I’ll be lucky if it doesn’t put Holly off me for life.
I’ve been in her bed almost every night since I got to Ballybowen and, worryingly, it’s done nothing to satiate my powerful, law-defying attraction to her. In fact, if anything, it’s done the total opposite. And yet, I’m still no closer to knowing any more about her.
Unless you count the gentle, appreciative moans she makes when she comes.
Or the utterly rewarding, tinkling laughter that bursts out of her full chest.
Or the steady, rhythmic sound of her breathing when she’s in a deep sleep.
When we’re joined together, something hidden inside her soul cries out to mine. It’s like I’m an addict all over again, just not to a substance, to a person. But Holly is a habit I’m going to have to kick in a couple of weeks. And already, I can’t stomach the thought of it.
Is there a way we could continue this thing between us?
I said I’d never date a normal girl again. But there is nothing normal about Holly. When I’m with her, a weird sense of security envelops me, which is ridiculous, given she’s a five-foot-three doll-like creature, and I’m a six-foot-four brute who’s more than capable of protecting himself. But the security stems from the knowledge I’m safe being myself around her.
She’s exquisite. Mysterious, creative, and sexy as hell. Those sultry blue eyes exude a kindness, a vulnerability, and a never-ending desire to please, which probably stems from her fucked-up upbringing. Because it was fucked up, clearly.
Who’s too busy to take their kid to visit Santa? Or go see the Christmas lights?
It’s early days but already I find myself wanting to give Holly everything she never had. We’ve known each other for a matter of weeks, and I’m already wondering if there’s even a remote chance she’d try a few weeks in the States with me after we wrap up.
Am I getting ahead of myself?
Probably.
‘Cut!’ Max yells again. ‘You’re losing that dreamy-eyed look, Nate. Focus, for fuck’s sake.’
Holly flutters her long, luscious eyelashes from where she stands beside Max. She’s dressed in yet another waitress outfit. Her black skirt stops four inches above her knee, and that damned crisp white shirt hugs her breasts decadently.
Dreamy-eyed is suddenly no longer an effort. The second I summon last night’s memories, my pupils dilate and cloud over, and I have to force the image away before my unapologetically growing cock transforms this movie from a Hallmark movie to a Pornhub-worthy Passionflix.
Eventually, Max gets the scene the way he wants it, and we call it a wrap for the day. The actors depart in dribs and drabs, making plans for the evening, while the camera crew pack up their equipment.
Macy, the busty blonde from costume, is collecting everyone’s outfits. It’s a relief to hand over the cashmere cardigan and Santa hat. Just as I’m about to turn my back, the rest of the Santa suit catches my eye, and an idea pops to the forefront of my mind.
‘Macy, do you mind if I borrow that?’ I take back the hat and nod towards the rest of the costume.
She arches an eyebrow quizzically. ‘The Santa suit?’
‘Yeah.’ My palm roams over my stubble as my eyes drift towards Holly, where she’s deep in conversation with Max. Her face heats with a blush at whatever he’s saying. A small smile tugs on her lips. She shakes her head, her palm clutching her chest.
Is Max hitting on her? Or is paranoia wreaking havoc with my senses because Celeste was cheating on me for months and I was dumb enough not to notice?
Macy offers me the Santa suit. I take it, ignoring the quizzical expression on her face. Bundling it behind my back, I march over to Holly and Max, a flicker of envy flames inside my gut.
The conversation falls to a complete standstill.
‘Everything okay?’ My question is aimed at Holly, but my attention is on Max.
‘Everything is fine. I was trying to persuade Holly to work with me again in the New Year.’ Max rubs his fingers through his salt and pepper hair.
My jaw locks so hard my molars might crumble. Max has been discreet with my situation, but I can’t overlook the fact he’s a notorious womaniser, and no doubt has his own agenda for offering Holly a job.
Though, if Holly were to accept a job offer from Max, wouldn’t she likely be in Hollywood, just like I was dreaming of minutes earlier? ‘In what capacity?’
‘I’m filming a movie loosely based around Hugh Hefner and the Playboy Bunnies. Holly would make a great Playboy Bunny, don’t you agree, Nate?’ His voice is goading. The slick bastard.
‘Some things are meant to be sacred,’ I mutter.
