Over the past few days, whenever my cell has pinged with an incoming text, my heart leaps in the hopes it’s from Callum, telling me there’s something he needs to bring to my attention.
And every time, I happily drop whatever I’m doing and hurry to the cottage, knowing I’ll be rewarded the instant he yanks me inside.
You’d think we were a bunch of hormone-crazed teenagers who just discovered sex with the amount of times we’ve gone at it. But I’m enjoying every damn second.
“Ms. Holley,” Callum says as he opens the door Saturday afternoon, his eyes raking down my body like an animal in heat. “To what do I owe this pleasant surprise?” He steps back to allow me to enter, but I remain on the front porch.
I understand why this would come as a surprise, since I typically barrel inside, not wanting to waste a second of our time together.
“Grab your coat.”
“Are we going somewhere?”
Arching a brow, he leans against the doorjamb, crossing his arms in front of his chest, his biceps causing the material of his sweater to stretch. While I love Callum Reed in a suit, there’s something about his casual look that has my heart racing, too.
“It’s the Sycamore Falls Christmas Parade.”
“And you want me to come to a Christmas Parade?”
“I do.”
“Is this still part of your plan to scare me away with an overabundance of holiday cheer? Because I have to confess…”
He pushes off the doorway and nuzzles my neck. I should resist him, considering we’re out in the open. But most people have already left for the parade.
“These days, I have a renewed appreciation for the holiday season. Particularly sexy blondes wearing an elf costume.”
I playfully bat my lashes, the corner of my mouth tugging upward in a suggestive grin. My fingertips trace the outline of his sweater, relishing in the warmth of his chest underneath.
“Would you like me to change into that costume, Mr. Reed? As you know, we’re all about delivering an exceptional guest experience here at Holley Ridge.” My voice is low. Breathy. Sensual. “It’s our hope to go above and beyond. To ensure your stay here is one you’ll never forget.”
“Ms. Holley…” The muscles in his face tighten, his pupils dilating. “If you put on that elf costume, I can guarantee the only parade you’ll be attending is a parade of orgasms.”
“Perhaps later then.”
“I’m going to hold you to that.” He waggles his brows, grinning mischievously.
“Good. Now put on your coat and shoes.”
I purposefully stay outside, knowing if I step inside, the chances of us making it to the Christmas parade will be drastically diminished. Once he’s ready, he reappears in doorway. But instead of stepping onto the porch, he wraps his hand around my forearm, yanking me inside.
“Callum, what are you—”
He erases my question with a light kiss, gently cradling my face. I surrender to him with a contented sigh, wrapping an arm around his shoulder and drawing him closer. He tastes of mint, coffee, and something that’s uniquely Callum Reed.
As much as we need to get going, I allow myself this brief moment, knowing in less than a week he’ll check out and go on with his life, forgetting about the time he spent here.
But me? I doubt I’ll ever forget the Christmas the Grinch stole my heart.
“I couldn’t go all day without kissing you,” he explains as he rests his forehead on mine, pausing to catch his breath. “Figured I’d steal one to hold me over, although now it only makes me want more.” He tenderly traces a line down my jaw, the affection in his gaze almost too much. “I’ll always want more of you, Parker.”
He touches his lips back to mine, his kiss slow and measured, before reluctantly pulling away. “Shall we?”
I briefly contemplate blowing off the parade. After all, it’s the perfect opportunity to be able to enjoy each other for an extended period of time, since everyone will be downtown for the next few hours.
But I want Callum to experience the excitement and community of the Sycamore Falls Christmas Parade. I always looked forward to it when I was a little girl. I still do, even as an adult. I want to share this with him.
Our steps are slow as we meander through my practically abandoned property underneath the ceiling of a picturesque blue sky. Any other Saturday afternoon, it would be swarming with people enjoying the Christmas market, trying their hand at ice skating, making holiday-inspired crafts, or waiting to meet Santa.
