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Frostbite wasn’t even a remote possibility with the heat coursing through every one of her erogenous zones, but a scarf might disguise her flushed cheeks. “Good idea. I’ll grab one.”
Burying her head in the coat closet gave her a few moments to catch her breath and chill her lady hard-on—at least somewhat. Thank god, he couldn’t see the way her clit and nipples rose to attention. That would be truly embarrassing.
She covered all but her eyes and forehead before she hooked her purse strap on her shoulder and tackled the low row of buttons down the front of her coat. “Ready.”
With the movement of her jaw, fuzzies from the scarf stuck to her recently applied lip balm.
Bleh.
A slight frown caught her attention, but he opened the door and offered his arm. “Hold on to me. I salted your steps and sidewalk, but it’s still a little slippery.”
She pulled on her gloves and did as he instructed, not about to risk talking again until her face was free of the lint-y scarf.
He waited beside her as she locked the door. “I’m glad we decided to drive. Are you sure you’re warm enough?”
“Mm-hm.” Salt crunched under shoes on the steps, but thanking him for his thoughtfulness would only add more fuzz to her furry mouth.
“Watch out for the slick spot at the bottom of the—”
Her feet slipped out from under her, triggering a preemptive burst of pain through her hips and tailbone. A screech barely passed her lips before he scooped her up and squeezed her against his chest. She flung her arms around his neck, narrowly missing his nose.
A puff of air warmed her forehead as he cuddled her against him. “That was scary. I should probably carry you the rest of the way.”
She nodded and closed her eyes. Her ego couldn’t handle another embarrassing incident today.
“That looks like Jay’s car.” Beau’s gentle voice soothed her wounded pride.
The SUV stopped at the end of her driveway and the window slid downward, revealing her co-worker. He grinned. “I thought you were supposed to carry your bride over the threshold into the bedroom. Next thing you know, you’ll be running to the store for hot pickled cauliflower to satisfy her food cravings.”
Jay’s offhand comment—carrying his bride over the threshold, not driving to the store because of pregnancy cravings—found a permanent place in Bull’s brain, constantly distracting him from the party and the conversation. He hadn’t strayed from Laurel’s side since they’d arrived nearly four hours ago. Even after taking advantage of more than a dozen opportunities for PDA, their first sort-of date wasn’t the right time to suggest they elope or for a traditional marriage proposal.
She squeezed his hand, reminding him of their intertwined fingers—something that felt completely natural—and leaned close enough to whisper in his ear. “I want to check on Robin. Do you feel like coming with me?”
As much for the benefit of their audience as himself, he pressed a light kiss to her lips, doing his best not to let his dick hijack her question. “Of course.”
After a slow blink he chose to interpret as interest, she smiled at the trio of her co-workers from the Biological Interaction Research Center putting on their coats. “It was good to catch up. Email me and we’ll meet for coffee or lunch next week. Drive safely.”
When the group headed out the door, Laurel led him to the recliner in the corner of the living room.
Their hostess sat in the chair, with her husband dangling a sprig of mistletoe over her head. Jay waggled his eyebrows at her before Robin tugged him close enough for a kiss. They shared a smile and a look that left no doubt about how much they loved each other.
Envy poked at Bull’s heart. He wanted the same kind of happily-ever-after with Laurel. Was it even a possibility?
Looking less pale than when they’d arrived, Robin cast a glance in his date’s direction. “Thanks so much for organizing the menu and helping with all the food for the party, Laurel. We couldn’t have done this without you. My sister’s boxing up the few leftovers for you take home. I also had Jay pick up a little gift for you.”
Her husband picked up a wrapped present with a red bow from the hearth and held it out to Laurel. “Open it on Christmas morning. We really appreciate your help. Feel free to call in the favor any time. Now, you two take off and enjoy some private time. We’ll handle the rest of the cleanup.”
Laurel leaned down to give Robin a one-armed hug and then took the offered present. “A gift wasn’t necessary, but thank you.”
“It was, and you’re welcome.” Robin’s gaze shifted to Bull and pinned him in place. “You take good care of my friend.”
He nodded. “For as long as she’ll let me.”
His fake date’s lips brushed his cheek. “I don’t think you have anything to worry about, Robin. He’s pretty amazing. Get some rest and call me if you need anything.”
After a shorter than usual goodbye, Bull finally escorted Laurel to his pickup, holding tight so she didn’t skid on the slippery driveway in her somewhat impractical but sexy boots. While the truck warmed up, he loaded the cooler of leftovers in the back. With thoughts of what could happen when they got to her house, the biting cold barely chilled him.
He climbed behind the wheel and buckled up, glad for the warm air blowing from the vents. Resting his hand on her seat to look through the back window, he met her gaze. “I think we did a good job of convincing everybody we’re a couple.” Including me. “Don’t you?”
