Page 40 of Holiday Love
One Year Ago
New York City
Helen
“No?” I echo Teddy’s word back to him, tinged with shock. I’m not a vain woman, but given the erection pressed againstmy stomach and the fact that my ass is in his hands I honestly thought he’d take me up on my offer.
He leans down, skims his nose along mine, and takes my mouth in a deep kiss, his actions in direct contrast to his word.
“You taste like sin,” he murmurs against my lips. “I want nothing more than to take you upstairs. But Gwen would kill me, and, more than that, the night’s not over. I don’t want to rush this. I want more time with you.”
Rush this? Whatisthis?
Amazed by my own brazenness, I wrap my arms tighter around his neck. I’m suddenly desperate to convince him. “I’m offering you more time with me…in your room.”
“No.”
His rejection, so firm and unwavering, stings, an arrow shot straight into my apparently overinflated ego, deflating it. I stiffen, pulling away.
“Oh, okay. That’s fine,” I sniff, attempting to keep the hurt off my face. “You’re right. It would be silly, us together. A mistake.”
He frowns at that. “That’s not what—it’s just with Gwen—and I want to—but—I—”
I hold up my hand to stop his stuttering, not interested in hearing his excuses. “I said never mind. I’ll just go back inside.” I swing around and put my back to him. I’ve taken one step when he catches my wrist and drags me back until I’m facing him again.
Teddy narrows his eyes with determination. In a rough voice, he says, “I’m not done with you.”
“What?” I pull my arm away and cross my arms over my chest, trying my darndest not to pout.I’m not a child,I remind myself. If anything,he’sthe child. One of the many reasons to stay away from him.
Undeterred, Teddy reaches out and gives another sharp tug on my wrist. I stumble forward into his arms. He grins down at me and lifts one brow. “IsaidI need more of you, and I intend to get what I want.”
I can’t help it. That cocky confidence is turning me on again.
Teddy continues, “I want to see this city. It’s my first time here. You’re going to be my tour guide.”
I peer up at his face, sure he’s joking. “Tour guide?”
“Yeah. Take me out. Right now. Show me the sights.”
“It’s Christmas!” I exclaim, incredulous. “And your sister’s wedding.”
“I already told Gwen and Caleb good night,” Teddy explains patiently. He tightens his grip on my waist. “The rest of my family’s gone to bed.”
“Of course they have.” I check my watch. “It’s past midnight.”
“So?” His eyes glint with challenge. “Isn’t this the city that never sleeps?”
“It may never sleep, but still, most places close on Christmas.”
“Times Square isn’t closed,” he challenges. “The Brooklyn Bridge isn’t closed.”
“The Brooklyn Bridge willfreeze your face off.All the tourists end up hating it in winter.”
Another cheeky smile from him. He bops my nose with infuriating playfulness. “Perfect. Times Square it is. Lead the way!”
I roll my eyes, ready to protest, but his mouth is back on mine, moving, exploring, teasing with his tongue piercing until I’m robbed of all rational thought.
His lips move to my ear, which he bites lightly, then whispers, “Come on, Hellcat. Let’s go have some fun.”
