by Melody Grace
Whoa. Where did that come from?
“I know,” he said slowly. “I just meant, I’d love your company.”
“Thanks, but I have a ton of stuff to do.” She avoided his eyes, her cheeks still flushed. “Maybe I’ll see you later. I don’t know.”
A couple of guests bustled in, interrupting them, and Ellie went to chat with them about the festivities. Dash watched for a moment, confused by her sudden change in mood. From flirting to ice-cold in five seconds flat. But she was right, she was busy, and didn’t need him hanging around distracting her, so he grabbed one of the leaflets from the desk and checked out the local activity list for himself.
2pm Gingerbread House competition.
3pm Nog-off and cocoa.
4pm Sleigh rides.
He needed a break from his laptop, so it was time to get in the festive spirit, Sweetbriar Cove-style.
Two hours later, and Dash was full to the brim of holiday cheer—and hot cocoa. He’d strolled Main Street, listened to carols, picked up some souvenirs for his family, and eaten his weight in gingerbread. He was just about ready to catch a cab back to the inn and settle back down for another marathon writing session when he passed the local bakery and saw a familiar face in the cluster of people. Ellie was inside, sipping a mug with a candy cane stuck out the top. Her eyes were bright and she was laughing with some of the townspeople, her face lit up.
Beautiful.
He watched her for a moment, wondering what Hollywood actress he could ever find to capture her grace, her spirit. It would be impossible—she was one of a kind.
Ellie looked up and saw him. Her face changed; for a moment, she almost looked uncertain, then a slow smile spread across her face. She waved.
He headed inside.
“Hey,” she greeted him by the door. “How’s your day been?”
“Eventful.” He smiled. “This is quite some town you have here.”
“We like it.” Ellie paused a moment. Their eyes meet, and Dash felt an unfamiliar pull—to reach for her, take her hand, anything to be closer. Touching her.
Dammit. What’s with this girl?
He looked around. “So what’s on the menu here?”
“Eggnog,” Ellie declared, reaching for one of the mugs lining the countertop. “Here, have some.”
“Actually, I’m not really a fan of the stuff,” Dash admitted.
“Shh!” she hushed him, glancing around. “Don’t say that here. I’ve got twenty recipes to judge, and these people take their nog very seriously.”
He chuckled. “My lips are sealed.”
“Good.” She game him a conspiratorial grin, dropping her voice. “To tell you the truth, I’m getting kind of sick of it too. But I’ve got another twelve left to taste.”
“Be brave, they’re counting on you.”
She sighed. “Once more unto the breach…”
Ellie gamely took another mug to sip, introducing him around the room. The names and friendly faces blurred, but it was clear, everyone in town adored her. And why wouldn’t they? She was single-handedly running their accounts, doing their taxes, and sending guests their way for the festival. But watching her, Dash had to wonder if this was all she wanted from her life. That wall of postcards said more than her friendly smile ever could. Inside, she was itching for a taste of the outside world, but what would finally make her take that leap and strike out beyond Sweetbriar Cove to find a new life for herself?
And is there any room in that new life for me?
Dash stopped, the thought landing in his mind out of nowhere. No. It was crazy, He’d only just met her. He shook off the insanity and turned back to the room, just as the judges announced the winning eggnog recipe to a room full of applause—and some grumbles from an older man in the back.
“Uh oh, dissent in the ranks,” he whispered to Ellie as she emerged from the crowd. “Do I need to spirit you out of here before he demands a recount?”
She looked around, then smiled. “That’s just Eddie, he loses every year. The guy puts like half a glass of bourbon in every cup!”
“Sounds like a winner to me.”
“You won’t be saying that in the morning.” Ellie grinned, pulling her jacket back on. “Trust me, half the judges are going to be walking around with sunglasses tomorrow to get over their hangovers.”
She said goodbye to a few people, then followed Dash outside. Snow was falling lightly, the sky pale silver over the dark silhouette of the town, but the streets were full. Everyone seemed to be gathering in the town square, holding lanterns and candles.
“It’s caroling night,” Ellie explained. “All the local choirs are here, some come from miles around.”
“Shall we?” Dash offered his arm. “Unless you need to get back to work.”
“No, I have the rest of the night off.” After a moment, Ellie slid her gloved hand into the crook of his arm. She met his eyes for a moment, then looked down, almost shy.
Blood rushed south.
Suddenly, the tension returned, strangely intimate out there in the middle of a crowd. They silently make their way across the street, joining the throngs of people around the huge holiday tree. The carols were already underway, sweet music in the crisp evening air. They found a spot near the front to watch, but even though it was a pretty scene, Dash was totally distracted by the woman beside him: every footstep, every glance, every move she made.
Damn, he wanted her.
A group of small kids ran past, jostling Ellie. Dash automatically put his arm around her waist to steady her.
Ellie didn’t step away.
He drew her closer, hands soft on her hips. He felt on edge, like one wrong move could push her away for good—but the right one…
The right move would break through those defenses and reignite all that fire he know could blaze between them, brighter than the torch flames flickering around the square.
His heart was pounding like he was sixteen all over again by the time Ellie exhaled a breath, shivering in the cool air. Then, slowly, she leaned back against him.
Yes.
Dash slipped his other hand around her waist, drawing her into the circle of his embrace. Ellie’s back to his front, her head resting against Dash’s shoulder. They stayed like that for a long moment watching the choir, long enough for Dash to breathe in the scent of her, her silky hair tickling his chin. Long enough for the heat to burn where their bodies meet.
Long enough to imagine holding her like this, with nothing between them. His hands exploring every lush inch of her—and his mouth following in their wake. Kissing. Teasing.
Making that smart mouth call his name.
Dash’s grip tightened, and maybe it was just his imagination, but he could swear, Ellie breathed a little more quickly too.
Her jacket was hanging open. Dash slid one hand under the bulky fabric, still resting on her waist, but closer now, palm against her sweater. Ellie shifted, and then his fingertips were grazing the narrow band of bare skin, just above the waistband of her jeans.
He didn’t move a muscle.
It was crazy, they were standing fully-clothed in a crowd full of people, but he couldn’t remember the last time he needed a woman so much. Blood was rushing south fast, and he sent silent thanks that there were a couple of layers of coats between their bodies.
What he wouldn’t give to be alone with her right now.
The carol ended, and the crowd around them applauded. Ellie seemed to jolt back to life. She quickly ducked out of his arms, blushing furiously. Her eyes seemed stunned, the desire clear all over her gorgeous face.
“Let’s get out of here,” Dash murmured, holding her gaze.
She bit her lower lip. “I shouldn’t…” she whispered, tempting.
Not “can’t.” Not “I don’t want to.” “Shouldn’t.”
He felt a rush of victory. She wanted this too. And damn it, he was going to explode if he didn’t kiss her soon. Kiss her in a way that was going to turn some heads in th
is small town of hers—and maybe get them cited for public indecency, too.
If he was lucky.
Not waiting another moment, Dash grabbed her hand and pulled her through the crowd. Ellie made a noise of surprise, but she followed, fast on his heels as he strode to the outskirts of the square. He dragged her around the corner onto a quiet street, empty in the dark save the snowflakes spiraling to the ground.
“Where are we going?” she asked, sounding breathless.
Dash spun around, and backed her up against the wall.
Ellie’s question faded. Her eyes flared, bright in the dark.
“You drive me crazy,” Dash whispered, planting a hand on either side of her head. “Do you even realize what you’re doing to me right now?”
Ellie inhaled in a rush, her eyes moving to his mouth. Her lips parted in anticipation, her eyes drifting shut, and her body seemed to melt against him. Everything about her was screaming to be kissed, but Dash held back. He needed more this time.
“It’s your turn,” he told her, slowly tracing the edge of her jaw. “Tell me what you want.”
Ellie blinked, surprised.
“Tell me.” He leaned closer, until his lips grazed her earlobe. He bit down softly, and she gave a breathy moan. “Tell me what you want, and it’s yours.”
Ellie took another breath. Then her voice came, faint but determined, as the snow kept falling all around them.
“Kiss me. Please.”
Chapter 7
Rules were made to be broken.
It was Ellie’s only excuse as the words slipped from her lips, clear between them in the snow-swept silence of the empty street.
“Kiss me. Please.”
Dash’s eyes flashed dark with lust, and then he did exactly what she asked. He kissed her, hard and deep, demanding everything she had to give –and more.
This time, she didn’t hold back. Her body was a live wire, already wound tight from his slow, teasing touch during the carol concert, and now, she was ready to combust. Ellie reached up and locked her arms around his neck, pressing closer as his mouth worked its wicked magic, tongue sliding deep between her lips in a heady, intoxicating dance.
She drank him in, savoring every taste. His mouth burned hot in the cold night; his body pressing her into the wall with no room to breathe, no space to do anything at all but surrender to this incredible feeling.
Like falling.
Like flying.
She melted into him, her head spinning, not caring that they were just steps away from the whole town, and how everyone would gossip if only they could see.
All she wanted was him.
His hands were cupping her face, but soon, he wanted more. They roved down over her back and hips, squeezing the curve of her ass and bringing her body even closer, molded to his form. Ellie couldn’t resist exploring too: sliding her hands under his coat, up across his chest, feeling the taut muscles she’d admired last night; even better up close beneath her fingertips.
Dash broke away, dipping his head to whisper a trail of kisses down her neck. She shuddered at the touch: ice cold and blazing hot all in one. His hands slipped inside her coat, skimming over her waist and grazing the swell of her chest. She bit back a moan and pleasure shivered through her.
“Dash…” she whispered, caught up in the heat and the whiskey-sweet burn. He caressed her again as his teeth nipped her neck and the delicious contradiction—soft and rough—sent a shock of desire through her so strong it made her legs weak and left her gasping for air.
Ellie had never felt like this before, not even close. God, those backseat fumbles with local boys had never moved her like this, never robbed the breath from her lungs and made every inch of her skin light up with electricity. She was totally lost to the moment, until a burst of voices from down the street filtered through the dizzy haze and Dash yanked away.
Children raced past, followed by an exasperated mother calling, “Careful now!”
She met his eyes and flushed. Dash looked just about as undone as she felt: his hair in a tousled mess from her raking fingers, his eyes dark as he inhaled a shaky breath.
“Let’s get out of here,” he said, and Ellie couldn’t have agreed more. “Where are you parked?”
“I’m not. I mean, I got a ride with one of the guests,” she told him breathlessly.
“OK then, cab it is.” Dash grabbed her hand and started walking fast across the square. Ellie looked around, but the stand out front of the pub was empty. Riley was fixing the lights out front, so she called over to him, “Is Eddie around? I need a ride back to the inn.”
“I think he’s still caroling,” Riley called back. “He’ll be another half hour if you want to wait.”
“No, thanks.” Her mind raced. Thirty minutes was way too long not to be in Dash’s arms, and besides, she knew her voice of reason was going to be whispering louder every minute there were no kisses to drown it out. She didn’t want time to talk herself out of this.
She didn’t want to talk at all.
Dash was clearly impatient, too. He looked around, and then saw something across the street. “Come on,” he grinned, tugging Ellie after him. She followed to where the Janssen boys had a row of rickety sleighs lined up, with a row of horses from their stable getting strapped up.
“A sleigh?” Ellie stopped dead. “Come on, they’re for the tourists!”
“When was the last time you rode in style like this?” Dash countered, smiling.
She paused. “Not since I was a kid,” she admitted.
“Then tonight’s the night.” He reached Frank Janssen and called out, “Can you take us back to the inn?”
Frank gave Ellie a knowing look. “Sure I can. Hop on up.”
She blushed again. Ellie felt like her desire was written all over her face, but Frank turned his attention to the horses, so she let Dash help her up into the small sleigh. They settled on the narrow bench, Dash scooting in close with his arm around her. There was a blanket waiting, and he tucked it around their laps. She could still hear the carols from the square as the horses pulled away. Their sleigh glided up the street, snow falling softly around them.
“Sleigh bells ring…” Dash sang softly.
Ellie laughed. “Admit it, you called ahead and ordered up a Hollywood Christmas.”
“You got me. It took a lot of organizing, but I pulled it together. Those guys cost extra.” He nodded as they passed the corner with snowmen lined up, fresh from the contest this afternoon.
She snuggled closer, savoring the moment. White snow and a dark night, and warm arms around her, holding her close.
Just for one night.
Ellie felt a pang, realizing that nothing had changed. He was still leaving, and she was still making the same mistake all over again. But then Dash tilted her head up to his and kissed her again, and she decided:
This was a mistake worth making.
She melted into the taste of him, the smoky sweetness of his lips, and the intoxicating slide of his tongue, deep in her mouth. Main Street made way for snow-covered hills and the still, icy branches sweeping low overhead, but still, she kissed him. The heat was rising, slower this time. Deeper. It snaked through Ellie’s bloodstream like the burn of good bourbon, warming her from the inside out and making her crave more of his touch.
All of him.
Dash slid one hand under the blanket, tracing dizzying circles on the inside of her knee. She clung to his coat lapels, scared that if she let her hands roam free, there would be no stopping them, but Dash didn’t seem to care; he teased her, nibbling gently on Ellie’s lower lip and nuzzling at the sensitive curve of her jaw. The whisper of his lips against her cold skin burned Ellie to the core; by the time Frank pulled the sleigh to a halt on the road outside the inn, she felt like she was on fire.
“This is as far as I can take you,” he apologized, turning back to them. “The sled will get stuck in the snow if I try and drive up the track.”
“That’s no problem.�
� Ellie reluctantly tore herself from Dash’s embrace. “Thanks!”
“We appreciate the ride.” Dash leapt down, then offered his hand to help Ellie out. She carefully climbed down, the snow crunching beneath her feet. It was deeper there, settled thickly on the driveway to the inn, a powder-perfect layer.
Dash reached for his wallet and turned back to pay Frank, and Ellie used the moment to scoop a handful of soft powder. She carefully pat it into an icy snowball, out of sight by her side. Finally, Frank jangled the reins again and the horses trotted away.
“Happy holidays!” Ellie remembered to call after him. He answered with a wave.
“Shall we?” Dash offered his arm, extra-polite as they headed up the driveway. But Ellie casually stepped in front, getting a good distance between them before she brought out the snowball, turn and let fly.
Splat!
It burst against his chest, sending snow in all directions. Dash clutched his hands to the point of impact, groaning dramatically. “I’m hit! My lady betrays me!”
Ellie laughed, but then he lunged for the nearest snowbank and scooped up a handful with a determined glint in his eye. “Dash…” she started, warning.
“What? You started it.” He grinned like a little kid who meant trouble. She took off at a run, managing to get five steps away before his snowball hit her in the back.
“Bullseye!”
“Oh, you’re going to regret that!” She laughed, already forming another snowball in her hands. “You’re looking at a champion, right here.”
“Doesn’t look that way to me,” he taunted. Ellie pretended to feign right, then she went left, letting the snowball loose in a perfect lazy arc that hit him right in the face.
“You were saying?”
Dash stood very still, brushing snow from his face. Ellie wondered for a moment if she’d gone too far, then she saw the smile he was hiding. “Oh, you’ll pay for that,” he said, reaching down to scoop more snow.
Ellie slowly backed away. “Big talk,” she teased him, getting ready to run. “But do you have the goods to back it up?”