“You remembered.” No one had ever cared about my stuffed animals enough to call them by name. My affection for Harvey spread as we crossed under branching, twinkling trees.
“This is a dream come true.” I snuggled against Harvey’s chest. His heartbeat raced under my cheek. “What’s one of yours?”
“Uh, what do you mean?” He tentatively stroked my arm.
“Like, your dream in life. What’s something that would make you happy? Besides continuing this night with me,” I teased. “It could be a big or small thing.”
He hummed, the vibrations of his chest soothing me. “I’m hoping to get promoted to manager soon.”
I squeezed his waist. “Oh, right, that's why you wanted the review. Is there an open position?”
He played with his eyebrow ring. “I applied. They’re deciding between me and an outside hire.”
I sat up better. “Well, that’s silly. You know how to do everything. And your coworkers like you, right? Why wouldn’t they just choose you?”
Steam curled out his nose as he looked at the white silhouettes of reindeer in flight. “Apparently, my ‘people skills’ could be improved.”
I gave him a sympathetic smile. Based on Chestnut's impression of him, I guessed not everyone saw him through my rose-colored glasses.
“Sometimes, it's good to be tough with grumpy customers, but I could help you with the other side of that,” I said, patting his knee.
He arched his eyebrow. “Are you going to test me?”
“Mmhmm.”
“You don’t need to, but I appreciate it.” His Adams apple bobbed and he swept his gaze away. “You’re, um, you're a very good girl, aren’t you, Shelby?”
How much had he studied my kink? I squeezed my thighs together, my heartbeat racing in childish glee and adult ecstasy.
Harvey knit his brows and leaned in closer. “Is that okay to say? When I was reading–”
“Praise is a good thing, very nurturing.” I whipped my attention to the driver of the sleigh, who was wearing huge fluffy earmuffs and a top hat. They probably weren’t eavesdropping, but I didn't want them in our moment, so I whispered to Harvey, “I like that. I also like a firm hand when I’ve been naughty.”
“Okay, you like some ‘brat’ stuff. Not super surprising.” He squeezed my shoulder and sat back as we slid under the end of the tunnel of lights with the assuring clip-clop of horses as our backdrop.
Was his lack of protest an indication he'd be happy to explore more of that dynamic with me? For a guy who'd practically thrown himself from the car at the first sign of my kink, he seemed awfully cozy in this sleigh bringing up how he might play with me.
We took a blurry, smiley photo. Our movement created a halo effect.
At the end of the ride, I was too antsy to eat or listen to carolers, so I thanked our driver and horses and took Harvey on a walk in a sparsely-attended area by the forest of Christmas trees. It was darker, despite the stringed lights. More private. My hands shook with nerves, chill, and possibility.
Cursing, Harvey rubbed my raw palms. “Your hands are freezing.”
I shivered and smiled. “Will you warm them for me?”
He cupped his hands around my stiff fingers and drew them to his lips. The embrace of his warm breath twisted my insides to caramel delight. His brows narrowed in perfect chocolate brushstrokes, his gaze dark with a molten promise.
He’d be a good Daddy. He was already taking such good care of me.
I curled my fingers into his palms, hoping he was simmering just like me.
A spark and question glowed in his eyes as he lowered our joined hands.
“Harvey…” I dropped my gaze to his mouth. “Does your lip ring…”
“What?”
I flexed my fingers. “I could warm it, if you’re cold.”
