Page 92 of Five Days of Christmas Spice

His attention made me feel attractive in a way I never had before. And how he touched me set my skin on fire.

With him, I was able to be vulnerable enough to allow him to help me explore a fantasy I had never voiced to anyone.

And it’s because I took off the armour I wear every day.

So no, if he knew the real me, none of that would have happened.

We would have been two lawyers duking it out over a negotiation that dragged on and on. Maybe we would have found our way to a glass of wine, but it wouldn’t have been five days of sizzling play.

I push through the glass doors to the freezing cold air. And maybe it’s because he didn’t know who I was that when I asked for more, the Brennon Consortium simply accepted the counteroffer.

Like I told Noel, sometimes things can be over-negotiated.

It’s a short drive to my condo. In this blustery weather, I’m thankful for the underground parking. Taking the elevator up to my floor, I crave a bath and a fireplace.

My apartment’s tub is nowhere near as luscious as the one at Vixen’s Paradise, and I really should have taken that tub home.

But it’s not the tub I should have taken home, it’s the owner.

The elevator doors open, and I swipe at my watering eyes. It must be the air freshener in the hallway.

At my door, I unlock it, kick off my shoes and hang up my coat. My condo is cozy and my sanctuary, but it feels like I’m standing somewhere cold…and lonely.

On my counter is one of those bottles of wine that I was given at Christmas.

I took this one home because it’s from a winery near Niagara Falls, and the picture on the bottle is stylized in gold.

I thought maybe my Mom would like it. Finding a glass in the cupboard, I pour myself a generous helping.

Taking my favourite take-out menu off the fridge, I’m hoping the place that makes the best spring rolls is still open.

I’m confirming my order when there’s a knock on my door. It must be a neighbour because all guests are buzzed up.

The wineglass kind of bumps the doorknob as I check the peephole. My hand shakes, spilling wine onto my fingers.

My stomach drops to the floor.

There, standing on my doorstep, hair all dishevelled, is Noel.

I open the door.

“Hi.”

“Okay.” That was a dumb thing to say, but my mind is scrambling to figure out why he is standing on my doorstep.

He grins, and the smile lights up his chocolate eyes. I notice the dark circles under his eyes, the bag he’s holding in his hand and my throat goes dry.

“Can I come in?” Noel goes to touch me, and stops, dropping his back to his side.

“Why are you here?”

“I wanted to come yesterday but couldn’t get on a flight. Do you know that the New Year’s Eve flight was empty?”

“You’re supposed to be at the restaurant.”

Noel shrugs. “It’s not the first New Year’s Eve party I’ve missed. Can I come in, Holly?”

He asks this again, and my brain kicks into the fact that he is actually here.

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