Tangled in Tinsel (Holidates #1)(5)

“But, baby, it’s cold outside.”





two





“I really hope there’s a detachable showerhead.”





Music plays quietly in the background as Alec hands me a glass of wine, sitting next to me on the couch.

“Here. It’ll take the edge off.”

“Thank you, but I shouldn’t.”

He frowns, keeping the red wine in his hand. Once the snowstorm started this morning, it didn’t stop. Now the reality of what’s ahead is beginning to sink in. I’m stuck here. For god knows how long.

I don’t even know how long it’ll take to clear the road. And I don’t have a charger for my phone. And, and, and…the “ands” are building. Alec gently nudges my shoulder with the wineglass.

“Take it. It looks like whatever’s in your head needs to be silenced.”

I frown because all my worry must be written all over my face.

“If you’re worried about professionalism, then stop. You’re not on the clock anymore, Samantha. And if you haven’t noticed, time stopped existing a few hours back. We have days here, maybe a week, so says the county. They’re tentatively planning to clear the roads on Monday. So we might as well enjoy ourselves for the weekend. It’s not as if we’re not stocked for all the fun to be had.”

I feel silly the moment he says it because he’s right. I’m not on the clock. And it’s Friday. There’s an “and” I should get behind.

I’m looking at everything the wrong way. Instead of freaking out about being snowed in, I need to think:

I’m snowed in at a luxury, fully stocked cabin with four hot guys briefed on the latest storm news and not sweating the small shit.

I’m in good hands.

“Sold.” I smile, taking the glass. “This is probably one of the more bizarre situations I’ve found myself in. And that calls for wine. Also, thanks again for giving up your room for me.”

Alec nods before sipping his scotch, then leans sideways, adding conspiratorially, “Guess what, it has a charger for your phone.”

I smile as he adds, “Plus, I’m secretly glad you’re stuck with us. Want to know why?”

My brows raise, inviting the answer, but I take a sip, hiding how nervous I am being this close to him. This is going to be my own personal horny hell all weekend.

“Without you”—he grins—“I’d be stuck with these idiots drinking too much while they try to out-stupid each other. You have no idea the trouble we manage to get into together.”

My lips rest against the wineglass. The idea of them on their worst behavior is appealing. Alec winks like he’s read my thoughts before finishing.

“But now they’ll be on their best behavior. Unless you request differently.”

“So all the fun’s up to me, huh?”

I meant it innocently, but somehow the raise of Alec’s brows has me blushing again. My head shifts toward the three different Christmas trees that are now shining brightly with twinkling lights reflecting off the dark windows. I take an even bigger swig of my wine, hoping it’ll help me chill out before I try a new subject.

“It’s a shame something so beautiful will go unseen. I’m happy I put the finishing touches on the last one once you held me hostage.”

I look back toward Alec, but Cole catches my eyes. He’s sitting in a high-back leather chair. His black tie is long gone as he undoes the top button of his dress shirt.

Cole was the only guy dressed as if he’d been at work. He probably had been. He seems like the type to never relax, even for a Christmas party. So serious and single-minded. It makes his whole demeanor more severe than the others.

I blink, trying to disconnect from him. But it’s no use because I’m locked onto the way his tongue is trailing over his bottom lip. It’s wiping up the leftover whiskey from the drink he just took. Just as I start to look away, Cole locks eyes with me.

It’s the kind of eye contact that doesn’t waver. The kind that makes you nervous. And the kind that leaves you believing this man can fuck.

Alec’s voice caresses my thoughts as Cole minutely lifts his drink in cheers.

“I think everyone appreciates the beauty within this room.”

Before I can speak, Jace yells my name, pulling everyone’s attention toward the kitchen. Except for mine. No, I’m still staring at Cole. I blink a few times quickly. Hold on. Did I see that right?

Did he mouth what I think he said? No, there’s no way.

But still, I squeeze my thighs together before jerking my head to the side, feeling dizzy.

No more wine for me. Alec said to enjoy myself, but some lines never need to be crossed. Ever.

“Please tell me you know how to cook,” Jace calls out.

I narrow my eyes, ready to mess with him and ignore Cole. “Why? Because I’m a woman.”

“No, because you’re the smartest one here. I assumed self-preservation won out a long time ago over sheer laziness.”

Reed chuckles. “And because you’re a woman.”

“Eww,” I snark but still stand up, walking toward the kitchen. “None of you know how to cook? Seriously? It’s a basic skill, guys.”

“No. But we like to eat,” Reed offers, looking me up and down.