Page 14 of Mistletoe Kisses

He notices me almost immediately. My presence makes him stop, and soon, both of them are staring my way.

“The lights look great,” Delilah muses as she takes in the sight with a soft gaze. She should be looking at that tree rather than at me, at least it’s easier on the eyes.

“We’re going to go to the movies.” Henry jerks a thumb behind him. “Maybe to get something to eat, too.”

Tearing my eyes from the screen, I lift a brow. “Right now? Have they cleared the roads?”

Delilah smiles and nods. “Sure did. Good thing too, because we’ve been waiting on this release. But it’s a horror, so I’m not sure it’s your type.” She shoots a look at her husband but I don’t think Henry picks up on the idea that she wants this to be more of a date than an outing. “Don’t pressure him, dear. He’s had a lot on his mind lately.” Murmuring the words, they settle heavily on my shoulders.

There’s no way in hell Delilah knows what I’ve been thinking. I haven’t peeped a word and if Cassidy mentioned anything, Henry would’ve let me know.

Yet, there’s something about the way that she’s looking at me that makes it hard to swallow down the lump in my throat.

“Maybe we should ask Cas.” Henry looks up toward the stairs. “She could use the distraction.”

Delilah tears her eyes off of me and follows his gaze. Her mouth purses and she slides her arm against his. “I think I want to keep you all to myself if that’s alright.”

It’s a silly thought, but for just a moment, I consider Delilah giving me the privacy I need. If she had a clue about Cassidy and me, then she’d know what she’s inviting.

He grins, growing a bit bashful and a little too happy by her words. Rubbing the back of his neck, he nods. “Yeah, that’s alright.”

Watching them drift off, a sigh falls off my lips as I shift my stare toward the tree. Their happiness, is it something I can find for myself? I imagine Cassidy being the one to cling onto my arm while batting her eyelashes and the stir moving around my chest is the answer I’m looking for.

Yeah, I think she could give me what I want. She’d wrap me around her finger and I wouldn’t complain. Hell, I’d ask for it.

Even though I know I shouldn’t get ahead of myself here, I think about what’s going to happen to us after the holidays. If I can give Cassidy a reason to never leave Fairland again, and finda little cabin up on the mountain away from the rest of the world will she agree to stay?

Would Cassidy let me keep her all to myself or am I being too greedy?

How in the hell does one little kiss make me start thinking about all these trivial things?

“Fuck me…” Letting out a long sigh, I sink deeper into the couch. Running my hands down my face, I wait for a moment for this to get a little easier.

With the rumble of the truck leaving the house and the creak of the floor up above as the only other proof of life inside here, I consider doing more than just simply sulking down here. What should I do, knock on her door and ask for a repeat of earlier? Something tells me if I go up there now, I won’t want to stop at a kiss.

I’ve slept on that bed plenty enough to know how inviting it is.

I don’t know how long I sit here counting the lights glistening on the tree before I hear the sound of a door opening. Jaw tightening, I fight the urge to stand.

A small part of me is hoping that she is simply leaving her room to slip into the bathroom. She’ll return to her room and everything will be all as well. Then I hear the creak of the steps and I know I’m goner.

When Cassidy appears, she’s breathtaking. With different colors bouncing off of her cheeks and hair, she hunts me down with ease.

“Tell me you aren’t down here sulking by yourself.” She tilts her head and takes me in. “We had a deal, remember? No more bad thoughts.”

The only things going on in my head are what will mark me down on the naughty list. For once, I’m not thinking about everything else and I have to say, it’s like a breath of fresh air.

“Don’t worry, Bug. I’m keeping my word.” Tearing my eyes away from her, it’s a struggle to find something else interesting to look at. She’s got a snug shirt on with a pair of fuzzy pajama pants that look soft to the touch. I’m trying not to think about running my fingertips along the length of her leg to see how soft..

She sighs and closes the space between us. “I think I am a little too old for that nickname, don’t you?” Now she’s close enough that I can smell her body wash.

That little nickname is all I have left to remind me why I shouldn’t want her. If she can’t tell, I’m clinging onto it.

“You did grow up,” I mutter as she takes another step closer. This time, she doesn’t stop until she’s between my knees. My chest tightens and I’m forced to look back at her. This woman is full-grown and gorgeous. I want her, and I can’t stop.

Even with the shadows casting over her front, I can see the flush on her face. She looks like she’s got a lot to say. Is she like me with too many thoughts to count?

The seconds drag by pure silence before she takes in a deep breath. “I want to kiss you again.”

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