Tangled in Tinsel (Holidates #1)(25)

Jesus, my cheeks are so red. And Reed’s enjoying every moment. Asshole.

“Ignore Reed,” Alec offers before standing and making his way to the couch. “His specialty is having a one-track mind. As you’ve come to witness. We’re happy to answer anything you’d like to know, gorgeous. Don’t worry. Nobody thinks you want to snort blow off any of our dicks.”

I squeeze my eyes closed for the briefest moment as the embarrassment rolls over me again. Fucking Reed.

Alec sits next to Jace, but Reed keeps standing, still smirking at me. I hate him, but I also like that way too much to keep a clear mind.

This conversation is going to be harder than I thought.

Especially if they all keep flirting like this.

Come on, snowsuit of armor, help a horny girl out.

Cole stands, drawing my eyes to his. He’s dressed in regular clothes. Of course, he is.

He starts toward me in his dark jeans, the olive-colored hue in his skin made brighter by his garnet sweater. Just his presence is intimidating. I swear I try to take a step back before swallowing hard, forced to hold my ground by sheer fucking will.

The room’s quiet, watching with the same rapture I feel as he stops in front of me.

His eyes drop to my mouth, then tick back to my eyes. So I lick my lips, testing their softness for him, just in case he kisses me again.

My collar feels like steam’s coming out. Am I hot or heated? Honestly, it’s a coin toss as a trickle of sweat rolls down between my breasts.

Never mind, it’s not me. It’s him. The way he hovers over me, forcing my face to his as his eyes never leave mine, makes me feel dizzy.

“Nervous?” he says low and direct.

I nod.

“Want some help with him?” Cole’s head softly motions toward the couch.

Who? What? I follow the direction to Reed, realizing what he means, so I nod again. Cole never leaves my face as his steady words hit with force.

“Reed, the lady said to sit. I suggest you do as she requested.”

I glance over, seeing Reed slide over the arm onto the cushion while giving me a wink before I look back at Cole.

“Thank you.”

My manners are rewarded by Cole lifting my hand and pressing a soft kiss to the top.

“You’re welcome.”

But he frowns, nabbing the zipper on my jacket, tugging it up an inch more to the top, as he adds, “Let’s hope this plan works.”

I don’t answer because I can’t help but notice that his hair looks damp. I almost lift to my tiptoes to try to sniff because I bet he smells like soap.

As if he’s heard my thoughts, Cole bends down. But his hand snakes around the nape of my neck, holding me in place before he pulls me in, bringing my ear to his lips. Our bodies are so close that if I arched my back, my breasts would press against his chest.

“The floor’s yours, sweetheart. But I’d make it fast because this outfit isn’t helping. It’s only serving to make me consider all the possibilities for what’s underneath. And all the things I’d like to do to that body once you say yes.”

“Okay,” I breathe out before catching myself. “I mean. Yep, I’ll be expedient.”

He lets me go with a smirk. And I let out a breath, unconcerned that everyone would hear the exhale leaving my lungs. Cole doesn’t look back as he walks to join the others on the couch. And I can’t help but stare, following his movement all the way until he sits.

I’m so out of my league.

I swallow again because my mouth is suddenly dry. It’ll be a miracle if I make it past question number two. Ignoring their undivided attention, I reach into my jacket pocket, pulling out my phone. Trying to gather myself before glancing at them, saying, “Sorry, I put my questions on my Notes app.”

My mind doesn’t want to cooperate. All I can think is that Cole intends to unwrap me. Reed wants to treat me like a toy. And I don’t know what Alec and Jace want. But thinking about it has me reaching up and pulling off the beanie, tossing it to the chair.

I’m way too overheated.

“Okay,” I sigh, looking up with my first question as I smooth my hair. Halted just as I say, “I just have a few—”

Because looking back are four of the most handsome men I’ve ever laid eyes on. They’re relaxed but still intense. Each staring back with all their intentions behind each set of eyes.

Holy fuck. Standing here, even in this snowsuit, I’ve never felt more powerful. A smile begins to bloom again. This feeling and them…that’s mine for the weekend. I’ve won the sexual lotto.

Another trickle of sweat runs down my body. This time it’s on my back, but it still serves to keep me focused, making me bite back a laugh. I just hope I don’t pass out from heat exhaustion before I make it through my list.

I open my phone and swipe before beginning.

“So let me start by saying thank you for the offer….” Poorly hidden smiles are my only view, but I keep going. “Before I can fully commit, I’ll need some answers.”

Oh, there are those nerves. I blow out some air as I read from my phone.

“I think we can all agree that I’m not cool….” Fuck. Why did I write that? I look up, scrambling my words, “I mean, I’m cool as in personality. What I meant was I’m not seasoned at this stuff like you whores.”