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Clearly, she should speak and not gape. “I wasn’t running.” More like she’d been getting away from the mistletoe. Taking appropriate steps to distance herself from the poison that brought up painful memories. “It’s warm in here, and I needed to get some air.” Her gaze swept over him. “Thought you wanted to change.”
“I do, but I want you more.”
Her heartbeat raced. “Excuse me?”
He tugged her closer. “Why didn’t you kiss me under the mistletoe?”
The question she’d had for him, years ago. This time, though, she’d been the one to retreat.
“Want me to be your dirty secret?” Brady added, as his voice wrapped around her with a dark seduction. “That it? That why you turned and left when Addison started asking her questions about us? Because you don’t want anyone to know about what’s happening between us?”
The house is Noelle’s.“I was hot. I just needed air.”
His head came even closer. So close that she could almost taste him. She did catch the sweet peppermint scent of his breath. “Liar,” he rasped.
No lie. Shewashot. But the heat she felt had more to do with the sexy Santa before her than with the temperature in the civic center. “You’re the one who stopped last night.” Like him, she’d dropped her voice. Too many people were around them. Too many voices. Too many eyes watching them. This was a private conversation that she didn’t want anyone else to know about.
“If we cross that line, you’ll be mine.” His fingers tightened around her wrist. “Are you ready to be mine? Is that what you’re saying?”
“I—”
“Santa!” Elliott slapped a hand on Brady’s shoulder. “Are you getting my sister’s Christmas list?” he asked, all jovial and bright even as green paint covered his face. Clearly, the man’s heart had multiplied in size throughout the night because his grin stretched from one ear to the other. “Finding out everything she wants?”
I only want Brady.He’d been at the top of Noelle’s list for ages. Not like she’d tell her brother that bit of news, however. Her cheeks flushed as her gaze darted between the two men.
“Or maybe,” Elliott continued, musingly, “you’re telling her whatyouwant? I’m sure she’d love to hear what Santa wants. He needs a gift, too, am I right? Not like it’s fair for everyone else on the planet to get a present, but Santa winds up out in the cold.”
She never wanted Brady to be out in the cold. Never had. Never would. “Santa can tell me what he wants.” She cleared her throat. “There’s still time to do some shopping,” Noelle noted, hoping to get control of the conversation.
Brady’s stare remained focused on her. “You already know what I want.”
All the moisture seemed to leave her mouth as her heart just galloped away.
Elliott slapped his shoulder again. “Great job, tonight. I could hear your ‘Ho, ho, ho’ booming across the room.” A nod. “Obviously, you have yourself a yearly gig now.”
No, he didn’t. Because next year, Brady might not even be in Charm for the holidays. He hadn’t been in town last Christmas. Instead, he’d been on the other side of the world, and the holiday had felt so lonely even when she’d been surrounded by her family. “I’d hardly say we’re booking him for a gig next year. He’ll probably be on another mission by then.”
Elliott’s hand fell away from Brady. “Doubtful, since he’s heading for a civilian life.”
Her jaw almost hit the floor. “What?”
But her brother didn’t seem to hear her question. After a heavy exhale he told Brady, “Dude, gonna need you to play Santa for about five more minutes. Hate to steal you away from Noelle, but there is one more donor you need to see. Come on.” He grabbed Brady’s arm.
Brady’s mouth tightened. “I’ll be right back. We arenotdone,” he told Noelle.
“Of course, you’re not done.” Elliott rolled his eyes. “You’re her ride home. Still protecting her, aren’t you? I’m counting on you to do your job. Don’t let me down.”
He led Brady away.
Noelle stood in the middle of the crowd. Brady was done with special ops? No more dangerous missions? No more empty months while he was off the radar? He was home to stay…and he wanted her?
Her hand fluttered as she fanned her flushed face. Damn. It was hot. Too many people. She spun for the door. A breath of fresh air was seriously needed.
***
“Don’t let me down,” Elliott said again as he pushed Brady toward the room on the right. “I have high hopes, and you had better not screw this shit up.” He kicked the door shut with his boot and glared. In his current costume, the glare appeared particularly twisted.
Lifting one eyebrow, Brady glanced around the area. “Where’s the donor?”
