“You kissed me back!” She shrieks pointing an accusatory finger at me.
“So I did.” I smile down at her before sitting on the other side of the couch and pressing play on the TV.
Thirty minutes later, we’re both suffering. To start, the plot—a movie about a witch who has to work with the ghost ofChristmas present to help people find the true meaning of Christmas, so she can get her own magic back—was thin at best. But now there’s a love triangle between the ghost, the witch, and a grumpy single dad.
“The ghost is clearly her soulmate,” Natalie says through a mouth full of cookie. Crumbs fly wildly from her lips as she stuffs another one in there.
“Not the grumpy single dad?” I ask. “I like him better.”
“No way. She’s sunshine. Sunshine belongs with sunshine. Dark clouds hide the sun’s rays.”
“Maybe the grump just needs a good kissing,” I say, sulking, arms crossed.
“Oh really?” she arches a brow, sending me a dangerous look. “Has that been your problem all along?”
Yes.
I swallow. Before I can backpedal, she’s moving from under the blanket and crawling towards me on the couch.
“You do seem extra sunny tonight. What would happen if I kissed you again? How bright would you shine, Cole?”
Too fucking bright.
Her legs slide over mine, hands curl around my neck. Wisps of her breath brush my cheek and ignite every neuron in my body at once.
“Hi,” she says.
“Hey, D’Amore,” I choke out, barely breathing.
She runs her finger along the collar of my shirt in a slow, agonizing tease. Over my chest, up my collarbone—heat follows wherever her finger goes.
My breath stutters.
A smug little grin tilts her lips. “You okay there, big guy? Feeling less grumpy?”
My hands shake at her waist.
God. She’s going to kill me.
Her gaze flicks to my mouth. The bone deep pain I’ve carried for years suddenly intensifies. I want to kiss her so badly it’s excruciating?—
Gathering all the strength I have, I gently push on her shoulder to stop her from doing the one thing I want most. “Don’t. You’re drunk.”
She frowns. “I’m tipsy.”
“You’re not sober. And I’m not kissing you unless you are.” I lift her and slide her off my lap.
She looks wounded. “I thought you wanted this.”
I cup her cheek. She’s so pretty my chest aches just looking at her. “You have no idea how much I want this. But not tonight. Not when you might regret it in the morning.”
A single tear rolls down her cheek.
I could make it go away. Kiss her until she forgets. But I won’t. Not like this.
“Fuck, Natalie. I—I can’t do this right now.”
I stand, trying to breathe, trying not to lose my mind.
