Page 3 of Mistletoe Mistake
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“C’mon.” I jiggle the key in the lock and mentally cross my fingers that it will work this time. Brandon warned me that this lock was sticking. He promised he would fix it before they left, but I guess he didn’t get around to it. Ugh, which reminds me, I never called my brother to see what he wanted. I sigh, hating how the day got away from me. I can hear Gypsy on the other side of the door, sniffing around and scratching at the door to get to me. Finally, with one last jiggle and a silent prayer, the key turns and the door swings open. I trek through the mudroom, into the kitchen and dump my things on the island counter, before crouching down and greeting my fur baby with ear scratches and a tummy rub. When she’s suitably loved up, she gives me a final lick and races off to her toys where she busies herself with a tennis ball.
Groaning, I roll my shoulders and slump onto the counter, considering what to do for dinner. Deciding that a grilled cheese will have to do, I’m halfway to the refrigerator when I remember the spa bath Brandon and Amy had installed in their bathroom earlier this year and suddenly my plans for the night change. I grab a glass and a bottle of wine—Moscato, my favorite, thank you Amy—from the refrigerator and I head toward the stairs, already fantasizing about sinking into a tub full of bubbles.
I’ve barely made it three steps when my newly charged phone starts buzzing in my purse. I groan and try to decide whether or not to ignore it. Guilt stops me, knowing Brandon will most likely be annoyed he’s been chasing me all day, so I turn back to the counter and search through my bag until I find it. Unexpectedly seeing my friend Tessa’s name on the screen, I answer the call and greet her warmly. After a few minutes of small talk, I grab the wine with my spare hand, and pivot back in the direction of the stairs, figuring I’ll switch to speaker and finish the conversation while I get my bath ready.
“Anyway, I’m calling about book club.” Tessa’s usually melodic voice sounds worried.
“What’s up?” I take the stairs two at a time, eager to reach paradise. I can already feel the tension start to leave my body, imagining my body sinking into the hot water.
“I know we were supposed to have our next meeting at my apartment, but I’ve had a business trip sprung on me, so I’m going to be out of state until the twenty-third.”
My feet hit the landing and I turn toward the bathroom.
“Oh, that’s no problem, Tess. Billie and I can host it this time and you can FaceTime us.”
“You’re sure?”
“Of course.” I reach for the bathroom door and open it, already planning the night in my head. “Our place is p—p—penis!”
2
Nick
Ishould probably cover my dick.
She hasn’t taken her bright blue eyes off it since she flung open the bathroom door, and that was at least thirty seconds ago.
Thirty long,silentseconds ago.
The little fucker seems to be getting off on her attention though, because it twitches, and her round eyes get even wider.
Yeah, I really should cover my dick.
“Hey, Holly.” I continue to scrub the towel over my hair.
My voice seems to startle her, and I wish I could adequately describe the sound she makes. Imagine a strangled screech, some garbled words and a deep exhalation of breath. Now imagine all three mixed together, and you might come close to the sound I just experienced.
I’m not going to lie, my cock has never gotten a reaction like that before and I’m not mad about it.
Taking pity on her, I lazily wrap the towel around my waist and turn to face her, scratching my pec as I do. A sparking sensation under my skin follows the path of her eyes and I realize I might be in trouble.
“Sorry, I should have locked the door. I was filthy and in a rush to clean up. I wasn’t thinking.” My apology is half-assed because I can’t count the number of times I’ve imagined her eyes on me like this.
A small squeak escapes her full, pink mouth, reminding me of a cartoon character, and she abruptly turns, making her escape back the way she came.
Well, that could have gone better.
* * *
Ten minutes later I walk into the kitchen to find Holly pacing back and forth, her arms wrapped firmly around her waist and her bottom lip clamped between her teeth.
I would also like to point out that I am now fully dressed. Winning at life, right here.
“You okay?”
She startles at the sound of my voice before turning to face me. The scorching sensation under my skin fires back to life.
