I turn to Xander, our smiles mirroring each other’s. “So, where’s my New Year’s kiss, babe? I’ve been waiting all night,” I tease, my voice filled with playful anticipation as I pull him close, my fingers lightly stroking his cold-reddened cheek.
“Would you still love me if I told you I gave your New Year’s kiss to someone else?” he asks, his eyes dancing with mischief, a sly smirk playing on his lips.
“That depends on who it was,” I reply with a lifted brow. “But if it were a black kitty cat, I’d wholeheartedly approve.”
“I thought you might.” He nods, his grin widening. “Happy New Year, light of my life.” He leans down to kiss me, and I indulge him for a moment, savoring the taste of his lips. Then, reluctantly, I pull back, needing to know more.
“You can’t just drop a bombshell like that and act like it’s nothing,” I protest.
“Giving my boy his New Year’s kiss was, and still is, more important. Now, shut up and let me kiss you properly,” he commands with a growl.
He grabs my neck, pulling me close and kissing me so passionately that I’m left breathless. I’m still catching my breath when he finally breaks the kiss, resting his forehead against mine.
“That was incredible,” I breathe out. “Now, spill. What happened?”
“I don’t know, we were alone, it was midnight, I stole a small kiss. It was brief. But it was… fuck. Her lips are so soft,” he muses, his voice turning husky.
I glance to where I saw her last and spot Carolina standing alone by the other fire pod, lost in thought. “Where’s Josh?” I ask Xander.
He looks inside, and I follow his gaze, seeing Sophia clinging to Josh’s arm, chatting with one of her friends.
“I’m going to…” I start, nodding toward Carolina.
“Steal your kiss back?” he teases. “Fill me in later.”
He kisses my temple and heads inside while I join Carolina.
“Happy New Year, kitten,” I whisper, stepping up behind her.
She turns her head, smiling. “Happy New Year.”
I open my parka and draw her into my chest, wrapping both of us in its warmth. “Seems like the new jacket isn’t working properly. Your nose is all red,” I murmur, resting my chin on the beanie atop her head and holding her close. She feels chilly, making me shiver in response.
She chuckles softly, the sound a melodic whisper in the dimly lit space around us, as she leans into me, her body fitting perfectly against mine. “How was your shift?”
A playful smile tugs at the corners of my lips, and I can’t resist the urge to tease her a bit. “I would’ve preferred being here with you all. I heard you got my New Year’s kiss.”
She turns to face me, the soft, crackling firelight dancing across her features, casting a glow on half of her face, accentuating her beauty. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to?—”
I gently interrupt her with a tender touch, my fingers tracing her jawline before tangling in her soft, silken hair. “Hush,” I murmur. “I was just joking.”
Drawing her closer, our bodies press together, her breath mingling with mine. “Both you and Xander deserved a midnight kiss.” I continue, my gaze locked on her lips, “I’m glad he stole the kiss from you.”
She relaxes in my embrace as a quiet sigh escapes her lips. My heart races as I lean down, our faces drawing together.
“I’ve been thinking about stealing it back from you,” I whisper, my voice barely above a breath.
My gaze dances between her captivating eyes and slightly parted lips. In response to my words, I feel her sharp intake of breath.
With gentle fingers, I use my hand tangled in her hair to tilt her face upward, the flickering firelight casting a mesmerizing shimmer in her eyes. The world fades away, and it’s just the two of us in this moment. Our lips draw closer, the promise of a kiss hanging in the air. But just as our lips are about to meet, a voice calls out, breaking the spell.
Chiara hollers Carolina’s name, and I quickly change course, shifting to gently kiss her cheek instead.
“Go, see what little sister wants from you,” I whisper in her ear, a hint of longing lingering in my voice.
“I’d rather know what you want from me,” she whispers.
A soft smile plays on my lips as I lean in, my breath warm against her cold earlobe. “I don’t want anythingfromyou,” I murmur, my voice filled with sincerity. “I want everythingwithyou.”
