And while fast, it felt right.
The hell with it, I was all in.
Ridge climbed into the car, his large body taking up space, space I so desperately wanted to throw myself into. I imagined climbing into his lap and wrapping myself around his large frame as he enveloped me in a warm bear hug. I’d never leave those arms. How could I? The ultimate coziness.
The delicious smell of greasy burgers and fries filled the truck’s small cabin. Ridge handed me a takeout container and a straw while setting his container on the dashboard and putting our milkshakes in the cup holders. He added straws to both our drinks before grabbing his food and diving in.
I opened a ketchup packet and squirted it all over my fries, repeating the process until they were covered. Then I took the top of my burger and set it down beside it.
Ridge watched me with amusement. “Any French fries left? Or is it all just ketchup?”
“A gal likes what she likes.” I grinned as I picked up a few French fries dripping with ketchup and slapped them on my burger. I squirted more ketchup on top and squished the bun down. Then I picked it up, still dripping with ketchup, and took a big bite. I moaned under my breath as I chewed. “So good.”
Ridge laughed as he dipped his fry in ketchup, so dainty like. “Enjoy it. I enjoy watching you.”
My cheeks flushed for the millionth time. Damn this man and his sexy fucking ways. I squeezed my legs together, needing some sort of friction on my aching core, but no relief. I needed him.
After chowing our food and washing it all down with milkshakes, Ridge drove me around the mountain, through the small towns of Appleridge and Apple Falls, as we admired everyone’s Christmas decorations. We landed on one street, the houses lined on both sides, and all decked out with displays.
“I wonder if they compete with each other. Like whom has the best display.” I mused as we drove down the street slowly.
“I wouldn’t be surprised. Look at this house. They tried a little too hard.” Ridge nodded towards the lawn filled with inflatables, reindeer, a red sled and Santa, and more decorations covering the front lawn. Strings of lights covered the house, blinking rapidly and changing colors.
“They definitely tried too hard.” I said with a giggle.
After a couple of hours of driving around, we stopped at the park in town. The sun had already set, but the park was lit up with strings of lights and decorations. A few people mulled about, but not many with the freezing temperatures outside.
“Look. They have horse-drawn sleigh rides.” Ridge said, nodding his head towards the left corner of the park. Sure enough, a sleigh waited, two beautiful white horses in front of it as people climbed on. “Want to take a ride? The line isn’t long.”
I looked at him with excitement. “I’ve always wanted to go on one.”
“Me too. It’s a Christmas first for both of us.”
How was this man so damn charming?
Like a price charming I’d been waiting for.
Ridge opened my door and helped me out. He took my hand in his with a handsome smile and we walked hand in hand towards the sleigh rides.
And just when we climbed on, snow began to fall, big white flakes swirling in the surrounding air.
It couldn’t be more perfect.
I could hear onlythe soft sound of falling snow as the horses led us through the woods, one guy up front leading them both. The snow came down hard and fast, the flakes swirling by as I cuddled closer to Ridge under the fur blanket.
“I didn’t know it was supposed to snow tonight.” I moved my hand on top of his, curling my fingers around his rougher skin.
“Don’t worry, I’ll make sure you get home safe.”
“Aw, thanks. How sweet of you.”
“I never saidyourhome.”
“Are you asking me to spend the night, Ridge?” I snuck a glance at him. He looked so handsome under the falling snow, the sun now fully set, revealing the moon below. It cast a sleepy yellow glow over the snow-covered park.
“Not really asking.” His throat rumbled. “More like…telling.”
I huffed in a surprised way as a thrill ran through me. This man was going to be my undoing. Hell, he already was.
