“Cole. And I have to say, I wasn't expecting that comeback.” I tip my head in acknowledgement, a wry grin tugging at my lips. “Though, to be honest, I don't usually do this sort of thing—”
“Whatthing? Stalk strangers in bars?” She quirks a mischievous eyebrow, to which I narrow my eyes even as a smirk dances around the edges of my mouth.
“Toss cheesy chat-up lines at beautiful women who areclearlymiles out of my league.”
She snorts, pulling out the stool beside me and settling in comfortably. “Now Iknowyou're full of crap, Hotshot.” Her eyes slowly encompass every inch of my face before they find mine again. “If you've looked in the mirror lately, you'll be innodoubt as to how gorgeous you are.”
I press my lips together, attempting and failing to stifle a shit-eating grin. “Please do elaborate.”
She giggles when I toss her a naughty wink.
“Flattery will get youeverywhere, Sweetheart.”
Her light laugh prompts several patrons to glance over and smile, herjoie de vivrebeing wholly contagious. I find myself leaning forward unconsciously, drawn like a moth to flame, unable to remember the last time I felt this simultaneously relaxed and electrified.
“May I buy you a drink?”
Her eyes flash with indecision as I rush on, shameless in my pursuit of basking in her presence.
“I mean...it's not every day I make an ass of myself with the cheesiest chat-up lines known to man. And in front of someone as breathtaking as you, I don’t know if my ego will ever recover.”
A smile that brightens the entire room lights up her face, outshining even the twinkling festive lights overhead, and my hopes rise ever-so-slightly until she nods carefully.
“I don't usually do this either, but there's a first time for everything, right?” Her eyes glitter with delight, and the sight makes my stomach dip despite her innocuous tone. “After all, 'tis the season for taking chances.”
CHAPTER 4
Aurora
Three raspberry mojitos later, I'm convinced that Cole is one of the most fascinating men I've ever met. The conversation flows effortlessly between us, punctuated by laughter and lingering glances that make my stomach flutter.
He tells me about his daughter, Hollie, and the way his face softens when he talks about her makes my heart squeeze. He's a single dad doing his best, clearly devoted to his little girl despite the challenges.
“She's obsessed with Christmas this year,” he says with a fond smile. “Keeps asking if Santa knows where we live, if the reindeer like carrots or prefer something fancier.” He chuckles, shaking his head. “My mum's got her for the next two nights doing all sorts of festive activities. I think they're making enough gingerbread to feed the entire city. Though, knowing my mum, the gingerbread could double as a weapon of mass indigestion.”
We share a small chuckle, his eyes fixed firmly on mine, making the butterflies in my stomach flutter even faster.
“That sounds adorable,” I beam, genuinely charmed. “What made you decide to stay here instead of going home?”
He swirls his whisky with a furrowed brow. “Empty house syndrome, I suppose. The place feels too big without my little Hollie-Pop running around. Figured I might as well treat myself since I was meeting the boys here anyway.” He grins. “Though they both bailed on me tonight, I’m pleased to say I found better company.”
My cheeks warm at the compliment. “You picked a great hotel. I've been here the past couple of weeks, and it's been just wonderful.”
“Meeting present company obviously being the highlight, Sweetheart.”
He smirks roguishly as the nickname sends a pleasant shiver through me, though I cover it with a giggle. “The highest highlight, obviously, Hotshot. London at Christmas ain't got nothing on you.”
“So what is it you do?” I ask. “You know, when you're not making women laugh with cringe-worthy pickup lines?”
“CFO,” he says with a wry smile. “Lots of spreadsheets and financial projections. Riveting stuff. You?”
“Honestly? I'm sort of between positions at the moment. Taking a bit of a breather.”
“A breather sounds nice,” he says, no judgment in his tone. “Everyone should take one of those occasionally.”
“Exactly my thinking. Life's too short not to take a pause when you need one.” I gesture around us. “Hence the extended hotel stay and the full embrace of London at Christmas.”
“Well, I'm certainly glad you decided to pause here tonight.”
