“Then tell me how it works,” she says.
“I can see your memories from Christmas, when you were a child and whenever Christmas really mattered to you.”
The last time it meant anything was when she was thirteen years old. That was before her parents split up and she became a full-time mom for her baby brother.
I watch the emotions play across her face as she processes my words. I try to explain the gift to her as best as I can.
“I realize it’s hard for you to understand.”
“No,” she says to my surprise. “I get it. And somehow, it makes sense and feels right. Santa shouldn’t be able to readallour thoughts all of the time. Just the ones about Christmas—the ones relevant to him and what he does.”
I’d never thought about it like that.
“Agreed.” I watch her lazily. “So answer the question.”
She smiles playfully and pushes away from me and picks up her cocoa. She takes a sip and watches me in a flirtatious way. My blood heats up and again, I realize how much I want her.
How much I want her to be mine.
“Now that I know about most of all of this part of the clause,” she says as she motions around the village, “isn’t it time for you to show me the rest?”
The blood rushes through my veins and I feel like I can hear it. Yes, my dear, I think it’s time I show you the rest.
What I say aloud?—
“That’s my favorite question of yours tonight.”
She smiles like the seductress she is.
“Good,” she says sweetly before she ruins it with, “after all, we only have the night.”
I think it’s time to set her straight.
“Not just tonight,” my voice is intentionally strong. “Per the extension clause, I can extend as long as I like.”
CHAPTER TWENTY
“Idon’t remember signing an extension clause?” I’m shocked by his words.
“It’s in the fine print,” he drawls.
“I didn’t see any fine print?” I return with wide eyes. What the actual Santa hot clause did I sign?
“Under my signature,” he says as he crosses his arms and looks down at me from his imposing height.
“Well, that’s convenient for you,” I manage to say.
He smiles widely. “How I like it. You’ll learn my ways soon enough.”
Heat whips through my body at the thought.
“And you’ll learn mine,” I return with a challenge.
I can’t believe I just said that.
“I plan on it.”
I almost fall to my knees. The way he says it, with such promise, Like it’s a sure thing. And gosh, imagine it being so.
