Tangled in Tinsel (Holidates #1)(52)

I smirk.

“I’m hungry. I’m not a girl who doesn’t eat. And the leftovers I snuck earlier have been fucked off me. This ass is round for a reason, and I’d like to keep it that way.”

Alec chuckles, hearing what I said. “Well, in that case, you should know I saved you some cookies. But first, as Reed said, you need to vote on something. Break a tie for us. Then we’ll properly feed you.” He leans in, giving me a wink. “Because I very much like that ass.”

I blush. I can’t help it.

“Yeah,” Jace whispers in my ear, discreetly bucking his hips. “It’s pretty fucking memorable.”

I stifle my laugh, feeling Jace’s arms tighten around me as he nuzzles my neck.

“Fine. Hit me,” I shoot out. “But full disclosure, my vote goes to whatever side Alec’s on…because he saved me cookies.”

I emphasize my words, laughing as they lose all their luster because Jace tickles me as Reed grabs my hand, pretending to bite it.

Alec smiles, snapping his fingers, excited like he’s going to tell me a secret, but Cole yells over him, pointing his finger at him, “Nooo, shut the fuck up. Don’t you tell her what you chose. No stealing the vote, you asshole cheat.”

My knees curl into Jace’s lap even more as I smile ear to ear, feeling his lips brush my neck. I lean back against his chest and clap my hands like a villain.

“Oh, now I’m for sure voting for Alec. Let me guess,” I rush out, looking up at Jace. “You two are on the same side.”

“How’d you know?” Jace rushes out, showing off that dimple.

“Because it’s good against evil—Alec and you versus Reed and Cole.”

Cole groans but catches my eyes as he sits back in his chair, absentmindedly running his hand over his abs. He’s staring at me, and I swear I can almost see his devious plan unfold. I’m already chuckling as he speaks.

“I should have seen this shit coming. Princess, I will play dirty. Because this is the most serious question I will ever ask you. And trust me when I say, if you answer correctly, I will reward you with food, but only after I eat.”

I bat my lashes. “Well then, good thing I have no loyalties. I can absolutely be bought with dirty promises. My vote is yours.”

Alec laughs, shoving his shoulder. “Now, who’s stealing the vote, dick.” His eyes shift to mine. “I can top his offer…” The words roll off his tongue laced with sexuality. “Baby, I’ll play with your hair.”

I moan, eyes rolling back as they laugh.

“Beat that,” Alec throws out as Cole bellows more laughter.

I bite my lip, enjoying myself. They’re so attractive. No, that’s not it. They’re habit-forming. Watching them verbally spar and laugh. Just listening to the shit-talk. I could sit here all night soaking them in.

There’s nothing like a good bromance. And being the only girl who gets to witness it is pretty fucking intoxicating. I’ll need to detox with some super boring assholes once this weekend is over, just to set me straight.

“Just ask her already.” Reed chuckles, pulling my feet onto his lap.

Cole takes a deep breath, leaning in, elbows coming to his knees. The whole room grows quiet as if he’s about to say the most serious thing ever said. But then a smirk graces his lips.

“Die Hard…Christmas movie? Yay or nay.”





“Have a seat,” Cole growls into my ear as his muscular arm hooks around my waist, lifting me.

I squeal as I’m plopped down onto the stool in front of the kitchen island, still grateful for the assist since my legs feel like I’m walking on Jell-O. Jesus, I’ve never been so happy to agree that Die Hard is a Christmas movie. Because getting yippee-ki-ate out spread across the coffee table is definitely the highlight of my life.

“Thank you,” I breathe out.

He gives me a sly look. “It’s the least I can do. Since I’m the cause of those gorgeous stems not working properly.”

My tongue darts out, swiping over dry lips as he stares down at me. The smirk on his face is still doing delicious things to me. Cole leans down slowly, pressing a kiss to my cheek before I’m left, eyelashes fluttering, to watch him walk around the counter.

I adjust on the stool, bringing my hands to the cold marble counter as I watch my very own version of Top Chef meets Magic Mike unfold in front of me.

“Hold on. You’re actually cooking for me?” I rasp. “I thought you didn’t know how.”

Not that I’m complaining. I wouldn’t even know how to. I can barely string cohesive thoughts together after what just went down.

Reed smirks with a carton of eggs in hand.

“We don’t cook. But we know breakfast, sunshine. We aren’t complete heathens.”

Lies. They are. The best fucking kind.

I blink, stifling a chuckle. My eyes shift over to Alec, who’s pulling frozen waffles out of the freezer. He grins, raising his brows.

“I’m thinking syrup, chocolate sauce, and whipped cream.”

I nod, immediately picturing myself as the waffle.

Jace catches a peach midair from Cole, stealing my attention. His tattooed chest is on display as it rises and falls a bit faster. And I swear, it doesn’t matter that I was just handled in the most spectacular way. My body is ablaze all over again.