Tangled in Tinsel (Holidates #1)(4)

I’m interrupted by a set of dimples hard to forget.

“No need to explain, Sam. Let me help you.”

Jace.

Jace is the golden retriever energy of the group. And the youngest, as in a hair under forty.

I was hired to design the interior of a house on the Bay he’d bought his mom and dad. Jace had moved them from Boston. It was the sweetest experience. They were so grateful and honestly salt of the earth kind of people. I could see how Jace turned out the way he did.

Even if he seems less polished. With wavy black hair and tattoos covering his body, he’s a walking temptation. My favorite tattoo is on display above his collar, covering his throat—a set of angel wings.

However, I came to find out that it didn’t accurately depict his personality.

I remember he caught me staring and offered to show the rest…shirtless. I’d turned into a Popsicle on a hot sidewalk. It didn’t hurt that his nipples were both pierced too. I was blushing and embarrassed, but Jace stood on display until I gathered myself and took a good look.

It was the hottest experience I’ve ever had, never touching another person. He just let me walk around and lean in to admire the artistry before he said, “Now, that wasn’t so hard, was it?”

Despite his hellion demeanor, there is something soulful about his hazel-amber eyes. Jace feels like a hug. One you want to squeeze you tight, so you can dry hump his leg.

Jace walks past Alec, grabs a bin with leftover ornaments, and snaps the lid shut.

“Where do you want me, Sam?”

I swallow, head foggy, before matching his smile and rushing out, “Basement.”

Before I can say thank you, Alec picks up another bin. Then Cole brushes past me, saying nothing, followed by Reed.

My mouth won’t work as I shift around because I’m watching strong men do the heavy lifting. Well, perhaps not that heavy. Most of the bins are empty. But it’s still going in the bean bank.

They’re already coming back up when I finally get my head out of my ass and walk to the top of the stairs. So I breathe out, “Thank you. You guys are the best clients a girl could ask for.”

Alec stops in front of me, two steps down but at eye level. I bite my bottom lip in nervous habit as the warmth from his hands spreads over my hips. He’s touching me. Oh, he’s touching me.

As he finishes walking up, I’m gently pushed backward, forcing my eyes to lift to his.

“It’s the least we could do, considering we’re not letting you leave.”

I blink. I’m hallucinating again, or for the first time. I’ve definitely dreamt about this part, but there’s no way this is happening in real life. I give my head a shake before frowning as he lets me go.

“Say what now?”

He looks around at the others who have walked past him with smirks into the kitchen.

“It’s snowing.” Alec points toward the window.

My head swings to follow his finger. It takes me a moment to realize the white curtains are open because that’s all you can see outside the window—white. I didn’t notice as they were packing everything away for me. I was too busy sweating. My body all fired up like a cat in heat.

Fuck.

Alec draws my face back to his with a finger under my chin.

“You’re not going anywhere, gorgeous. I refuse to be an accessory to your death.”

I’m shaking my head, but he grins as his finger drops.

I can’t stay here with these four guys…for god knows how long. I don’t have a toothbrush. Or pajamas. Oh my god, what if I have to poop? I’m not pooping here. I’d rather brave the snowstorm. I’d rather freeze to death like the homeless guy in Scrooged.

A rush of breath whooshes out as I hightail it to the window. “No, no, no. I’m sure it’s fine. I can still make it to a hotel. I mean…there are only four bedrooms, and I don’t want to be a burden—”

My hand presses against the window as my eyes widen, and my voice gives away my panic.

“Where’s my car? I can’t see my car.”

Reed’s voice comes from behind. “Getting covered in snow, sweetheart. It’s a whiteout.”

As if on cue, my phone buzzes.

I press it to my ear, knowing it’s my sister. “I can’t see my car.”

“What? Welp, it’s probably for the best because it’s a no for hotels. Sold out. Everywhere.”

“Elle, there are four bedrooms and five people.”

Oh god. Why is this happening to me? My sister chuckles because she’s a witch.

“Guess who’s sluttin’ it up with four hot guys tonight?”

My shoulders sag. This is going to be so fucking awkward.

“I hate you.”

“Love you. Get pregnant, and then we’ll be set for li—”

I hang up and look over my shoulder. The masculine tableau staring back at me from the marble island has my heart picking up its pace.

My eyes connect with each of the guys—Cole’s jaw tenses from where he’s seated, and Alec leans back against the counter, crossing his arms. Jace props himself up with a hand against the counter as he pops a grape into his mouth. But it’s Reed who holds my attention.

“I really can’t stay—”

He gives his signature smirk.