Page 89 of Bad Boy Bachelor Christmas
“Orgasms would be guaranteed.”
“I like the sound of that.”
“Unfortunately there are pests that might hang around. Cling-ons, really.”
She looked pointedly at Cami and Justin. “Free entertainment? Sign me up.”
“And lastly, kisses. Lots and lots and lots of kisses.”
“Good ones?”
“You tell me.”
I pulled her to me, fingers still under her chin, and lifted her face for a soft, inviting, indulgent kiss that left my body aching for more. Her hands fell to my waist. She tasted like mulled wine and smelled like peppermint.
“Hey! Lovebirds!” Justin’s voice boomed across the living room.
We parted and turned to him and the rest of the crowd.
He held up two shot glasses. “Is this a party, or is this a party?”
Winter laughed. The sound was pure magic. She threaded her fingers through mine and pulled me into the kitchen, already calling out for Justin to tell her the rules and prepare to get his ass handed to him. I reveled in the laughter of my friends and some of the people I’d come to think of as family, like Marge, who caught my eye and winked.
My big old house finally felt like a home again, and I was ready to fill it with new memories.
EPILOGUE
WINTER
One Year Later
Roger O’Malley rocked back on his heels and tipped his head all the way back, straining to see to the top of the Waylon Christmas tree that had been delivered three days ago. He held a cigar in his mouth—or rather, perched on the outermost part of his lower lip—and gave a confident, business-mogul nod.
“Looks good, Winter. Very good. You’ve outdone yourself.”
Standing beside him, I planted my hands on my hips as a cold wind picked up and tousled my hair. I peeled strands away from my lipstick. “Just wait until you see her all lit up, sir. Fifteen more minutes and you’ll see why you paid us the big bucks.”
He chuckled. “Waylon trees have always been worth the big bucks. It’s your eye for detail I’m curious about. I hope it lives up to my expectations.”
Over the past several months of working with Roger, I’d come to the conclusion that I didn’t really like him personally. Sure, he was a nice enough guy, but he had that edge to him that a lot of men who’d “made it” in business sharpened like a weapon. He liked to remind me how young I was, how fresh I was, and would often say things like,well for the rate I’m paying you, I sure hope the tinsel is included, or,last I checked, newbies are supposed to be cheaper than those with experience.He’d tried multiple times to swindle a deal out of me, but I knew my worth and I stuck to it, and now the day was upon us where he would see with his own eyes that I was worth it.
Because damn it, I was.
North had enjoyed Christmas with my parents and crazy family last year. They had immediately taken a liking to him and welcomed him with open arms. I’d gone back to school to finish my degree. I’d made it through my specialty program in the spring with flying colors and finished at the top of my class. Dr. Kent, along with all my professors and multiple professionals in the industry I’d connected with since my time in New York, wrote me glowing recommendations and letters of review, which I treasured like badges of honor. North had sat up late with me one night reading them all shortly after my graduation and glowed with pride—as had my parents. My father even shed a tear.
I couldn’t believe most of my victories had come from this past year of my life. I knew I’d been on the right track before that, but Maple Hill changed everything for me.
North changed everything for me.
And I wouldn’t have it any other way.
An announcement rang through the outdoor speakers of the mall. “Ladies and gentlemen, please make your way to the Christmas square at the main entrance to the mall. Our annual tree lighting ceremony will begin in ten minutes. That’s ten minutes, folks.”
Roger puffed excitedly at his cigar, sending bursts of smoke into the air. “Another year, just like that, huh?”
I smiled. “Just like that. I’ll be right back, sir. I just have to grab my VIP guests so they have a good spot for the lighting.”
“Off you go, off you go.”
