I kiss him again, lips pressing onto shower-hot skin, and Pete’s sigh is satisfied and happy. Instead of rushing like we should, we wash each other with lingering touches, only getting out when the water starts to run cold.
We’re running late,of course, but I’ve already texted our friends to let them know. Shower sex with Pete is worth all the teasing we’re going to get later.
I pull my coat on, Christmas tree gloves tucked in my pocket, as Pete grabs his keys. “Ready?”
“Yeah, let’s go.”
I’m halfway out the door when Pete grabs my hand. “Wait.” He points up at the fake mistletoe stuck to the doorjamb. Another tradition I think will stick.
I can’t count the number of times we’ve kissed under mistletoe this Christmas. I swear, it’s like it’s multiplied around the house. I love it.
“Just so you know, you’re explaining to Sean why we’re so late.” I grin as I step into his space, fingers curling into his coat.
“Worth it.” He cradles my jaw, thumbs smoothing back and forth. “If I forget to tell you at midnight, this is the best New Year’s Eve I’ve had in a long, long time.”
My heart stutters. “It’s not even started yet.”
His gaze darkens. “Yeah, it has.”
Oh.
When he kisses me, it’s a far cry from the quick peck I’m expecting. It’s a slow, thorough exploration of my mouth, and I melt a little despite the bitter chill surrounding us.
It’s perfect.
He’s perfect.
For me, anyway.
His smile lights up his whole face and I recognise that look in his eyes, know what’s coming when he rests his forehead against mine and sighs happily. “I love you, Charlie Dunn.”
My heart skips another beat. It’s not the first time he’s told me that. Far from it. But I willneverget tired of hearing him say it. “That’s good. Because I love you too.”
We share another kiss we really don’t have time for, then Pete steps back, tugging me with him. “Come on, we’ve got a New Year to see in.”
Yes, we do.
And this time we’re doing it together, from start to finish.
