My mouth went dry. I blinked in surprise and stared shamelessly. Tattoo ink cascaded over his right shoulder, across his pecs. There was just enough muscle definition in his torso to define his obliques, but his stomach was soft. Perfect for cuddling.
And those sweatpants were so thin that they left nothing to the imagination. I gulped as my gaze snagged on the sheer size of that distinctive bulge.
“It’s the ass-crack of dawn, honeybee,” Dean growled. “What the fuck are you yelling for?”
I cleared my throat, fighting the filthy thoughts that were racing through my head.
“We have to get to the Holiday Market early, before all the best food is gone. And we can’t miss the parade. That starts at nine. Oh, then there’s the Christmas carol sing-along. Dad and I do that every year. It’s tradition.”
Dean heaved a sigh.
“Why don’t you two run along without me? I’ll catch up later.”
“Nope, not an option. You agreed to stay for Christmas. That means you’re part of the celebration.”
He scrubbed a hand over his face.
“I’m beginning to regret that decision.”
“Well, you promised, so you can’t take it back.” I clasped my hands and put on my most innocent expression. “You wouldn’t want to break my heart, would you?”
Dean groaned.
Dad chuckled as he emerged from his bedroom, already dressed for the day in jeans and my favorite huggable blue sweater. He took one look at Dean and laughed.
“Coffee, my friend. Get some caffeine into your system and you might have a chance of keeping up with Ruby.”
“Okay, okay,” Dean relented. “I’ll…get dressed.”
“Leaving in T-minus ten minutes, gentlemen!” I called, racing off. “Don’t be late!”
Main Street was blocked off for the market and transformed into a winter wonderland with fairy lights, garlands of greenery, and giant red velvet bows. I had a bounce in my step as I walked with Dad and Dean flanking me. Sandwiched between them, I hooked my arms through their elbows, feeling giddy with delight.
“Okay, first stop, coffee,” I announced. “Caffeine will be required.”
“Finally something we agree on,” Dean replied with a yawn, huddled in his coat against the biting wind.
“Then we can grab some hot, fresh hand pies for breakfast while we find a spot to watch the parade,” I added.
“No one should have this much energy this early in the morning,” he mumbled under his breath.
“I heard that,” I chirped.
“You should see her after a few shots of espresso,” Dad put in. “I swear she can move at the speed of light.”
“Why does that not surprise me?”Dean replied.
“I’m standing right here, you know,” I protested. “I can hear every word you say.”
“That’s funny,” Dean replied. “Since my plea to stay in my warm bed for a few more hours fell on deaf ears this morning.”
“What kind of person would I be if I left you home alone to sleep instead of enjoying all this Christmas cheer?” I spread my arms to encompass the market. Then I patted Dean’s stomach. “You’re just grumpy because you’re hungry. That’s the problem.”
“Hate to break it to you, honeybee, but this is my personality year ‘round.”
I scoffed and squeezed his arm.
Jesus, his bicep is hard as a rock.
