Home for the Holidays

“Wait. Did you think I was going to say something about me being with someone else?” She peeks up at me. Whatever she sees sends her into a fit of laughter.

“Angel,” I warn, pulling her more into me.

“You’re kind of adorable when you’re jealous.” I’m glad she thinks that because I have a feeling it’s going to happen again. “Aren’t you going to deny being jealous?”

“No.” Why would I? I am.

“I promise you have nothing to be jealous about when it comes to me.” Her comment only goes to show how naïve she is.

“So what is it that you’ve done that you’re keeping from me?”

“I told Carey what is really going on between us. I know I signed that paper, but she’s my best friend, and well—”

“It’s fine.” She lets out a breath and relaxes back into me. That was it? Once again I’m reminded of how innocent and sweet she is. “How did she respond?” I have a feeling however Carey feels about something will sway Angel.

“She thinks we’re going to fall in love.” Angel rolls her eyes. “That we’re going to end up getting married.”

“Hallmark movie?” I tease her. Again the idea of actually marrying Angel isn’t a bad one. It could really work for both of us.

“I think you might be too dirty for a Hallmark movie.”

A bark of laughter leaves me. A sound that’s becoming more familiar with each second I spend with her. “That so?” I pull her the rest of the way into my lap and kiss her. Now that we’re at my place, I plan to show her just how dirty I can be. The tap on the window breaks me from my thoughts and lets me know we’re at my place. I open the door, taking her hand.

“Where are we?” she asks, seeing we’re now in a parking garage.

“My building. My place is on the top floor.” I start to lead her towards the elevator. Nick will handle the bags.

“Sir,” he calls after me.

“Not now,” I tell him. I want Angel in my place and my mouth back on her. Everything else can wait. The elevator doors open instantly, and I pull her in, putting my key in to take us to the top floor. When they close, my mouth is on her again. Something inside me instantly relaxes once I feel her soft lips against mine.

Her mouth is addictive, and I find myself constantly thinking about it. About her. I don’t understand this hold she has over me, but I really don’t fucking care at this point. I need her, I want her to continue making me feel these feelings. I can’t remember the last time I’ve enjoyed something as much as I enjoy her.

When the elevator dings, I lift her off her feet to carry her. She wraps her arms and legs around me. That mouth of hers goes to my neck. She’s getting bolder and less shy.

The doors open to reveal not only the foyer of my penthouse but my brother.

“Well, well, well. What do we have here?” I stop walking when my brother comes into view. I watch as his eyes roam over Angel’s back. I want to rip them out of their sockets. He doesn’t deserve to look at her.

“What the fuck are you doing here?” I feel Angel’s hold on me tighten. “How did you get into my house?”

Most brothers probably gave each other keys to their homes, but that’s not the type of relationship Chad and I have. As a matter of fact, we don’t have any type of relationship.

Sure, we keep up the façade for the public, but that’s the extent of it. He’s a lazy shit who thinks the world should be handed to him. My parents have done exactly that for the most part.

“Mom’s been trying to get ahold of you.” He holds up a key card. I don’t recall giving my mother a key. I make a mental note to have all the locks changed.

Angel lets her hold on me loosen, a silent tell that she wants me to put her down. I do, but I don’t let her go, pulling her into my side the second her feet hit the floor. My brother's eyes trail down her and back up again.

“I see you tossed Kelly to the curb. It’s probably for the best. She was an ice queen.”

“No she isn’t,” Angel says before I can get a word out.

My brother lifts his brows. “And you’re an angel.” Again with his fucking eyes all over her. “So they say.”

“Leave. I’ll call Mom in the morning.” I press the elevator button for him.

“You haven’t even introduced us.” Chad licks his lips. Angel only pushes more into me. Most women fall for him. He can be charming when he wants to be. I’m not charming. I’m a dick. I don’t hide who I am. I’m also not as fucked-up in the head as my little brother. He’s only nice when he wants something, and by the way he’s looking at Angel, she’s what he wants. I understand Beau’s concern with me if the only Duncan he knows is my brother.