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CHAPTER 3
***
Hailey
Call me sneaky, but a girl’s got to roll with the punches and improvise when the occasion presents itself. I hadn’t planned on sprucing up for the party. My elf outfit would have sufficed, bringing a little holly jolly to the room. But I don’t believe in coincidences. My run-in with Adrian was meant to be, and I’m making the most of it.
Adrian sets the boxes of baked goodies on the entry table across from the elevator. My insides quiver when his warm breath wisps across my bare back. He’s tentative with his touch. If I’m not mistaken, there’s a slight tremor in his hands.
Is Adrian Clausen nervous? Does he have a soft, vulnerable side hidden beneath his grumpy exterior?
My pulse quickens with anticipation. His fingertip glides down my spine. A shiver spirals through me, curling around my heart and lungs before settling low in my tummy. When he reaches the small of my back, his capable hand rests at the base of the zipper high on the swell of my ass. He holds the dress in place with a firm yet gentle hand as he glides the zipper upward, so slow it teases the tension from my muscles, sending a swirl of emotion to my body’s core.
The zipper stops mid-back. He traces the curve of the deep-cut backless dress, tightening the tension low in my belly. Liquid heat pools low and slow at the crux of my thighs. The man is good with his hands. I can only imagine how much better he’d be if I offered him my body’s entire canvas. My nipples tighten and pearl, the tiny mounds visibly apparent through the thin red fabric.
“All done.” When his lips graze the edge of my bare shoulder, I nearly lose my composure. It’s been forever since I’ve felt the touch of a man, let alone a kiss from one. “You’re beautiful, Hailey.”
His words sink into my skin, filling me with all the warm fuzzy feels. I’m torn between dragging him into my apartment or sticking with my spur-of-the-moment plan to get him to the Christmas party. After all, fate led me to this point in time. The man needs a holiday intervention as much as I need a hot and sweaty, soul-rocking connection.
I use the moment to my advantage and turn to face him. His darkened eyes are laced with heat and desire. His gaze drops to my lips before following the plunging neckline highlighting my braless breasts. My nipples tighten to the point of pain, begging for attention. If I don’t say something now, we’ll never make it to the party.
“Oh, look at the time.” I grab my purse and close the door behind me, plucking one cookie box from the table. I eye him expectantly and breathe a sigh of relief when he picks up the remaining boxes. “Everyone’s expecting goodies. Can’t let the masses down, right?”
I step quickly toward the elevator and push the down button, hoping Adrian will follow. Once we’re in the elevator, I wish it would stop mid-floor. Adrian and I would be trapped for hours and have to pass the time peeling off each other’s clothes.
Nervous energy temporarily blinds my sanity. I begin chattering about everything and nothing at all. Adrian listens without the vaguest hint of boredom as I drone on about Noelle’s baking, the farm, the weather, and anything else the buzzed neurons dancing in my head care to spew.
The elevator dings, and the door opens. The din of laughter and festive carols fill the second-floor hallway. A few more steps, and I’ll have Adrian right where fate wants him. In the throes of friends and neighbors on this joyous occasion.
“Um, Hailey. I wasn’t planning on joining the party.” Adrian follows me down the hall, staying a step behind me while dutifully carrying the boxes of cakes and cookies. “I’m not going in there. I’m not a Christmas kind of guy. Trust me, everyone will have a much happier time without me.”
His admission breaks my heart a little. I turn heel and whirl to face him, painting on a smile that feels a little deceitful. I’m torn between inviting him up for a glass of wine, a bite of cookie, or a lick of me, but the roar of our neighbors having a good time pulls me in their direction. Adrian is as wanted at that party as any one of us. This will be good for him. Once he’s among everyone, he’ll see that we don’t all have to love the season to the same degree to enjoy each other’s company.
I’m right, aren’t I?I don’t know precisely why Adrian’s averse to the holiday, but he’s definitely wanted. I want him to come to the party.
“You’ll be the hit of the party bringing treats. Wait and see. You can leave anytime you like. I won’t try to stop you.” I step toward him, temporarily losing my train of thought as I gaze into his gorgeous blue eyes. I bet he’s a good lover, kind and thoughtful despite his attempt at hiding his softer side. “But I think something bigger than cupcakes, gravity, and luck had a hand in bringing us together to the party tonight. I mean, if you think about it, what are the odds that I’d be running late at the same moment you were sneaking out of the building?”
“I was not sneaking out.” He clears his throat. “I was–”
“Busy avoiding having fun?” I tug on his shirt collar. “C’mon, Adrian. Forget it’s a Christmas party and try to have some fun. You’ve come this far already.”
I pout and bat my lashes, hoping the puppy dog routine will work, and it does. Besides, I’m being a little selfish. I want to know what makes Adrian tick. Why he’s so bent on avoiding the festivities, and why he goes out of his way to be extra grumpy this time of year.
If anyone needs their frown turned upside down, it’s Adrian Clausen. And I’m the girl up for the challenge.
***
Adrian
I’m not sure why I agree to follow Hailey into the ballroom, but I’m curious about her, and quite honestly, it feels good to be wanted. To be invited with such enthusiasm.
