Page 53 of Unwrapped

“No way. Dare’s a real ladies man will a sea of broken hearts littering the streets of Chicago.”

“Really? He’s an ogre. A real Grinch. He’s always scowling or in a foul mood. I can’t imagine any woman wanting to spend time with him.”

“You mean out of bed?” She giggles.

“I stole his rental car after I line jumped him.”

She points to an empty table tucked behind a Christmas tree in a quieter corner of the bar. “Let’s go. I need to hear this one.”

“Oh? And did I mention Santa stopped my purse snatcher and has six-pack abs?”

“You saw him shirtless?”

“Kind of. His undershirt was clinging to them like white on rice.”

“Nice.”

“…we might have kissed.”

“What?” She shrieks, grabbing my arm as heads turn.”

“It was nothing.”

“You kissed Springdale’s Santa?”

“Ok, fine. I did like it. His fake beard itched my face, but it was worth it. Do you know who he is? Could he be…you know…someone from the local MC?”

“Definitely not. None of them would be caught dead wearing that suit.”

I sigh, “I figured. But still, I am curious to know who I kissed.”

“These things have a way of coming out,” she averts her gaze.

“Are you sure, you don’t know? I mean you are married to the mayor.”

“He called an agency. They sent someone. He’s probably not even from Springdale.”

My shoulders slump, “Oh, ok. I guess I won’t be kissing Santa Claus anytime soon.”

“Unless…”

I perk up.

“I could call the agency and request him again for Christmas Eve?”

My heart slams against my ribcage like a surfer caught in a barrel roll. “Is there another party?”

“There is now.”

I grin. “Something tells me this Christmas—I just might get everything I’m hoping for.”

15

DARE

“YOU KISSED HER?” The music is loud, the lighting dim and I need to take a serious leak.

“Who?” I retort. Felling moody as fuck. Devon grabs me by the elbow and hauls me into a dark corner. “You know who.”

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