Page 8 of Tis The Season for Secrets
“Thank you, but I can’t impose. We don’t even know each other,” she hedged, searching his eyes for any hidden agenda. All she saw was kindness.
“I’m Will.” He extended his hand, and that cheeky grin threatened to break down her walls. “And if you’re worried about imposing, don’t. Consider it a Christmas miracle that you don’t have to stay in a draughty lobby for hours. At least, consider it my way of apologising for bumping into you earlier, then rudely leaving you in the bar, and then jumping the queue. I believe I’ve made a terrible first impression.”
The thought of staying in his suite made her heart flutter, while her better judgement tried to bypass her desire and remind her that he was a perfect stranger.Perfect being the operative word.However, as a cold breeze cut through the lobby and her bare legs, her desire won.
“Juliet,” she told him, taking his hand.
“A pleasure to meet you. Now, can we get out of this lobby?”
His kindness did something to her. She was far from drunk, but felt utterly intoxicated by his sheer presence. They walked to the elevator, her feet guiding her more than sense. She didn’t know what the hell she was doing, but she didn’t care.
“I was watching you earlier in the bar before I summoned up the courage to come over to you. You seemed like you were struggling. Nothing worse than a bad book,” Will said as the elevator doors closed behind them.
Why is there nothing sexier than a man who reads?
She didn’t think courage was something he was lacking. He had an air of ease about him.
“Watching me? I think serial killers use the same line.” She wanted to see if there was a sense of humour in those dark eyes.
“Watching you might not have been the best way to put it.” His deep laughter radiated low from his chest; the hearty sound only added to his charm. “I should’ve said it was your laugh that caught my attention. I couldn’t help but wonder what had you both so perplexed and entertained.”
Maybe it was the hot whiskeys making him so alluring, buthis bashful explanation made her insides giddy.Sense of humour? Check.
“Just a manuscript that should never see the light of day.” Juliet hadn’t meant to draw attention to herself, but she didn’t mind attracting his.
“You work in publishing?” He eyed the manuscript, and she turned over the title page, afraid of bad-mouthing a client.Is he really asking me about work?Was he flirting or not?
“Trying to,” she said, letting out a sigh. “However, this book might kill my chances.”
“Good things come to those who put in the work. I’m sure you’ll get all your heart’s desires.”
“Are you in the business?” she asked, trying not to be distracted by what her heart desired right now as his hand brushed hers.
“No, just a keen reader. I’m in recruitment. Helping people find where they belong.” Given his evident ease with people, that made sense.Please don’t be a serial killer.Stealing subtle glances, Juliet established that there was no ring on his left hand. Not married, then.
“Genre of choice?” she asked, still ignoring the way his fingers were brushing hers playfully. With his easy charm and disarming smile, she wondered how many women he had loved and left haunted.
“True crime.” His gaze didn’t waver, but there was a teasing glint in his eye.
“Very funny.” Juliet nudged him gently, but her heel caught in the carpet as she moved. He caught her as her ankle gave way. “Sorry – carpet and heels aren’t a great combination.” She blushed as he held her flush against him.
She had planned to pull away, but the way his attention settled on her lips made her still. One night of absolute freedomwith the most insanely handsome man she’d ever seen might be the best Christmas present she’d got to date.Maybe I should take a page out of Margot’s book and live a little!Taking a chance, she dropped her clutch and the manuscript and wrapped her arms around his neck.
The small smile on the corner of his mouth was all she needed. She rose on her tiptoes and brought her lips to his, gentle, seeking permission. In response, his hand travelled from her waist and into her hair, his lips demanding and possessive as he pinned her against the wall of the elevator.
“Sorry,” he panted, breaking away for a moment. She could feel the heat of his hand through her thin dress. “I promised to be a perfect gentleman.”
“What if I don’t want you to be a perfect gentleman?” she asked before she lost her courage. Being so bold felt rather refreshing and terrifying all at once. She had one or two brief relationships, though her last name tended to get in the way, but a one-night stand? Never.
“If?” Will asked, and she forced herself to meet his heavy gaze.
Her heart pounded. “I. Want. You.”
“Your wish is my command.” He kissed the back of her hand tenderly and brought it to his chest. She blushed as she felt his heart hammering beneath her palm. Seconds later, his lips crushed hers urgently once more.
She didn’t need air any more, only his lips. His hand grazed her thigh as he pressed her against the elevator wall. He took every inch she offered, and it was a heady sensation. No man had ever made her feel so desired in a matter of moments. She moaned into his lips as his fingertips brushed the edge of her short dress – but thebingof the elevator doors opening thrust them apart.
Juliet hurried to collect the manuscript, and when Will crouched to pick up her clutch, they couldn’t help but laugh as their eyes met. He seemed as surprised as she was by how carried away they’d got.
