“So,” I say, sipping my drink, “come here often?” It’s cheesy, but I can’t help myself.
He laughs again, a rich sound that makes me want to curl up inside it. “A gentleman doesn’t tell, but I’ve certainly picked the right night.”
As we talk, I can’t stop myself from appreciating his figure. He’s tall, towering over me even when we lean against the bar. His arms are ridiculous—I’m pretty sure each bicep is the size of my head. But it’s not just for show. There’s a quiet strength about him, like he’s used to hard work.
And then there’s that little belly. Just a hint of softness that makes me want to run my hands over it, to press against him and feel the contrast between hard muscle and gentle curves.
I’m so caught up in my thoughts that I almost miss the countdown starting.
“Ten! Nine! Eight!”
He looks at me, those kind eyes twinkling. “Ready for the new year?”
“Seven! Six! Five!”
I nod, suddenly breathless with anticipation.
“Four! Three! Two! One!”
The club erupts in cheers. Without thinking, I push onto my tiptoes, closing the distance between us. Our lips meet, and it’s like fireworks exploding behind my eyelids.
When we break apart, both a little breathless, I grin at him. “Happy New Year.”
He smiles back, a soft, genuine thing that makes my heart skip. “Happy New Year.”
“So,” I say, feeling bold, “what did you wish for this year?”
He pretends to think for a moment, then leans in close again. “Honestly? Right now, I’m wishing we were somewhere else. With fewer clothes.”
I burst out laughing, delighted by his frankness. “You know what? That sounds like a pretty good wish to me.”
As he takes my hand, leading me toward the exit, I think this year is already off to an amazing start.
CHAPTER 2
NATE
The dancefloor pulsates with bodies, a living, writhing organism. I grip the guy’s hand tighter as we weave through the crowd, his slender fingers intertwined with mine. This is exactly what I needed tonight—someone to lose myself in, to forget everything else. And damn, did I hit the jackpot.
I glance down at him as we near the exit. His lithe body moves with a grace that makes my mouth go dry, all lean muscle and smooth skin. Those hot pants should be illegal. I swallow hard, torn between wanting to devour him whole and being hyperaware of how I must look—a hulking giant next to his compact frame.
“You good?” I lean to half-shout in his ear, trying to soften my voice.
He nods, flashing me a dazzling smile.
“So,” I say as we step outside, the cool night air a shock after the sweltering club, “my hotel’s just down the block. But we could go somewhere else if you prefer?” I search his face, hoping I don’t come across as some creep trying to lure him away. The last thing I want is for him to feel unsafe.
His eyebrows arch behind his glittery mask. “Worried about me, big guy?” He gives my hand a squeeze. “I promise I can take care of myself. Unless…” He trails off, a mischievous glint in his eye. “Are you having second thoughts?”
I grin, my heart racing with anticipation. “No second thoughts here, I promise. Just a very strong desire to get you somewhere warm.” I rub my hands over his exposed arms, feeling the goosebumps on his skin. “You’re freezing. Those hot pants aren’t exactly made for Vermont winters, are they?”
He shivers, leaning into my touch. “Maybe I was counting on finding a big, strong man to keep me warm.”
“Well, you found one,” I say, my voice low and urgent. “Let’s get you inside before you turn into an icicle.”
We hurry down the street, the cold forgotten in our eagerness. At the hotel, I fumble with the key card, hyperaware of his body pressed against mine. Finally, the door swings open.
As we enter my room, I’m suddenly self-conscious. Did I leave dirty clothes on the floor? Is the bed made? Christ, why do I even care?
