Fake Fiance For Christmas by Carol Burnside

Author:Carol Burnside
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Happy for now ending heartwarming love, Denver pub snowy evening snowed in sleepover, lovers sensual Christmas fake fiancé meet cute, family ties home broken engagement ring, instant attraction school teacher hero sexy, independent heroine New Years Eve ending, shared bed close proximity guarded hearts
Publisher: B & R Bookery
Published: 2022-09-29T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Ten

Things were different between him and Lia after their exchange in the hallway. Easier. Ryan could feel it all through the prep of making a quiche and salad meal. They uncorked two bottles of wine, Lia divided the chores, and they all pitched in to help. Even Gloriana, who seemed more relaxed tonight, though she stuck with ginger ale, saying her stomach had been iffy after a recent stomach bug.

There’d been a change of music station, a little dancing, a lot of laughter and raucous singing involved during the cleanup. A thoroughly enjoyable evening with a buzz of sensuality, some heated glances exchanged when others weren’t looking. It was nothing like he’d ever experienced before, a lot of domesticities involved, but through it all, an invisible thread tethered him and Lia. It was as welcome as it was disturbing.

She looked up after placing a dish towel over the hand-washed stemware he’d left in the drainer and smiled. “I think that’s the last of it. This was fun.”

“Exactly what I was thinking.” Another new feeling for him, this business of being in tune with someone. He’d never experienced this level of connection with any woman he hoped to make love with.

Well. Listen to him. Make love, not just sex. Yeah, even that felt right too, though—seeing as they shared a room—there would be no hasty exit afterward, no escape to his own place.

He tested the idea, didn’t have the usual flight sensation, just a constant hum of desire through his veins. This time, if it happened tonight or tomorrow or next week, he wouldn’t be in any great hurry to escape.

“It wasn’t too overwhelming? You seem relaxed.” She moved closer, a bit of smolder darkening her eyes as the others filed out, headed toward the den at the back of the house and its surround sound system.

Ryan linked his fingers behind her waist, tugging her closer until they fit together, chest to thighs and her hands settled over his upper arms. “The wine helped, but I didn’t need it to have fun with this bunch. They’ve been great.”

“I’m glad you feel that way.” She stroked his bicep through his sleeve, a mere thumb movement, but it brought to mind more intimate caresses.

He glanced at the doorway, making sure everyone had left. “My morning started early. Enjoy the holiday movie with them if you want, but I think I’ll turn in.”

She shrugged one shoulder. “I’ve seen it at least a half-dozen times, maybe more.”

After a few seconds of strained silence, he asked, “Are you saying you’d like to join me?”

A seductive smile teased her lips. She backed out of his embrace, her hand trailing down his arm. Linking her fingers through his, she tugged. “If this was a normal date, then we’ve had drinks and dinner with friends and family. It’s gone well, and we’ve enjoyed our time together. This is the part where I invite you in at my place.”

Ryan could hardly breathe as she sucked her bottom lip in and released it, leaving it glistening.

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