“I’m sure we can do it again.”
“What a great idea,” Ares cupped her nape, leaned down and kissed her, gently teasing her lips, nudging her mouth open.He kissed her slowly, exploring her mouth, her taste better than any spiced wine he’d ever drank.
Josie melted against him.A little breathy moan escaped her lips.He broke the kiss, beaming at her.
“It’s a deal.Let me buy you these scarves, then let’s get some food and go on the carousel.”
Josie shook her head at him.“You’re so bossy.”
“Yes, I am, but you get presents, so it’s a win-win.”
Josie grabbed his hand, her giggle like tinkling bells.Ares knew he’d do whatever it took to make her laugh like that as often as possible.
He bought the scarves, then led Josie through over to the food hall.
“It’s so Christmassy,” Josie trailed her hand along a light-covered tree.
“Here in this Christmas Market?That’s surprising,” Ares teased.
“Ares!”she squeezed his arm, her smile lit up her face.“I like how everyone is happy, and it feels so peaceful and there are decorations and pretty things everywhere.”
Ares draped an arm around his shoulders.“I feel the same way.It’s why I love Christmas.”
“Do you have any Christmas traditions?”
Ares threaded his fingers through hers, working out how to answer her.Growing up he and Xander didn’t have much joy at Christmas or any other time.It was a constant battle in trying to escape the tyranny of their father.
But their mother tried to light the spark whenever she could and in their adult lives, both of them found joy by giving.
“Not really.Since Logan’s joined our family, he insists on opening stockings on Christmas morning.His rule is that everything in the stocking needs to be useful, no gag gifts.”
Keeping it to the present was way easier than explaining his past.“I also get to choose one thing for Xander to do each year.”
“That’s fun.We always have a fancy dinner on Christmas Eve.”She leaned on his arm and Ares felt like he was on the set of a Christmas movie.
“Is that why you became a chef?Because of those fancy dinners?”
“They might have influenced me, but growing up, my mom was still working and I learned to cook for myself and it made me feel good to cook for others.”
“Do you have a service kink?”Ares watched her face closely.
And how she ducked her head and those long eyelashes of hers sent blood rushing to his cock.This woman was as sweet as a candy cane and he wanted to lick her all over.
“So many choices,” Josie surveyed the stalls, not answering his question.
Ares chuckled, his palm resting on the small of her back.He’d be patient and get an answer to his question.
“What looks good?”
“The stuffed pancake!”
“With ice cream or whip cream?”Ares nuzzled her soft cheek.
“I’m a whip cream kind of girl.”
“Really?”Ares waggled his eyebrows.
“Yes and it’s completely innocent,” Josie stepped forward and before he could order for her, she did it herself.“Do you want one?”
