me if I should stop.” Pulling her even closer, my hands slid under her huge coat to nestle against the small of her back. Her pretty little face tipped up to mine, and her bright blue eyes were huge as she realized I was about to kiss her.

I waited for an instant, but she didn’t turn away. Feeling her soft lips glide against mine, I realized that I was completely hooked. She was mine now, even if she didn’t know it yet.

She kissed me back gently, her mouth opening slightly as I pressed my lips to hers, the instant heat flaring between us. Her fingers danced along the back of my neck, as my tongue gently tasted her luscious mouth.

Just when I thought the moment could not get any hotter, the most delicate soft moan escaped her throat. One of my hands instinctively lowered to cup her firm, round ass, pulling her entire body against mine. For one incredible moment we were almost indecently grinding together right in her doorway, her hips moving against mine, my blood pounding in my ears. Then she stepped back, breathless and flushed.