“Mmm.” Henri drags a thumb with one of those sexy as hell silver rings across his lips, brushing up against that mustache and stubble.
As he captures my every last brain cell with that slow movement, his focus drags down my body again, and the traitorous hussy comes alive. Humming and buzzing and growing hot as he looks me over in a way that shouldn’t be turning me on. I’m damn near panting when he stoops to bring his mouth close to the shell of my ear, all broad chest filling my vision, heat radiating off him as he lingers close, but not touching.
“Ma petite chérie, we’re big fans of sharing our toys when we’re playing.”
My body goes tight at the insinuation.
Oh my god.
I’m left stunned, blinking, when he abruptly vanishes. Did he really just say what I think he said?
Sharing.
All my fantasies come flooding to mind, the deepest, darkest secret desires hidden within the pages of my books. Dirty thoughts and make-believe situations I’ve held close to my chest for so long. How would I ever possibly think they might happen inreality,when I couldn’t even find myselfoneperson who would want me… let alone two?
God, I’m a fluttering mess. So much so that I make my way over to where Stella has gone to sleep by the fire, with her graying muzzle resting on both front paws. She lifts one eyelidat the sound of my approaching footsteps, gives a small thump of her tail, then promptly snuggles back into a tight donut of contentment.
The open plan layout of this place is gorgeous. Wooden beams ribbed along the ceiling protrude up into a peak, with a massive full-length window overlooking the undulating snow outside. Mountains soar up into the sky, dusted with lengthening pink and purple shadows as the sun continues to set. Tiny black dots roam across the landscape that must be the cattle Reid was referring to earlier. Cracks and pops from the fireplace accompany me as I turn around and take everything in with a whoosh of air leaving my lungs.
One whole wall is floor-to-ceiling books.
This is a home library of dreams, with shelf upon shelf of neatly arranged spines.
My heart gives a little double skip with delight at imagining these two gorgeous men spending evenings curled up in front of this fire, surrounded by books and a mountain view to die for.
“Is there anything you need before we go?” Just as I’m reaching out to glide my fingers along the titles nestled side by side, Reid’s deep voice makes me jump.
I squeak and turn as if I’ve just been caught raiding the cookie jar at midnight.
“Ahh, you found our collection.” He rakes strong fingers through his hair. “I keep joking with Christine that she can’t ever close the bookstore; the two of us will keep her in business forever.”
Well, fuck me. This man.
It takes everything not to audibly sigh and swoon off balance. Instead, I’m left gulping, gnawing on my bottom lip to suppress a wanton sort of noise, because it surely couldn’t be possible, he just got even more handsome. Walking in here with a chambray shirt rolled to his elbows and yet another pair of jeans, evenmore perfectly fitted than the last pair. He’s made an effort to look the part, and he’s an absolute walking country boy dreamboat.
Although he’s clearly no boy.
“Ready whenever you are, ma’am?” He inclines his head toward the door. “Time to get into the Christmas spirit?”
With an unsteady breath, I nod. I’m not certain about any of this; it could all end up a complete and utter disaster. But even if it’s all just a game, all pretend, it’ll be more enjoyable than having to face this on my own.
I guess it looks like I’ve just landed myself a cowboy for Christmas.
CHAPTER FIVE
“Ithought you could leave your vehicle parked here, and we could take my truck? It’s only a short distance, but with the snow and all…” Normally, I either ride over on horseback or walk during warmer months. But both of those options are out of the question where our situation is concerned.
This girl doesn’t need to be trekking through three feet of snow just to get to her cabin.
“Sure. That makes sense.” Mia’s eyes flicker over me and then toward the front door. “One vehicle for the two of us makessense.” Her words are a little soft, distracted almost as she repeats herself.
“I wouldn’t be making a very good first impression as theboyfriendif I didn’t let you play passenger princess. You’d be wanting to read a book while we drove here to Mistwood Falls, wouldn’t you? Since I’m the type of boyfriend who would come and pick his girl up for the holidays.”
That makes her look back at me, with a hesitant smile and a soft laugh of agreement, she seems to shake off whatever was bothering her. “Oh, so you’re a details and planning kind of cowboy. That is a nice touch. Very thoughtful.”
“Especially since we’ve had a lengthy trip.” I hesitate to press too forcefully, not wanting to come across like I’m angling for the full map and street number of where she lives, or where she’s from. That might be coming on a little too strong.
“We have. I mean, it took us three hours to get here.” Her lips roll together, as if she’s thinking about elaborating on that detail, but decides against it. “That’s some quality reading time for a bookworm.”
