Jesus, Noelle! Quit checking out the jerk. Focus.
I cleared my throat. “So, uh... Why’d you choose to stay later to decorate the tree with us?”
“I didn’t. I said yes to supper,” Jack answered.
Usual dumb answer as Jack acted as if he was clueless.
“Cut the crap, Timber.” I rolled my eyes and gently shoved him in the back. “You know Faith will want you to decorate too. Why’d you agree? You hate everything about a classic Christmas.”
“But you don’t.” Jack glanced back at me and shrugged his shoulders. “I mean... Faith. She loves a traditional Christmas.”
Jack gazed straight ahead again, leaving me puzzled by his response, and I wanted to press him further.Had my holiday cheer ignited a spark under his grumpy ass and turned him to the bright side?
Suddenly, Jack stopped, and I collided with his back. My open mouth was full of his flannel shirt, and my nosesquished up against his firm back. The smell of Jack made my body come to life, and I had a strong urge to lick him. I was completely taken by him and wanted to wrap my arms around his perfectly fit torso.
Embarrassment flushed my skin, and I was red in seconds once my brain had processed that I should’ve pushed away in a natural response. Instead, I had desired to get closer to Jack.What the fuck?
I shoved Jack in a delayed reaction. “Watch where you are going! Jerk.”
I barely made Jack move. He was as fit as a damn bull. An infuriating, stubborn fool.
“Me?” Jack grumbled and turned around. “You ran intome.”
I crossed my arms in disbelief and huffed, “I did not.”
Jack folded his arms across his chest.
“Did too,” Jack argued and squinted down at me.
Amusement came over Jack.Goddamn obnoxious asshole thought he’d win this argument?I’d show him.
“I did not run into you because you—” Jack tucked his hands under my armpits and lifted me off the ground. “Put me down, damn it!”
While I kept up my dispute, Jack set me down where he once stood and spun me around. The world twirled for a few seconds before everything calmed, and I saw the beauty in front of me. The perfect Christmas tree.
“Shut up, little Elle...” Jack whispered in my ear and pressed his index finger against my chin until my mouth clamped closed. “And admire your tree.”
The evergreen Mother Nature had grown out of her glorious roots was magnificent. Fresh pine needles twinkled with snow, and the shape of the tree made my heart swell. Faith would love this tree when it was full of decorations and had presents underneath on Christmas Day. Jack’s choice was excellent.
“It’s perfect,” I whispered, tears glistening in my eyes, and I turned around to peer up at him. “Thank you, Jack.”
My hands rested on his chest, and Jack glanced down at them. He touched me; tingles ignited on my skin and crawled up my arms. I shivered when his deep gaze met mine, and electricity sparked between us. A zing I knew he had experienced too because he lowered his head toward me and his lips became fuller. I couldn’t turn away as his mouth neared mine, and I closed my eyes out of pure instinct, filled with anticipation for Jack Timber to kiss me.
To hell with limitations. I was done with holding back the woman inside of me who desired Jack. His mouth wanted to be on mine as much as I needed his lips to discover me. To experience the attraction burning between us for far too long.
“Little Elle...” Jack whispered.
“Yes, Jack?” I asked breathlessly.
“Time to chop this bitch down.”
My eyes popped open. Embarrassment flushed my cheeks, and I stood there, frozen, while Jack smirked down at me like he had won. He swung the axe handle up and rested it against his shoulder. Jack stepped aside and headed toward the tree.
“Asshole,” I muttered under my breath.
I had let Jack get to me for a split second and showed my vulnerability. The idea of his lips on me had weakened my defenses, leading toward his capture of my tempted state. The overpowering man had tricked me with those perfect lips.
I gathered my composure and took a few deep breaths. I clenched my fists and stuffed my hands into my jacket pockets. If I didn’t, I’d strangle Jack and bury his handsome face in the snow.
