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She didn’t want to admit the moment was romantic, but that’s exactly what it was. She more than cared for Ace—thought of him as more than one of Bailey’s big brothers. This was a whole different thing now, and there was no going back to how things were before.
Did she want them to go back?
Whatdidshe want?
She swallowed again. She didn’t know.
Yes, you do,she told herself.You want Ace. You want what you never thought you could have.
The backs of her eyes burned for some reason, like she might cry. Instead, she buried her face against his chest until the tune ended.
Charlee grasped his hand and met his eyes. “Why don’t we finish off the last of the eggnog?”
He kept his gaze fixed on hers. “Sounds good to me.” He held onto her hand. “As long as we continue right where we left off.”
“Dancing?” she said. “You’re wearing me out.”
He touched the side of her face. “Romantic. That’s where we left off.”
She swallowed. “Eggnog coming right up. I’ll be right back.”
Charlee fled to the kitchen, trying to catch her breath that seemed to have left her. Thankfully, he didn’t follow. Maybe he knew she needed a few moments to herself.
She braced her hands on the smooth granite countertop, feeling the coolness beneath her palms. Her breathing slowed and she gathered herself together.
Romantic?
Of course it was. The whole thing was so…amazing.
She found two Christmas mugs in her cabinet, one in the shape of Frosty, and the other of Santa. She filled them with the last of the eggnog and poured a shot of Maker’s Mark in each.
When she walked back into the living room, the lights were dimmed and Ace had lit every one of her candles that now glowed brightly. Light flickered from the fireplace and danced on the walls. The colorful Christmas lights blinked softly, the random patterns adding to the effect. He stood in front of the fireplace, his gaze on her.
Definitely romantic now.
Charlee reached Ace and gave him a mug. They raised their mugs at the same time.
She touched her Frosty the Snowman mug to his jolly Santa. “Merry Christmas, Ace.”
“Merry Christmas, Charlee.” He spoke in a low, husky tone. “And to many more…together.”
Her heart beat faster.Out of control. So out of control.
She sipped her eggnog, the coolness of the drink followed by the warmth of the whiskey rolling down her throat to her belly.
He watched her then drank from his Santa mug.
They just looked at each other for a long moment. He took her mug from her and set it down on an end table along with his own. He raised his hand and she followed the movement with her eyes.
He was holding the sprig of mistletoe over their heads. He rested his palm at her waist and drew her toward him.
She tipped her head back and he lowered his mouth to hers.
The moment his lips touched hers, she let out a soft moan of need for him, desire for everything about him. It wasn’t just his sexy body—that didn’t matter, although it was a bonus. She wanted him for who he was.
The music played softly, surrounding them. The music, the crackling fire, the flickering candlelight, the blinking Christmas lights, and being in Ace’s arms—it all combined to be the most romantic moment in her life.
One of thebestmoments in her life.
