Page 57 of The Naughty List Agreement

As if she’d been trying at all.

She wanted Nick. Wanted these conversations, these hand touches, these kisses under the mistletoe. She craved him in a way that scared her because it felt like it was taking over.

But fear was no match for the lust churning through her. The touch of his lips against her made her forget that every year, another part of her soul died as she piled lie upon lie upon lie. She put on her Christmas outfits and pretended this was her favorite time of year. She pasted a smile on her face and worked longer and longer hours, but when would it end? She looked down at their linked hands and it felt somehow like there was an answer hiding there.

Nick loved the holiday. Perhaps some of his love would rub off on her. Perhaps there was a way that he’d help her to see it differently.

“You’re quiet, Cora. Are you plotting to bring a gang of tired, hungry kids to the park to win our bet?” he teased.

A soft smile teased his full lips.

“What a great idea. And where might I find one of these gangs?”

“I’m not giving up my source,” he said.

The silliness of the conversation lifted her spirits and made the intensity of her fears dissipate.

What was wrong with her? Why couldn’t she ever allow herself to simply be happy for a moment?

She knew the answer and didn’t really want to dwell on that. “I have ways of making you talk.”

“Oh, I hope so. I hope they involve your hands on my body. What will you try first?”

“I’m not giving up my secrets. Just know that if you have something I want, I’ll get it,” she promised him as they reached the parking lot. Her car was the only one left in the lot.

“Where’s your car?”

“I got a ride here.”

“Want me to drive you home?”

She realized she’d never actually seen his home. Where did he live? She hoped he didn’t still live with his parents.

“I live out past Frosty Jack’s. It’s too far for you to drive and then go back home.”

“I don’t turn into a pumpkin at midnight,” she informed him tartly.

“Cora.”

Her name was his answer, and it wasn’t yes. This was what she got for getting her hopes up. Just because she was catching feelings for Nick, it didn’t mean he was catching them for her.

But that wasn’t reality. He was always honest with her about what he wanted—and what he wanted was a wife. She didn’t doubt that he wanted to sleep with her, and since that was all she wanted, why was she so disappointed?

“Okay, well, see you,” she said, walking away from him at a fast clip. The sooner she got back to her place, where she was surrounded by the home she’d bought and paid for herself, the sooner she’d get her balance back.

He caught her arm. “In a clumsy way, I was struggling to suggest—in a gentlemanly fashion—that you could stay with me tonight, if you drive me home. Obviously I made a hash of it, so how about I come to your place instead?”

And suddenly she knew there was only one answer she was going to give.

Having Nick in her house unnerved her, pure and simple. The mistletoe was still above the door but she scooted past it like it might rain fire on her. She thought she heard a chuckle from Nick but didn’t pause to verify it.

Now that he was in her house, it was clear why she’d suggested going to his place. This was her private sanctuary. If things didn’t work out…

“The look on your face… Do you want me to leave?”

Did she?

“Of course not. I’m just… I never bring anyone home.”