Page 21 of Hard Candy Christmas

“Why?”

I passed by him, flicking my finger over his pouting lip.

“Because you’re going to ruin them. And I’d like something nice for the family to come home too.”

I grabbed the bowl and measured out the items before starting to whisk it.

“You’re a party pooper.”

“Chase, don’t you think we made a big enough mess? We had to clean all that up. And let me tell you, my body was protesting that given the time since it’s had a workout like that.”

“That was not a mess, that was fun.”

I rolled my eyes before putting the dough on the tray. At least he had the foresight to make chocolate chip cookies with red, green, and white sprinkles.

It was fun, and something I like to do again with this man, but I know I shouldn’t. This was a one-time thing because I knew Chase. I highly doubt that he’s changed all these years later.

“Not getting into that with you.”

I pushed the cookie off the spoon with my finger, then stuck it in my mouth. If there was ever something I loved to bake, it was cookies. The rich and sweet aroma that filled the air always made my heart soar. And as simple as it was, chocolate chip cookies were my favorite.

“Don’t do that,” he hissed, and I tossed him a look over my shoulder.

“Do what?” I questioned, repeating the action. He grabbed my hand, sticking the cookie dough finger in his mouth and looked at me. “Oh,” I whimpered, causing his eyes to flare up.

Hello dangerous ground!

“Yes, oh.” He dropped my hand and then went back to lean against the counter. “You can’t handle another round, so don’t tease me.”

“I’m not teasing you, Chase. I’m making your cookies.”

I ignored him as I finished the cookies, then put the tray in the oven, ignoring his groan as well.

Not my fault if things seemed to turn him on easily enough these days. There could have been any number of ladies to have warmed his bed over the years, I’m sure.

“Belinda,” he growled, and I looked up as I grabbed another bowl and the flour.

“What?” I asked. I wasn’t pretending to be innocent. I really couldn’t understand what was getting him so worked up.

“You,” he responded, moving towards me. No, not just moving. Prowling. Stalking even. I sat the bowl down and walked backwards to the other counter.

“What about me? I didn’t do anything?”

“You’re driving me crazy, and I think you enjoy that.”

Okay, sure, I did enjoy it. But I really didn’t mean to do it on purpose.

“Seriously, Chase, I didn’t do anything.”

“Right.”

His hands found my waist and lifted me up, plopping me down on the counter. As if they had a mind of their own, my legs fell open and he stepped between them, rubbing a hardening member right against my now aching clit.

When the hell did that happen?

I wasn’t feeling anything a moment ago.

Maybe it was the look in his eyes?

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