And the look he’s currently giving me makes me think he’s on the brink of ripping every inch of fabric off my body.
It’s the first time I’ve seen him since we got back here this afternoon. I half-expected he’d pack up now that he knows I have no intention of accepting his offer until after Christmas at the earliest.
Yet, he’s still here. It could just be to continue buttering up to me.
I’d like to think there’s another reason he’s still here.
That he couldn’t stand the idea of leaving yet.
“Go get ‘em, tiger,” Haley encourages, gently pushing me in Callum’s direction.
Despite knowing nothing good could come of this, I can’t seem to do anything but walk toward him, drawn to him in ways I doubt I’ll ever be able to explain.
And for the first time in my life, I’m okay with that.
“Mr. Reed,” I say as I approach, doing everything I can to subdue the fluttering of the thousands of butterflies currently taking flight in my stomach.
“Ms. Holley.” His voice is cool. Calm. Collected.
“Are you enjoying your evening?” I ask with a cordial smile that hints at being flirtatious. “I’ll admit. I’m quite surprised to see you out and about enjoying the market.”
“I was admiring the view.”
A shiver trickles down my spine as he rakes his appreciative gaze over me.
“And how do you find the view?”
“Absolutely stunning.” He licks his lips, reminding me just how talented that tongue is. “Although, I’d like to discuss my accommodations.”
“What about them?”
A sly smirk crawls across his lips. “Truthfully, after last night, I find them somewhat…lacking.”
“Is that right?”
He slowly nods, his smile becoming even more devious.
“How so?”
A contemplative look crosses his face. “It’s hard for me to put my finger on what exactly.”
“Then perhaps I should come see for myself?” I offer demurely. “After all, it’s our goal here at Holley Ridge to ensure all guests have everything they need. That any and all concerns are addressed immediately. So please allow me to address your concerns personally, Mr. Reed.”
“I appreciate that, Ms. Holley.”
“It’s my pleasure,” I purr, my pulse kicking up the longer I’m in his presence. “Shall we?” I raise an expectant brow.
He responds with a slight nod and extends his arm, allowing me to walk in front of him.
As we silently weave our way through the crowd, the air crackles with electricity, a live wire ready to snap at any second.
By the time we reach the cottage, we’re both on edge, as evidenced by Callum’s frantic fingers fumbling with the keycard. It feels like it takes forever for him to pull it out of his wallet. Once he does, he quickly opens the door, allowing me to enter first.
The second the door clicks closed, I face him and remove my coat, draping it on a nearby chair.
“Now, Mr. Reed,” I begin, sauntering toward him. “Tell me how I can be of service to you.”
He eats up the last remaining space between us, gripping my face and burrowing his fingers into my hair. “Give me this mouth.”
