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“I have an acoustic guitar Christmas playlist.” She brought up the music app on her phone that was currently playing traditional songs. “I love listening to it on Christmas.” She found the playlist and selected it. Holiday music came over her stereo system and she set down her phone.
Ace approached her and butterflies tickled her belly and spread throughout her. He was so powerful, his masculine presence surrounded her, making her want to run into his strong arms. She found herself holding her breath, then let it out slowly as he reached her.
A jazz guitar rendition ofWe Wish You a Merry Christmascame over the sound system. “May I have this dance?” Ace’s voice rumbled as he spoke.
She smiled. “Of course.”
He swept her around her large living room, deftly avoiding furniture.
She laughed as he picked up the pace. “Where did you learn how to dance?”
He swung her around and grinned. “Our mama taught us when we were young, and then I’ve probably been to just about every barn dance in the county. Do you know how to two-step?”
She shook her head. “I never could get the hang of it.”
“I’ll teach you one day.” He guided her around the coffee table. “We can go to a barn dance. We could even crash a country wedding or two.”
Charlee’s eyes widened. “Crash a wedding?”
Ace shrugged as they moved past the Christmas tree. “I’m probably related to most country folk around, so it won’t really be crashing. We’ll just be unexpected guests.”
She snorted back a laugh. “I’m not so sure that’s a good idea.”
“It’ll be fun.”
The song ended andCarol of the Bellsbegan. Ace swung her around with the fast-paced tune, making her almost dizzy. Her laughter rang out and his impish grin made her laugh even more.
By the time they made it throughLet it Snow! Let it Snow! Let it Snow!she was out of breath. “I need a break, Mr. McBride.”
“This one is perfect to slow down to.” Ace didn’t let her go asWhite Christmasbegan.
He placed both of his hands at her waist and she rested hers on his shoulders. She had to tilt her head back to look into his eyes.
“You wore me out.” She couldn’t stop smiling.
“It was only three songs,” he said. “I plan on dancing with you all night.”
She laughed. “You might have to carry me.”
“If that’s what it takes.” He drew her closer. “I’ll do anything to keep you close.”
She shivered as tingles traveled her spine. “You are doing a great job of it.” She gestured to the windows even thought it was dark outside. “This storm and all has done the trick.”
He grinned. “Like I said before, my master plan.”
She let herself relax as he guided her more slowly around the living room. Her sweater felt too warm now and she wished she could take it off, but all she had was a bra on beneath it.
Christmas Time is Herestarted, a slow, gentle song, and Ace brought her more fully into his arms. She pressed her cheek to his chest and looped her arms around his neck. Their feet barely moved as they swayed to the music.
“Charlie Brown,” she said against Ace. “I never thought of this as a romantic song.”
He slid his fingers through her hair. “So it’s romantic?”
Her breath hitched. “You know what I mean.”
“Romantic is romantic.” He moved his lips to her ear. “There’s no taking it back.”
Her throat worked as she swallowed. “Ha.”
