Page 10 of Mistletoe Mistake
“She’s no bother, I don’t mind if she stays.” I chance a quick look at my watch and see it’s just after two. “I need to head into my workshop for a few hours anyway.”
“You have a workshop? Color me impressed.” Her eyes sparkle mischievously.
Sparkle mischievously? Who the hellamI?
“Brandon mentioned you had started your own business, how’s it going?”
I wonder briefly if she’s been asking about me.
“It’s been good. It was tough at first, the custom furniture business is built on reputation, so starting from scratch, it took a while to get my name out there. But business has been steadily increasing, so I’ve got no complaints.”
“That’s great, Nick, I’m happy for you. I know things were tough when—”
“Yeah, I’m good now though.” I reach up and knead the knot in my neck that suddenly feels uncomfortably tight.
“Right.” She averts her eyes and the air in the room shifts, a tension that wasn’t there a moment ago now hanging heavy.
“Well, I’m glad.” She offers me a small smile. “It’s probably best that you’re heading out. I thought Tahlia and I could make some sugar cookies, so this place is going to be a complete mess in about fifteen minutes.”
“Cookies?” I practically groan. Cookies are my weakness.
“Who’s having cookies?” Tahlia shrieks and Gypsy barks in support.
Holly grimaces. “Maybe more sugar isn’t such a good idea…”
Oh, hell no.I can tolerate wanting a woman I can’t have, I am a grown man after all. But cookies are an entirely different matter.
If she is throwing around the suggestion of cookies, then I’m sorry, but I’m going to need those cookies.
“Who’s having cookies?” I throw Tahlia’s question back at her as I move through the kitchen. Reaching the dining table, I grab Tahlia up, offering her my hand for a hi-five. “We are, kid. We are.”
* * *
This has definitely not been one of my better ideas.
The last forty-five minutes have tested my resolve, my willpower, and my commitment to an eighteen-year friendship.
Despite the temperature outside, the kitchen heated up as soon as the oven was on and Holly took this as a cue to strip down to leggings and a tank top. Her curvy ass and ample tits were on display, and it took every ounce of my self-control to keep my hands to myself.
Every move she made reminded me how much I want her.
Every move she made reminded me how much of an asshole I am.
It didn’t help that she kept touching me. A brush of her fingers here, the graze of her arm there.
I feel drunk on her. I both loathe and love it at the same time.
“Nick!” Tahlia’s voice snaps me back to reality. “I need the sprinkles.”
I pass her the container as I survey the damage that’s been done to the kitchen. Ingredients cover the island and flour seems to coat everything, including the three of us, while dishcloths cover the ground to sop up spills.
Despite the chaos, the room is filled with the sweet scent of cookies and my mouth practically waters as I watch Holly bend over and pull the cookie sheet out of the oven.
Don’t ask me if it’s the cookies or Holly that has me wiping my chin, I don’t think I could tell you.
“Tahlia, I want you to run to the bathroom and clean up while the cookies cool down,” Holly instructs.
Tahlia opens her mouth to argue, but she quickly shuts it when she sees the look Holly throws her.
