Page 28 of Not Another Christmas Movie

Annie peeked an eye out from her hands. “Really?”

“Most definitely,” Nick said meaningfully.

“And you never mentioned it to me?” Annie asked.

Then an awareness came over her. If Nick had been a freshman, Annie had been a junior.

She had no idea then that, within a few days, her stance on holiday parties would change forever.

“I’m mentioning it now,” Nick smiled softly.

Annie considered Nick’s face. It was so familiar but held something completely new. He looked so handsome, so rugged. Was his facial hair coming in thicker today? Annie studied Nick’s defined jawline, now with a very complementary five o’clock shadow, and had an impulse to bite down on his chin to know what it would feel like to hold it between her teeth. The realization came over her like a punch to the gut, and she desperately tried to think it away. Annie looked away and tried to ground herself. She needed to focus on how to escape this place, and sexy musings regarding Nicholas Laurel were not going to do her any favors.

“Dear lad, may I trouble someone for more hot cocoa?” Felix asked, sensing that his assistance might be able to ease the tension.

“Another cup? Are you sure, Felix?” Noelle whispered, her voice full of concern.

“Let’s get the man another cup! He’s not driving!” Annie shouted and turned her hands into finger guns. And then, committing to the bit, made “pew-pew” sounds.

“What was that?” Nick asked once she finished. Annie shrugged, unable to justify anything that had come out of her mouth or her fingers.

“Today’s the Annual Simsbury Jolly Holiday Skate and Snack with Santa Extravaganza Celebration, and we’ll be heading over to the ice rink in a few minutes if you want to walk together,” Noelle suggested. Annie pinched Nick’s arm, horrified by such an event title and immediate lack of enthusiasm to participate.

“Ow!” Nick cried, rubbing the spot. “You’re a walking weapon, woman,” he muttered as the sound of a crash came from the lobby. Annie jumped at the chance to investigate and also remove herself from Noelle’s invitation.

From the door, Annie could see an exasperated Grant, clinging on top of a ladder, and the cold stare of Ferguson in the corner. At the bottom of the ladder was a cardboard box full of garlands and a man in a tailored suit, head tipped back and gazing quizzically at Grant. Annie froze mid-step, craning for a better view when Nick barreled into her. The heat of his breath against her neck made her turn, her gaze tipping up to him just before the sweet, sharp scent of candy cane pancakes carried her down.

CHAPTER ELEVEN

When Annie opened her eyes again, she was on the ground, and Nick was on top of her. He gave her a half smile.

“You okay, partner? I can’t take you anywhere,” Nick said warmly, sending a shock of electricity through her body, landing in an unexpected spark between her legs. Annie squirmed in confused arousal, wanting both to keep Nick’s weight firmly on top of her and to run screaming from this scene.

“I blame the pancakes,” Annie said dumbly. Nick laughed and swiftly made his way up, giving Annie a hand to help her off the ground. When they were both situated, Grant was off the ladder, casting nervous glances toward the man.

“What’s wrong with the pancakes?” Grant asked, making his way to Nick and Annie.

“Nothing!” Annie said. “I was kidding. I heard a sound and saw you on the ladder—are you alright?”

“Oh, phew, you had me scared something was off with the recipe,” Grant sighed.

“Nothing so serious,” Annie assured him when she placed the man as he approached them. “Sexy Santa!”

“Annie, this is Perry,” Grant started stiffly.

“Chipperton Clement III,” Sexy Santa interrupted as Grant’s cheeks flushed at the correction. “Senior Director of Asset Realignment and Divestiture with Northpoint Capital Group,” he finished proudly, offering Annie his hand to shake.

“That’s a lot of words,” Annie said as he continued to hold her hand.

“My company sent me, but the snowstorm kept me,” Perry explained, his eyes focused on the now broken box of garlands next to the ladder.

“Relatable,” Annie nodded.

“That looks like a safety hazard,” Perry warned.

“I know what I’m doing,” Grant said, gathering the pieces. His dejected tone sent a sad shiver through Annie. The last time she had seen these two they had looked ready to go make a sex tape.

“They have you working on the play too?” Annie asked Perry.