Page 5 of Tied Up In Tinsel
The desire was there, humming between us, but neither of us moved to cross the line. Maybe it was because we didn’t know each other’s names. Perhaps it was because the not-knowing was the fun part.
Or maybe it was because, deep down, I knew that if I kissed him, I wouldn’t want to stop, and I wasn’t one to indulge in the first meeting.
It was more fun to tease and play, make them want more, and they always did.
As much fun as I was having, I’d only come here for a quick drink—not two drinks and a couple of shots with a total stranger, no matter how ridiculously good-looking he was.
Still… if fate happened to toss him back in my path, there was no telling if I’d pass up the chance to climb him like a fir tree in Rockefeller Center.
I drained the last of my glass, the tart sweetness of cranberry lingering on my tongue, and set it down on the polished bar.Sliding my phone and gloves into my bag, I started to gather my things.
“Leaving so soon?” His voice carried that warm, teasing drawl that made me want to stay. “We didn’t even get to do the cliché small-town bar dancing… or kiss outside under the snowfall.”
I couldn’t hide my smile as I ran a hand down the length of my ponytail. “I don’t kiss on a first date.”
His brows lifted, his mouth curving into a slow grin. “This is a date?” He sipped from his still mostly full glass, peering at me over the rim like he was testing me.
“It can be,” I said, meeting his gaze. “So next time I see you around town, maybe I’ll give you that kiss in the snow or a spin to some upbeat country twang.”
“Then this is most definitely a date,” he said without hesitation.
He stood, his height stealing a bit of my breath, and offered me his hand. I scoffed softly, but slid mine into his, letting him help me down from the stool. My heels hit the worn wood floor, and I became fully aware of how much space he took up—broad shoulders, solid frame, muscles that made him seem two, maybe three times my size. A real-life teddy bear… if teddy bears had forearms like carved oak.
He didn’t let go. Instead, he lifted my hand slowly, deliberately, and pressed his lips to my skin. The heat of the gesture sent a rush to my cheeks, and I knew he caught it from the way his eyes flickered with something smug and satisfied.
Those eyes—warm whiskey brown, steady and unreadable—held mine for a beat longer than was necessary.
“Hopefully I’ll see you around,” I said softly.
“Likewise,” he murmured, still holding my hand. “I’ll be eagerly waiting for date two.”
Annie
From:[email protected]
Hi Brooks,
My name is Annie, and I just saw your application for the live-in nanny position for my daughter, Ruby. Your resume was impressive, and I’d love for us to meet before I introduce you to her, just to make sure you’re the right fit. Let me know a time and date that works best for you.
You’re a lifesaver!
Annie Cringle
From:[email protected]
Hey Annie,
Awesome! I’m available whenever. I have a lot of free time on my hands since my last job wrapped up.
Feel free to text me the location, and I’ll be there. Here’s my number.
See you soon,
Brooks B
