Page 35 of Christmas With The Kings
Before I could blink, the trio of grannies made a beeline for Marcus. I watched gleefully as they swarmed him with cheerful chatter and compliments about his “posture” and “strong hands.” He looked panicked.
I made my move. I darted across the open court as if I were in a spy film, darting out of sight behind the Santa sign. Thankfully, it shielded me completely.
One of the players leaned around with an amused grin on his face.
“Hi!” I chirped.
“You hiding from someone?”
“Maybe…just a little. Nothing serious. But I could use some help.”
Two of his friends noticed and stepped closer to the sign. This was my chance. I could start with these three and then ask them to send the others back a few at a time.
“So I’m trying to win a competition. The challenge is to sing a Christmas carol with strangers. Um…if you agree, I’ll donate to your charity thing. I’ll even throw in a round of cookies from the stand over there.”
They were on board immediately. We started “Rudolph,” and one of them did a beatbox intro like it was a halftime show. We were halfway through and killing it. That was until someone cleared his throat very loudly behind me.
I turned. Marcus stood there, the snow-grannies still fluttering at his elbows, now showing him photos of their grandkids, their cruise, and a cute little dachshund. He didn’t say a word.
He didn’t have to.
I smiled sweetly at him. “Having a nice chat?”
His jaw ticked. “You’re a goddamn menace.”
“Maybe. But I’m your menace, remember?”
One of the grandmas patted his arm. “She’s a firecracker, that one. You keep an eye on her.”
He gave them a tight smile. “That’s what I’m trying to do. It’s too bad she won’t get in line.”
Ten Minutes Later…
I had one more to go. Turns out the Rugby players had another mall to get to. I was scoping out a new target when Nik strolled over, looking way too smug. He raised his phone and wiggled it like a trophy. “Fifteen. Verified.”
I flopped dramatically onto the bench nearest me. “I had fourteen. I was so close!”
“Fourteen is not the winning number now, is it?” he asked with a wink. “You’re short. And that means…I win.”
I crossed my arms but couldn’t stop smiling. “Fine. You win.”
He leaned in, brushing a kiss to my temple. “You gave it your all, and you looked so cute doing it. But tonight…you’re mine, baby girl. I hope you’re in the mood to beg.”
The butterflies returned with a vengeance.
“Let’s get some lunch and then onto our next surprise.”
That turned out to be an escape room where we had to help Santa get home and deliver the presents on time. I never laughed so hard. Once we saved Christmas, he took me by the hand and kissed it softly.
“You’re beautiful,” he whispered, and my heart soared. “I have one last thing I want to do with you. We need to head back to the cottage.”
“I’d love that,” I teased, brushing my breasts against his chest sensually.
“I’m sure you would, you dirty little slut.”
“Your dirty little slut.”
“And don’t you forget it. You ready?”
