“None of what I had to say scared you?” I ask.
“You don’t scare me, Kate,” Boone says calmly, completely unfazed by all that I’ve revealed. In fact, he looks more certain than I’ve seen him. Not that he ever looked uncertain, but this is a different kind of determination.
“I haven’t kissed anyone in a long time,” I admit. “I’m not sure I’m really that great at it.”
Boone laughs. “I believe you told me that you can always right a wrong; it just might come with a lot of effort. I’m okay with some extra effort if that’s what it takes.”
“Okay, but if I kiss you, it doesn’t have to mean anything,” I ramble nervously.
“Lying during Santa Secrets?” Boone questions. “Kate, Santa might not bring you the very best gift.”
“It’s just…” I trail off.
“If you don’t want to kiss me, you don’t have to kiss me. I just told you that I’m kissing you back.” Then Boone scoots closer to me, letting go of my hand to tuck a strand of hair behind my ear before tracing his finger down to my jawline. “Here’s the truth, Kate. I like you. I’m not scared of you. In fact, I think you’re the perfect amount of enough. I don’t know what tomorrow looks like, but I like where we are today.”
My breath has halted in my chest. We’re wrapped in the scent of pine trees and the closeness of Christmas, as if this moment right now is something we’ll never have again. And we won’t.
I feel myself leaning toward Boone, closing the gap between us slowly. His hand is still on my face, but he doesn’t move toward me. He won’t kiss me. It must be me that kisses him. Our faces are only inches apart when I pause and whisper, “When I made you promise that you wouldn’t kiss me back, I was hoping you’d break it.”
Then my lips are on his lips, and he doesn’t hold back. He kisses me fervently, as if I’ll never be too much for him.
Chapter Eighteen
Iwake up smiling, literally. I can feel the way my mouth curves toward my ears.
Boone had tucked me in, prayed over me, and kissed my forehead good night before leaving for the couch for the night. I’d stayed awake for what felt like hours, a thrill zipping through my veins more frenzied than the rush from espresso. It was as if Boone’s lips had been made of something stronger than any coffee I’d tasted.
I need to test that theory, though.
The sound of a fire is crackling outside the bedroom door, and it sounds like Boone is in the kitchen, his footsteps gently shuffling along the floorboards. I swing my legs over the bed, standing up to go join him.
I lean on the doorframe when I get to the kitchen, watching him. He’s making omelets and is hyperfocused on the task. He’s already wearing his standard flannel and jeans, since I assume he’s been out to the chicken coop to retrieve fresh eggs for the breakfast he’s preparing.
“Merry Christmas,” I finally say, announcing my presence,biting on my bottom lip, trying to calm its desire to be on Boone’s.
He looks up from the frying pan with a dimpled grin. “I was hoping to surprise you with breakfast in bed. Did I wake you?”
I shake my head, making my way over to him. “No.”
He flips the omelet and then turns to face me, putting his arms around my waist, pulling me closer. “Merry Christmas, Kate. Want me to make you a coffee?”
“I was thinking maybe something a little different.” Then I lean in and kiss him, feeling my pulse quicken and my heart jump-start for the day as he kisses me back. I pull away. “Theory tested.”
“Theory tested?” he questions, his eyebrows arching.
“That kissing you is more energizing than coffee,” I answer with a soft smile.
“That is a high compliment coming from you.” Boone laughs. “But I’m going to assume you still want that latte.”
“You assume correctly,” I reply as Boone turns back to the omelet, sliding it onto a plate before handing it to me.
“What do you think?” He looks at me, hopeful.
“I think the student has become the master,” I answer.
“Another high compliment,” Boone replies smugly, pleased with himself. He walks over to the espresso machine and starts grinding the beans for my latte. “Gingerbread?”
“Yes, please,” I answer happily. “So, what are the Christmas plans today?”
