Page 25 of Chasing Mr. December

Hell, I probably look the same way.

Unable to control myself, I pull her hips closer, allowing her to feel what she’s doing to me. Her gray eyes turn dark and stormy the moment she’s aware how hard I am. And it’s all for her.

“I should drive you and Callie home. I haven’t even had two beers, and you two…” I point at their table, and Quinn giggles.

“We’re not drunk, but we won’t turn down a ride.”

After settling up with the bartender I wrap my arm around Quinn, and lead her and Callie to the door when I notice a familiar male silently observing us from a corner booth.

Ian.

Chapter 17

Quinn

Arriving at the station, I’m a nervous wreck. It’s the last photoshoot, and while Jason agreed to participate, I can’t help but worry he’ll become a hostile subject.

“Hey, Holly. You got everything ready to go?”

“Yes. I can’t believe it’s the last one. He’s getting ready, but we should be all set to go in a few minutes.”

Looking over Holly’s shoulder, I find Jason standing in his turnout pants, red suspenders over his bronze shoulders as a makeup artist applies oil to his delicious six pack.

“How do I get that job?” Callie whispers from behind me.

I giggle. “I know, right? Thank you for coming.”

“Figured you might need the moral support. But after the dreamy way he was looking at you at the Diddled Fiddle, I knew he’d hold up his end of the deal.”

Holly moves to take her place, her large black camera around her neck, just as “I’m Too Sexy” by Right Said Fred starts blaring through Layton’s blue tooth speakers. The guys are all in attendance, cheering Jason on from the sidelines.

He takes it all in stride, posing like a pro. He climbs onto the engine, looks down at Holly from the ladder, and even allows her to obtain a shot wearing a Santa hat. It isn’t until the song stops, and Holly is reviewing the pictures through her lens, that I notice how many passersby have stopped to watch. Several women who look like they just left a bible study fan themselves while others giggle with rosy cheeks and hungry eyes.

I get it. My mind is going all sorts of places it shouldn’t.

Jason approaches and leans close to my ear. “Is that what you wanted, Miss Patterson?” his voice seeming even more deep and gravely than usual.

I have to bite my lower lip to keep from moaning an indecent reply.

“Hey. What’re you doing tonight?”

“Not a thing. Why?” Looking up at him, I have to fight swooning. I’m certain it’s just the endorphins from watching him shirtless, his tatted, sinewy pecs and abs on display, all covered in oil.God, I need a cold shower.

“Meet me at Mug Life. Say, seven? Thought I should at least take you out for coffee after giving you such a hard time about doing this.” He reaches behind his neck, his biceps up close andpersonal, an uneasy expression lighting up his beautiful face. “I should be embarrassed by the whole thing. Don’t let anyone at my station back home find out. But I actually had fun.”

Back home.

The days seem to be flying by way too fast. Having him here. “Sure.” I might as well get my fix while I can. I grin up at him. “Why not?”

Jason

Still keyed up from the day’s events, I pace in front of Mug Life as I await Quinn’s arrival. Hell, I feel like an awkward teen with a crush.What has this girl done to me?

“Hi.”

Turning, I find Quinn standing behind me on the sidewalk wearing curve-hugging jeans, cute little brown boots, and a gray hoodie that brings out the color of her eyes. Her brown hair is down around her shoulders and it’s all I can do not to lean in and kiss her.

“Hi.” I extend my arm toward the front door. “After you.” I follow her in, and we make our way to the counter. I order a hot chocolate, extra marshmallows, and she smiles and asks for the same. It doesn’t take long as we wait silently at the end of the counter for our orders, but long enough that my anxiety starts to get the better of me. My concern grows that I won’t be able to keep from staring if I’m sitting across from her. “You okay if we walk while we sip?”

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