Christmasland by Anne-Marie Meyer

Author:Anne-Marie Meyer [Meyer, Anne-Marie]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

13 - ETHAN

I was in some deep water. No matter what I did or how hard I tried to stay away from Bea, I couldn’t help but find myself right next to her. She was like a magnet for me.

It didn’t help that our almost kiss was seared into my brain. Every time I looked at her, all I could see was her tipping her face toward me. All I could focus on was the curvature of her lips and what they might feel like pressed against mine.

What had started out as a playful event quickly turned intense when she stood next to me, sucking me in. And if I were completely honest with myself, I wanted all of this. I wanted her. I wanted us. And I wanted to be here with her experiencing Christmas this way.

I didn’t want to admit it, but Christmasland was beginning to grow on me. It was fun, making these moments happen for Bea. She deserved them, and I wanted to give them to her. Probably more than I’d wanted anything else lately.

I leaned forward on the counter and watched as she pulled the last tray of cookies from the oven. The smell of melted sugar and cinnamon filled the air. I was surprised at her ability to tweak a recipe to make it her own.

For all her talk of not being a good baker, I was actually excited to taste what she created. Even though I was supposed to be an impartial judge, I could tell that these cookies had potential to win on their merit alone.

“Ouch,” she said as she pulled her hand away quickly and brought her fingertips to her lips.

I was standing and making my way toward her before I could stop myself. “Everything okay?” I asked as I stepped up next to her and gently took her hand, so I could inspect it.

Bea’s eyes were wide as she studied me. Then she nodded slowly. “Yeah. I just burned my fingers.”

Ignoring the sensation that rushed through my body as my hand held hers, I nodded toward the sink. “Let’s get some cold water on it.” I hated how my voice deepened when she was around. It was out of instinct, but regardless, I knew she could sense the change in me. And right now, I wasn’t sure I was ready to appear that vulnerable.

“Sure,” she said as she followed me.

I flipped the faucet on and stuck her fingers under the running water. Her arm was pressed against my chest, and for a moment, I allowed myself to glance down at her. She was staring straight forward, and I couldn’t tell if it was because she was interested in something outside the window or if she was trying to keep from looking at me.

With her hesitation to meet my gaze, I allowed myself to linger on her features. She was truly beautiful. Her lashes were long, and her skin was pale. I could see a dash of freckles across her nose and I wondered if those freckles darkened in the summer sun.

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