Page 41 of My Rival for Christmas

“Why do you keep chasing me?” My breathing turns heavy. All thoughts fleeing to his hands on my body. The roughness of his grip as it tightens around me, his arms bulging under the flexed force.

“Paige,” he rasps. Soft, and rough, like he’s just waking up.

I should push him away. I know if I try again, he’ll let me go.

My hands are already on his chest. All I have to do is make my move.

But the look on his face stunts me. He’s so open. Not hiding behind the natural charisma that practically sweats out of his pores. There are no airs. No humor to hide behind.

Just raw, unbridled emotion that captures me. A little hare in the wolf’s clutches.

He sees me.When all the world has their opinions, he sees me.

Nate shifts his arms, pulling me closer. Until I can feel the beat of his heart sprinting. Wildly uncontrollable. He tucks his chin into his chest, his face suddenly closer to mine. The bluest of blue eyes are now hooded, saturated with a want so palpable I start to wonder if it’s my own.

He’s going to kiss me.

It’s nothing but a whisper in my head, but it crashes like a crescendo regardless.

Nate waits to see if I’m going to push him away.

I should. I am.

My palms are still on his chest.

All I have to do is give him a little shove.

Nate inches closer.

My hands start to tingle, needles dancing under the skin.

One push, that’s all it will take.

He continues moving.

I glance at his mouth.

My breathing thickens.

What am I supposed to be doing?

Push or pull?

I can feel a tease of his beard, his hand slipping up my back.

“Paige.” My name sounds strangled.

He’s going to kiss me.

And I think I’m going to let him?—

A sharp ringing goes off. The sound is so jarring, so intrusive, I nearly jump out of my skin. Shattering whatever warped spell has befallen us.

Nate closes his eyes, a deep sigh leaving his body.

Slightly dazed, I gently, finally, push against his chest and this time—he lets me go. I tell him softly, “Time’s up.”

CHAPTER EIGHT

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