“Ah, the old classic. If you’re quiet and shy, you must be a meanie, right?”
I laughed again. “A meanie? I don’t think I’ve heard that word since first grade.”
Now it was Aubrey’s turn to laugh. “You know what I mean.”
“Granted, I’ve been told I grumble more than I smile, but life’s a bitch. Am I right?”
“You’re right, it is. But I try to focus on the positives. Like decorating.”
“Ha. So, I take it you like Christmas?”
Aubrey nodded before walking over to pick up the candy cane that fell. My eyes fell to her ass as it swayed back and forth. Fuck, she was hot. My dick stirred to life.
Calm down there, fella.
“Maybe a little.” A smile played on her sexy lips.
“I’d say a lot more than a little. Though, to be honest, this is nothing compared to some decorations I’ve seen.”
“Really?” She raised an eyebrow as she looked at me with suspicion. “You’ve seen more than this?” She waved her arm around at her lawn, nearly every inch covered.
“Oh yeah. I mean, yours are quite over the top,” I teased. “But I’ve seen some wild displays. Here on the mountain, some people go nuts with it.”
Aubrey placed the candy cane down and walked over to me. Her scent hit me first, a mixture of sweet apple and honey, and my dick twitched.
It’s better than I ever could’ve imagined.
Our eyes met, hers a golden brown with flecks of green, her eyelashes perfectly curling around the almond shapes.
Aubrey was stunning.
And I could feel my world giving way, falling apart around me, as I could no longer imagine it without her in it.
Every part of me ached to kiss her. To touch her, to taste her, to make her mine.
But I didn’t want to scare her away. No, not when we only just started talking.
“So does the scrooge like Christmas?” Aubrey asked as she glanced over my shoulder. She sucked her bottom lip in, and it popped back out with a loud smacking sound.
“Scrooge, hmm? Do I look like a scrooge?”
Her eyes sparkled. “Maybe, maybe not. But your house certainly does.”
We both laughed, and it was like music to my ears. I don’t think I’ve laughed this much in a long time. Not the way I did with her.
I shrugged. “You’re right though. I need something.” I scratched my chin as an idea popped into my head, my sudden heady passion for her fueling my competitive side. The one I tried to keep hidden.
“I could help you if you’d like.”
I smirked. “I think I can handle it. How about I challenge you?”
“Challenge me? What?”
“To a decorating contest. Best lawn wins.”
“Wins what exactly?”
“Smart woman. Always ask the prize.”
