Page 34 of Five Days of Christmas Spice

He guides me to a door behind the reception desk. It opens to a narrow staircase.

“It’s claustrophobic but worth it.”

“Is this a bad time to tell you I’m afraid of dark spaces and caves?”

“I’m always afraid of the dark. I’ll hold your hand if you hold mine.” Noel reaches for my hand, and I return his firm squeeze.

“Deal.”

Following behind him, I hold his hand and the banister with the other, step after step. Three more steps, and there is a column of light from the window.

Wow, it’s absolutely spectacular.

The attic has been converted, so it spreads the entire floor. There is a massive bed under the eaves, windows that let in the light all around the perimeter, and the calm grey tone of the walls, perfect to let the features shine, like the fireplace across from the bed, with a stone surround.

A pair of French doors is across the bed, and I wonder what’s behind them.

“Welcome to my private getaway. You’re my very first guest.” Noel spreads his arms wide.

“Really?”

“Yes, this was completed in the spring.” Noel takes my hand again and guides me to a small sitting area.

“Take off your cloak. I’ll get us wine.”

I remove the borrowed hat and cloak as he disappears behind the French doors, returning a second later with a bar cart.

“Here we are.” He takes out a bottle of red, sets it on the cart and grabs two glasses.

He opens the wine and pours us generous amounts.

“Noel?”

“Yes, Holly?”

“Are you going to take off your jacket?”

“Of course. I wanted to get you warmed first.” He strides over to the fireplace and turns it on.

That’s it. I’m a puddle of need and lust. He hands me the glass of wine and raises his glass. “To Kinkmas.”

“Merry Kinkmas.” I laugh.

The wine is cherry and woodsy on my tongue.

Noel takes a sip, sets down the glass and removes his jacket, hanging it on a coat tree near the door.

He strides towards me, a look of pure determination on his face. “I’m going to kiss you now.”

“Yes, please.”

My heart beats so fast I can’t hear anything. Electricity snaps through the air between us. Noel’s hands are on my shoulders. He tips my face to his and slants his lips over mine.

“Noel,” I say into his mouth.

My body is turning into liquid with every stroke of his tongue.

I break off the kiss, my belly a tight knot of nerves.

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