by Sarah Spade
As Max wraps me up in his embrace, tilting me over his arm and giving me a kiss that has the other airport patrons breaking out in raucous applause at the scene, I decide he’s right.
Chapter 12
Max
If it was up to me, I’d be in bed with Allison. But since her parents won’t be heading back to Florida until the day after Christmas, I know that I won’t be getting my Christmas wish any time soon.
Ever since we decided to give this—us—a try, I’ve been staying in Allison’s condo. Her parents keep coming up with excuses to leave us alone. The Shaws still have plenty of friends and family in Salem and have been racking up their Christmas visits.
They’re never gone for long, though, and Allison and I have gotten a little… creative in our intimacy.
She’s as insatiable a minx as the woman I met last year. No doubt that we’re compatible in the bedroom.
What’s even more amazing? Is how much I love everything else about this woman.
She’s beautiful, and she’s sweet, and she’s got an innocence about her that is a fucking amazing contrast to how she is when I get in her in my arms. After I discovered shortly after my arrival in Salem that she works for my company, I contacted her supervisors and found out that she’s one of the best managers I have. I’d give her a raise if I didn’t think she’d refuse it from me.
Plus, since I’ve decided to relocate to Salem, it would seem a little questionable if I start throwing money at the woman I’ve already decided I’m going to make mine.
Forever.
Allison might not know that yet. She’ll figure it out when she finds the ring I’ve boxed up and hidden in the toe of her Christmas stocking.
I let her get away from me once. I’m not about to make the same mistake again.
For now, we both decide to keep our relationship under wraps—everyone will learn the truth soon enough.
Still, nothing turns me on faster than a woman who has a work ethic close to mine. Over the last couple of days, if it wasn’t me spending too many hours getting a handle on this part of the firm, then it was me dragging Allison out of the office for the night.
We’re a perfect match in more ways than one.
The only thing that we can’t agree on?
Holiday parties.
Allison loves them. She told me how she had a wonderful time at the Halloween party another of the ad managers threw at the end of October. Before we met again, before I even knew that we’d be together again, Allison helped out with the planning for the staff Christmas party; she admits she wasn’t looking forward to the holiday and she still lent a helping hand. There was no way I was getting out of making an appearance.
Just my luck. It had to be on Christmas Eve and it didn’t matter what I thought. She batted those long lashes up at me and that was that. I even put on the ugly Christmas sweater she found for me this morning.
If this isn’t love, I don’t know what the fuck is.
It’s a good thing I don’t recognize too many people at this party. There are a couple of upper level managers that report directly to Tristan and me. I swear I see one of them snicker, but one icy stare and he throws back his drink before dropping his gaze and slinking away from the edge of the dance floor.
We met up with Dani and Zack when we first arrived. In his way, my sister’s fiancé is like me. He doesn’t like being the center of attention. There’s a long table full of countless types of appetizers and hors d'oeuvres, plus a punch bowl that has a bright red liquid that actually seems to smoke. The two of them are huddling near that table when we arrive at the party a little late, sharing secret smiles and murmuring to each other.
Even when the deejay starts to play, they stay there.
Not us. I already knew this from the first night we met, but Allison is a dancer. Whether she’s dancing excitedly to “Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays” or hugging me close as Bing Crosby croons “White Christmas”, she loves to dance and, well, I’ve already proven I’ll do everything I can for her.
I’m wearing this atrocious sweater, aren’t I?
She smells so good, like a mix of peppermint and chocolate. I just want to gobble her up. I nestle my nose in the flowing strands of her long blonde hair and pray for another slow song so I don’t have to let her go.
In the back of my mind, I feel a niggle. A nag. There’s something I’m missing.
I must’ve hummed under my breath or made a frustrated noise because Allison suddenly pulls away. A curious expression flitters across her face, her nose wrinkling in the cutest little way. “Everything okay?”
How to explain this feeling of unfinished business? I can’t help but think that I’m forgetting something important.
“I don’t know, I—”
A flash of lights—red, white and green—bobbing through the crowd catches my attention. A second later, I realize that it’s the blinking Christmas lights stretched across my sister’s chest.
Dani.
For some reason, she’s weaving by herself through the sea of people slow dancing to Nat King Cole’s “The Christmas Song”. She’s got a determined look on her face, as if she’ll mow down anyone in her way.
I think of the bowl of punch she was standing next to with Zack and the fact that he’s not with her. She’s got to be on her way to the bathroom.
I see my sister and—bingo. It goes off, like a lightbulb over her head. Or, rather, the beaming lights from her sweater. Either way, I finally realize what I’ve forgotten all about.
So focused on her trip, she doesn’t see me or Allison. I snag Dani by the sleeve of her gaudy sweater as she goes to move right by us.
I can tell a curse is halfway out her mouth before she recognizes me. With an adorable scowl, Dani tugs her sweater out of my grip. “Sorry, Max. Can’t talk right now.”
“It’ll only take a second.”
“Okay. Fine. But hurry.”
“Have you seen Tristan?”
She blinks as she looks at me, almost stunned. At first, I think it’s because my sweater can give hers a run for its money in the ugly department, but then she says, “Tristan? Your Tristan?”
At my side, Allison makes a strangled noise. I slip my arm around her waist, tugging her close to me while giving my kid sister a glare. She had to have heard how that sounded when it popped out of her mouth. I guess that’s my payback for waylaying her on the way to the john.
“How many Tristans do you know?”
“Only one and that’s why you’ve confused me. Isn’t he supposed to be in California?”
Oh. That’s right. Since I spent the last couple of days super busy putting the last minute touches on Allison’s Christmas surprise, I completely forgot to call Dani and tell her that Tristan was flying in to celebrate Christmas in Salem.
My partner couldn’t believe me when I called him and said that I was staying in Massachusetts. He knows all about Allison and says he’s glad that I found her again, but he also refuses to accept that I’m leaving without coming all the way to check Allison out first.
Which might explain another one of the reasons why I forgot all about filling my sister in on his plans. I’m a determines, devoted man in love. Allison has all my time and that’s just the way I like it.
My business partner flew in this afternoon. I did offer to pick him up at the airport but he said he’d rather settle in at his hotel and come to the holiday party when he was done.
I wouldn’t be surprised if I don’t hear from him until tomorrow, though. If you ask me, I think he was trying to get out of having to wear one of these god-awful sweaters.
But should I have told Dani he was coming? Yeah. That oversight is all my fault. After spending all day and most of the night with Allison, I… I might’ve forgotten all about everyone else until I saw Dani flounce past me.
Oops.
“Supposed to be, I guess, only he told me that he’s flying in to spend Christmas here.”
Dani glances over her shoulder as
if she might find Tristan sneaking up behind her. “Are you serious?”
“Why not? He doesn’t have anybody to spend the holiday with at home. And don’t tell me he could’ve stayed with his dad. You know how that goes.”
That’s true. Tristan Bloom is as good as the brother I never had, so I’m probably the only family he has. He’s an only child whose mom died when he was young. His dad? Let’s just say, they’re not the type to get all buddy buddy underneath a Christmas tree while drinking eggnog.
No, it was much easier for him to fly out last minute to meet up with Allison and me.
Except, once again, I also forgot about Tristan and Dani’s history.
“Ah, shit. Sorry, Dani. I probably should’ve mentioned he was coming.”
She gives me her patented you think look. Glancing around again, no doubt searching for her second half, I know what she’s about to say before she mutters, “I should probably tell Zack.”
“You mean warn him?”
If looks could kill, I’d be dead on the floor. Dani glowers up at me, hands on her hips. It’s hard to take her seriously with the blinking lights on her sweater, but when Allison nudges me in the side with her elbow, I give it a try.
“Tristan already knows about your fiancé. He’s happy for you.”
No, it’s me that he’s convinced who has finally lost it. At least Dani knew Zack for close to a year before they got engaged, even if she kept that secret hidden. Then again, if you count the fact that I met Allison last Christmas Eve, I’ve known her even longer.
Tristan will understand. One day, when he finds a woman of his own, he’ll understand. It just wasn’t Dani.
“Anyway, if you see Tristan—”
“I’ll tell you. After I tell Zack.”
I’d love to be a fly on that wall. After watching Zack around my sister for the last two weeks now, I can see just how much in love he is with her—and how jealous and possessive he can get. I’m actually a little surprised that he didn’t try to follow her into the bathroom.
Once he finds out her ex is in town, that might change.
As Dani pushes her way through the crowded throng of people on the dance floor, Allison slips out from under my hold and loops her arms around my neck.
“Why don’t you tell me about this Tristan of yours,” she says as she starts to move again.
Feeling her tits pressed boldly against my chest, my hands a brand on her slender waist as she dances, I can think of a hundred other things I’d rather talk to her about. Forget Tristan. I lower my head, tucking my chin into her shoulder, nibbling on her earlobe.
A soft Christmas ballad plays over the speaker. Together, we sway to the music.
Allison giggles and lets me get away with necking her on the dance floor for a few minutes before she taps me on the back of my neck. I’m sure I’ve got a dazed and stupid look on my face as I glance up and look at her.
“What? I’m a little busy. I’ve got to make up for lost time.”
“It’s only been a couple of hours,” she reminds me.
And that’s true, if she’s talking about the quickie we snuck in before we left for the party while her parents were at some kind of Christmas brunch. But that’s not what I meant.
“I’m making up for a year.”
In the heat of the moment, I might’ve told her already that I couldn’t get it up for anyone in the year we spent apart. But this, what we have brewing between us, is more than just sex. And I want to make sure that she’s clear on that.
She’s mine. And I’m never letting her go.
I press my jaw against her cheek, nuzzling her as I keep my voice low. What I’m about to tell her—my confession and my promise—is for me and my Allison alone.
“I knew we had something special when I first met you in that bar. The night we spent at your place was… it was magical. I never should’ve left. Now that I’m here, I’m gonna stay right where you are for as long as you let me.”
Allison pulls back. Her lovely green eyes go wide, and there’s a sheen there that makes me wonder if she’s crying.
Shit.
I really hope they’re happy tears.
Her voice is thick and throaty as she tilts her head back and murmurs, “Yeah? And what if I want forever?”
There’s a dare in there, I think.
“Then forever is what I’m going to give you,” I promise.
Allison might not believe me now. Trust me, she sure as will tomorrow morning when she gets her Christmas gift.
She nibbles on her bottom lip, a familiar gesture so enticing that I want nothing more than to replace her teeth with mine. I start to lean in when she stops me with a tap on my shoulder.
“Look, Max.” And she points.
I don’t want to look away from the open affection written on her gorgeous face. I want to stare at Allison forever, drown in her green eyes, lose myself in that naughty little smile. But she wants me to look up and, shit, I’m a slave for whatever this woman wants.
I look. And I echo her smile.
“Mistletoe,” I murmur.
“Mm-hmm.”
She’s not glancing at the greenery on the ceiling when I look back down. Her gaze is locked on my grin. A splash of red across her cheeks is a beautiful pairing to her bright green eyes. It reminds me of mistletoe and holly. All she needs is a piece of tinsel in her hair and this amazing woman is my fucking Christmas gift again this year.
My cock twitches and I move into her, making sure she feels my hard length against her belly. If all I get tonight is to sleep next to her as we wait for Christmas morning, I’ll be more than satisfied.
Who could ever want for more?
I angle my head toward her, my lips against hers as I breathe out, “Mistletoe. You know what that means.”
I feel the soft pressure of her lips moving slightly as she nods. “Mmm.”
Her chest is moving, a rapid rise and fall against mine. I wrap my arms around her waist and encourage her to loop hers around my neck again.
I close the distance in a heartbeat, taking her bottom lip gently between my teeth. She gasps, opening up just enough for me to cock my head to the side and slip my tongue inside of her mouth.
I stroke Allison’s tongue before pulling back, pressing our lips together in a sweet kiss that has her groaning against me. The tip of Allison’s tongue darts out, licking at the seam of my lips, then we’re kissing again.
When we finally break apart, Allison moves her hands. Instead of clasping them together behind my neck, she places them against the stubble on my cheeks, holding my face in her palms. Her lips are pillowy and just a little swollen from our kiss.
The sheen in her eyes is even more noticeable. And, this time, I know they’re definitely happy tears.
“Merry Christmas, Max,” she whispers.
I smile and hold her close. “Merry Christmas, Allison.”
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What are you doing New Year’s Eve?
For Tristan Bloom, the answer to the question is: it all depends. He was supposed to spend the days leading up to the New Year checking in on his partner, following up on some business, and deciding what he wanted to do about his father’s offer.
Then he met her—
Tristan
I don’t know what’s worse: knowing that my old flame is suddenly engaged, or that my best friend and business partner is about to be. I mean, seriously? What is it about Salem, Massachusetts? I swear, it’s like Cupid has moved in among all the witches or something.
I’m determined not to get sucked in. My goal is to make sure Max is doing okay, check out Dani’s new fiancé, and then head back to California as single as I was when I arrived. So I fly across the country just in time for Christmas Eve—and the Christmas party that our Salem branch is throwing for our employees.
At least, I thought it was our party.
Who knew that the venue had two rented halls?
I should’ve thought something was weird when t
hey handed me a mask, or when I didn’t recognize anyone at the party. Despite the costumes and the masks, I should’ve at least been able to find Max or Dani.
I didn’t, but I found her.
I was drawn to her immediately. Couldn’t stay away. We danced together, laughed together, and I even stole a kiss when I steered her beneath a sprig of mistletoe.
Then midnight struck, my Cinderella panicked, and she was gone.
I have one week until I have to return to California and face my father. Until then, I plan on spending every minute I have searching for that girl.
Lindy
It was my cousin’s idea.
Sheila knew how much this last year sucked for me. I flunked out of school in April, my fiancé dumped me in September, and the store I managed went bankrupt and closed down right before the holidays.
To say I was in a funk was putting it mildly. Christmas was one emotional train wreck after the other. I just wanted to lock myself in my room, drown in chocolate, and pretend that this past year never happened.
I had no plans for Christmas Eve. I was avoiding my family—except for Sheila. That woman is impossible to dodge and I know ‘cause I tried.
Instead, I let her talk me into crashing a party that the company she worked for was catering. It was a crazy Christmas masquerade with all the guests wearing masks.No one would know who I was, and if I found a man under the mistletoe… well, why not?
One problem. I did find a stranger under the mistletoe. And the kiss he gave me? Wow.
So why did I bolt from the party before I could even give him my name? Beside the obvious fact that I wasn’t even invited to it?
Because I’m Lindy Walsh. And, no matter what I touch—or who I kiss—I’ll inevitably screw it up.
I always do.
Auld Lang Mine is the third book in the Holiday Hunk series and a companion to Halloween Boo and This Christmas. Coming to your e-readers in January 2019.
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