Ghosts of Christmas (Steamy Bwwm Holiday Romance)

A wicked expression covered his face.

I tried to reply to his comment with my eyes.

Fuck me hard? You better.

He winked at me as if hearing everything that I’d said.

Holly entered the chapel next. All of our attention went to her.

Her father guided her forward.

I checked Nikolas’s face. Tears left his eyes. That warmed my heart. All of the memories of spending time with them and watching their love blossom overtook me. And just like that, I was crying too.

I caught Saint watching me. I wiped them away and turned back to Holly.

She made it to the altar made of intricately carved ice. And the officiate went right into the ceremony. They exchanged short vows and sealed them with a long kiss.

All right. We’re done. Let’s get out of this cold-assed place.

The staff hurried the guests out of the chapel after that. Many wanted to congratulate the newlyweds, but they weren’t having it.

The wedding party remained for pictures. While the photographer positioned us, the planner handed us champagne in chilled glasses.

As soon as Holly attempted to sip hers, Nikolas grabbed it. “I’ll take that, Bruce Lee Holly.”

“It’s just champagne.” She turned to me. “Ivy, tell him.”

I shrugged. “We were almost arrested a few days ago. I get it.”

“I’m just saying.” Nikolas gave his and Holly’s glasses to Saint and me. “We’re going to pace ourselves. That’s all.”

“Fine.” Holly grinned. “It’s cold anyway.”

Holding two glasses between us, Saint and I cheered and sipped.

I giggled. “Unfortunately, now I’m going to be pretty messed up tonight.”

“Hmmm.” Saint took in my gown as if seeing me for the first time. “Do you like that dress?”

“I love it.”

“Too bad.”

“Why?”

“I won’t do my best to keep it intact.”

“Oh really?” I smirked. “It’s going to be that type of night?”

He leaned my way and whispered in my ear. “I’m so sexually frustrated with you. We could have been fucking this entire trip. In fact, this entire year.”

“Then, we have to make up for lost time.”

“Lots of it.”

“And you’ll need a new stylist too.”

He frowned. “Really, Ivy?”

“I’m just saying. You know I’m crazy.” I sipped the champagne.

“Well, at least you’re making plans for our future.”

“I’m. . .” I sighed. “I’m doing my best.”

“Let this come natural to you.”

I kept my voice low. “I’m nervous, though.”

“That’s fine.”

“What will we do?”

“The Santa Clause Village.”

I groaned. “I mean. What will we do after this trip?”

“I’ll head back to New York with you.”

I widened my eyes. “You will?”

He nodded. “As I said, we have to make up for lost time. Plus, I would love to bring in the new year with you.”

“Okay.” I let out a long breath. “And then after that?”

“We fuck some more.”

I chuckled. “Saint.”

“Then we figure out my move to your city. I told you that I’ve been thinking about this for years. The Network would support it.”

Pressure built in my chest. Terror seized me.

“Breathe, Ivy.”

I followed his instructions.

“We’ll take this day by day.”

I nodded. “Then, why does it seem so. . .fast?”

“Fast for you, but not for me.”

“True.”

“We’ll be in the same city. Wrap your head around that, and be okay with it.”

I finished one glass of champagne.

His voice held a seductive edge. “I’m not changing the plan now that I have you.”

My body warred with itself. Nervousness entwined with arousal. Dread sprinkled into lust. I yearned for him and in the same moment wanted to run and hide.

But I remained there, remembering the spirits that visited me and all the things that they showed.Chapter 17

Oh Holy NightFor the reception, Holly rented a nearby banquet hall.

Due to not eating breakfast that morning, I was super tipsy off the two glasses of champagne. I left the SnowChapel with Saint. He drove us over. Instead of going straight to the reception, we made out in the car like teenagers. With each slip of the tongue, my fear and regret began to slip away.

Several hot minutes later, we headed inside. I stopped in the doorway and drank in the setting. “Wow.”

Smiling, Saint remained at my side and held my hand. “This is nice.”

Warm air spread around me. The huge banquet hall had a domed top. High, white arches loomed over and held up a glass ceiling. The fragrant perfume of roses and gardenias filled the air. Sunlight reflected against the thousands of white flowers that hung from the ceiling. They glowed. Excited chatter buzzed throughout the space. A few children giggled and ran between the tables.

In the SnowChapel, we stood within sculptured crystal ice. At this reception, we would dance and party within a breathtaking white garden.

Shocked, I noticed that Holly and Nikolas had beat us to the place.

Whoa. How long were we making out?

The newlyweds sat at a small table at the head of the room. Tons of bouquets of white roses surrounded them. The wedding party was at a table near them.