Page 44 of Frost and Felines

"I've been wanting to do that for weeks," he murmured.

"Me too." Her fingers played with the hair at the nape of his neck. "I just wasn't sure I should..."

"I'm sure." He brushed another soft kiss across her lips. "More sure than I've ever been about anything in my life."

20

MALLORY

Sunlight streamed through the frost-covered windows and cast prisms across Mallory's bed. She burrowed deeper into the plush comforter, her fingers touching her lips where she could still feel the phantom pressure of Kieran's kiss from the night before.

"What was I thinking?" she whispered to herself, though a smile tugged at her mouth. The memory of his strong arms around her waist and the way his hand tangled in her hair pulling her closer when their lips met, sent pleasant shivers through her.

Rolling onto her back, she stared at the ornate ceiling of her suite. The kiss had been... electric. Different from Eli's gentle pecks, Kieran had kissed her with an intensity that made her toes curl. He'd tasted like cinnamon and promises.

A knock at her door made her jump.

"Housekeeping, Mrs. Striker!"

The title made her stomach flutter. Even if it wasn't real, even if it was all pretend, something about being called Mrs. Striker felt right in a way that suddenly terrified her.

"Just a minute!" she called back, though she made no move to get up. Instead, she touched her lips again, remembering how Kieran had looked at her after the kiss - like a starving man who had just discovered a feast.

The weather outside had calmed significantly since last night. Her magic hummed contentedly under her skin, at peace for the first time in years. She knew she should feel guilty about kissing another man, about wanting more kisses from Kieran, but somehow she didn't. Maybe it was time to stop punishing herself for being alive.

"You're overthinking this," she muttered, pulling the blanket up to her chin. "It was just a kiss under the mistletoe. That's what people do at Christmas."

But she knew that wasn't true. That kiss hadn't been just anything - it had been everything. The way Kieran had cupped her face, how his thumb had stroked her cheek, the small growl that had rumbled in his chest when she had pressed closer…

Another knock, more insistent this time. "Mrs. Striker!"

Mallory groaned, throwing an arm over her eyes. "Coming!" How was she supposed to face Kieran now? What if he regretted it? What if he didn't?

Her heart raced at both possibilities.

Mallory soon tugged on her cream sweater and dark jeans and smoothed her hair down. She opened her door to find Maria, one of the housekeepers, holding fresh towels.

"Good morning, Mrs. Striker! There's a note for you." Maria pointed to a red envelope propped against the wall.

Mallory's heart skipped as she recognized Kieran's bold handwriting. She waited until Maria bustled into the bathroom before opening it.

Meet me in the Rose Room for breakfast. Merry Christmas, beautiful. –K

The simple note caused warmth to spread throughout her entire body. She slipped on her boots and headed downstairs, her steps quickening as she approached the private dining area.

When she opened the door, she let out a soft gasp. Kieran had transformed the intimate space into a Christmas wonderland. Twinkling lights draped the ceiling in swooping arcs, casting a soft golden glow. Pine garland wrapped with red ribbon framed the windows, and the table gleamed with fine china and crystal glasses.

"Merry Christmas." Kieran's deep voice came from behind her. He stepped close, his presence solid and warm at her back. The earthy scent of his cologne made her want to lean into him.

"You did all this?" She gestured to the decorations, trying to ignore how her skin tingled where his hand rested on her shoulder.

"I had some help." His chest rumbled with amusement. "But the concept was mine. Come over here."

He guided her to the table, pulling out her chair with a grand flourish. "Today, you're getting the full-service treatment. No arguments."

"Is that an order?" She raised her eyebrows at him, enjoying the flash of heat in his blue eyes.

"Consider it a very strong suggestion." He winked, then lifted a silver dome to reveal fresh croissants and perfectly scrambled eggs. "I remember you mentioned these were your favorite breakfast items."

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