Page 74 of Five Days of Christmas Spice

“Do you really?”

“Yeah, I do. What did you want to say to me, Holly?”

I know this is the perfect moment to tell him about what I do and maybe even who I am, but he is so serious, and what he shared was so personal it seems so trivial to bring up what I do for a living.

“After my Gran passed, my family made this pact not to spend Christmas together. At least, I thought it was an agreement, but being here, taking this time away, has made me realize I’m the one who said no to spending Christmas with them. Like, if I couldn’t have it how it was, I didn’t want it.”

This is more vulnerable than telling him how I spend my nine-to-five or nine-to-nine.

“What about being here made you realize that?” Noel brushes my arm.

“It’s the slowing down. It’s finding peace because you’re relaxing in the Parlour or walking into the dining room and smelling cinnamon or turkey. It reminded me of the good parts of Christmas, which I want to repeat with those I love.”

“Happy to be of service.” Noel flashes me a grin.

I take one last bite of my breakfast sandwich and crumple the bag.

“I think this has been my favourite breakfast.”

“Now, who is the easy one to please?” Noel loops his arm through mine.

I laugh. “I don’t consider myself difficult.”

“At tonight’s party, how do you feel about ice and wax play?”

“I don’t have experience with either. I’m open to trying it.” The thought of hot wax covering my body is appealing. I’m not sure about the ice part of the equation, but there must be some kind of appeal to it, and it’s Kinkmas.

“Good. I can’t wait to play with you tonight, Holly.”

My cell rings from my pocket, and I fish it out. Stella’s number flashes on the screen.

“Why don’t I leave you to it, and I’ll go see what needs my attention? I’ll text you if I’m free for lunch.”

“That’s fine, Noel.”

He holds the door of Vixen’s Paradise for me, and I step into cozy warmth, the score of a Broadway musical being played on the piano.

“Good. See you soon.” He cups my nape, his lips brush mine, then he’s deepening the kiss, and I’m twining my tongue with his. He breaks the kiss, leaving me bereft.

“Be good.”

“Yes, Noel.” I grin and watch him go behind the reception desk to his private oasis. I hang up my cloak, take off my boots and walk into the Parlour. The room is filled with people lounging and talking.

“Hey, Holly!” Rick calls me over to their small group.

“Hello.”

“Are you ready for tonight?” Cat asks.

“Yeah, can’t wait.”

“I can,” Kai grumbles from where he is kneeling beside Pauline’s chair.

“Oh, you’ll like it,” Pauline says, ruffling his hair.

“Sit and hang out with us.” Rick pulls out a chair.

I sit, my cousins’ phone call forgotten, as I lose myself in good company and anticipate my last night at Vixen’s Paradise.

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