Page 37

When he didn’t immediately release her, she tilted her chin upward until their gazes connected. She meant to thank him, but as she stared into his gray eyes, the words got lost somewhere between her mind and her mouth.

Her heart started to pound, and it had nothing to do with her almost falling—it had everything to do with the man who was holding her in his muscled arms. Perhaps she hadn’t been totally correct when she told Belle there was nothing between them. Because it sure felt like there was something going on between them now.

She tried again to speak. “Shaun, I...”

His gaze dipped to her lips, making her heart rate spike. The words got stuck at the back of her tongue. Her mind said that she should move away from him, but her heart wanted nothing more than for her to lean forward and kiss him.

When his gaze returned to hers, it was like there was an unspoken question in his eyes. That’s when her heart drove her to defy her logic. She lifted up on her tiptoes. He met her halfway, and then his lips pressed to hers. They were warm and smooth. And his touch was better than any kiss she’d ever experienced in the past.

Her hands moved from where they were resting on his chest. They slipped up over his broad shoulders and wrapped around the back of his neck, drawing him closer.

She surrendered herself to his kiss—letting herself enjoy it like it was their first and last kiss, which it might well be. When he was gone, she wanted this sweet memory to hold onto. She tried to remember everything about this moment like how the faint hint of his spicy cologne mingled with his own unique male scent, creating a heady combination.

She noticed how his arms wrapped tightly around her waist, holding her close. And then there was the way his kiss wasn’t rushed, but rather how he restrained himself and kissed her gently. He was such a gentleman.

“Woof. Woof.”

There was the sound of pounding paws, and then Mochi going full-speed plowed into them. She wiggled her body between them.

Leah glanced down at the furbaby and couldn’t help but laugh. Mochi was snuggled in between their embrace like she belonged there.

“It looks like someone didn’t want to be left out,” Shaun said.

Her gaze returned to the pup. “Is that right, Mochi? Did you feel left out?”

“Woof!”

They both laughed. And then they pulled apart. The special moment was over, but she would remember it for the rest of her life.

“I can get the rest of the boxes for you,” he said.

“I would appreciate it. Be careful. Those steps are steep.” When he nodded, she said, “And I’ll carry them down to the living room.”

“Sounds like a plan.” He sent her one of his warm, easy smiles that made her stomach flutter.

As she carried the first box down to the living room, she accepted the fact that she’d been utterly wrong at dinner when she’d said that he was just her guest. He was much more than that. And maybe even if whatever this was between them was fleeting, it would leave them both with good memories. What could be so wrong with that? After all, it wasn’t like they were going to fall for each other. This was just a mere flirtation. Nothing more.

Chapter Fourteen

Such a sweet kiss...

Shaun couldn’t stop thinking about holding Leah in his arms. She was… Wow! She was amazing. And her kiss—it was sweeter than the sugar cookies they’d had after dinner.

The more time he spent in Kringle Falls, the more he enjoyed it here. In fact, he wouldn’t even be upset if his vehicle wasn’t roadworthy for a few more days. After all, his father was safe at his sister’s place. And there was no one waiting at home for him.

Of course, there was his work. There were a couple of big projects they were trying to finish up before the holidays. But his partner said everything was on schedule. That rarely, if ever, happened. And it had been so long since Shaun had taken a vacation that his partner told him not to hurry back.

Shaun carried the last box down from the attic. Mochi was waiting for him. “Has anyone ever told you that you have the worst timing?”

“Woof.”

“That’s easy for you to say.” He lowered his voice. “I might not get another chance to kiss her, and you went and cut it short.”

“Woof. Woof.”

“Don’t even try to talk your way out of this one. You’re in the doghouse.”

Mochi looked up at him with sad eyes. “Arr... Raa...”