“Now Iknowyou’re lying—they can’t talk.” My laugh is much louder this time, heightened by Felix’s fingers tickling my side.
His snakes stir at my outburst, but they don’t wake up. I shush Felix, and he gives me a gentle squeeze. I wrap my arms around his waist, letting my eyes close.
“I think you’d be surprised if you gave the holidays another chance,” he quietly says through a yawn. “Maybe the magic of the holidays has returned, and you just have to open your eyes to it.”
“Maybe…” Shaking my head against him, all I can muster out is a simple, “Goodnight, Felix.”
“Goodnight, dollface.”
CHAPTER 8
FELIX
“It’s getting pretty late—you should probably head out.”
The words pierce my brain as I stir awake.
Propping myself up on my elbow, I raise my other hand, rubbing my eyes. I focus on my surroundings, and see that Holly is already up, out of bed, showered again,andwearing trousers.
Holy hell—amIthe one who got worn out last night?
“So eager to get me out of here, I see.” I don’t try to hide my disappointment. “Can I see you again?”
As she crosses the room, there’s hesitation in her steps, and her eyes dart over to me. “What?”
“Can I see you again?” I ask, repeating myself. “Soon, ideally?”
She blinks at me, standing still and crossing her arms. “You know, I’m quite a bit older than you.”
“And?” I don’t understand what relevance that has to me seeing her again.
Her eyes narrow slightly, a brief moment of silence between us before she continues, “I’m thirty-six. You’re what, in your twenties? Last night was fun, but don’t you think we’re at different places in life?”
“I’m twenty-five,” I confirm as I get out of bed, beginning to get dressed. “And yes, last night was fun?—”
She cuts me off. “So then why?—”
“ButI disagree, I think we’re at the same place in life, at the same time.” Cutting her off, I finish my sentence. “Our chemistry is more than just sexual.”
Her eyes have widened, and her lips are parted as she stares at me. I don’t want to be rude, butshecut me off first, right when I was trying to explain why I think we should go out again.
Once my pants are on, I walk over to her. As I get closer, I watch as her eyes flicker over my chest before making their way back up to my face.
I stop in front of her, taking her hand in mine. “Holly, I’d like to take you out on a proper date.”
“No.” She shakes her head, and for the first time, her voice is quiet.
Practically begging at this point, I ask, “What have you got to lose? Take the chance on me, and if you aren’t interested after a few dates, then…it’s just been a holiday fling. How about that?”
She purses her lips, but hasn’t removed her hand from mine. I hold eye contact, hoping that she can see in my soul that I want this.
I want her.
After last night, I know there are layers to her that I just need to unwrap. She’s got a sweet heart, one that she hides under a coating of coal.
Something must’ve happened to make her this way, and I want to know what it is. There’s no denying my physical attraction to her, but her mind? Her soul?
It’s captured my heart in just the hours that we spent talking, curled up in her bed.
