Tangled in Tinsel (Holidates #1)(60)

He takes my hands, leaning down and kissing me before speaking.

“We’ve never done this, sweetheart…spent more than one night with a woman. We barely know the women we—” I feel the frown, so I know he sees it. But he smirks. “Let’s just say that this—our time here with you—is unexplored territory.”

Why is my heart beating so fast? And why am I about to say the thing I know better than to say? Still, I don’t even try to stop the words from tumbling out.

“Do you wish we could explore it, though?”

That question reeks of complication and a foregone conclusion of a no, but I don’t take it back.

I think it’s because the way he’s looking at me makes me want to know if he likes me the way I like him. Kind of like when you’re in middle school, and you let your friend concoct a note to pass with boxes to check for yes and no.

Check yes, Alec.

Alec looks back over his shoulder, and my eyes drop to his cheek, noticing the streak of light spreading across it.

“Yeah,” he whispers, pulling me against him, turning us toward the window as the room illuminates with the most vibrant pinks and oranges as the sunrise makes its grand entrance. “I do, Samantha.”





twenty-three





“Merry eve of Christmas Eve, baby.”





“Why are you up…blocking the door, Reed?” I say with a grin walking out of the bathroom.

I’d taken a shower after my much-needed and very long nap this afternoon—which he is partially at fault for, seeing as how they revel in exhausting me. But last I left him, he was still lying on the bed. Asleep next to me.

He smirks, crossing his arms and leaning back against the heavy oak door.

“Because there’s something we don’t want you to see yet. And now that you’re finally awake, we can do the loud parts.” He rolls his eyes for added humor, saying, “Obviously. Now be good and cooperate, sunshine.”

I scowl, but he motions toward the bed. “Let’s put on one of those dumpster-fire movies you like so much.”

“That you like too,” I shoot back, dropping my towel and watching him bite his lip. But I pretend to be unaffected as I throw on yet another T-shirt as I add, “I saw you browsing when I got out of the shower.”

Reed smirks. “I was looking for porn. I figured we could find more kinky revelry you might like.”

I squint my eyes just as the sounds of banging echo from the living room. He just shrugs and winks. So I pad across the carpet quickly toward him. Completely unable to hide my smile.

“Reed,” I whine in only the cutest way. “Tell me what’s going on, and I’ll be your best friend.”

He chuckles. “I already have three.” I scowl, but he taps my nose. “Look at you, a fiend for ruining surprises.” His head tilts to the side. “You could always try to beat it out of me.”

I laugh because he adjusts himself as he says it. His eyes drop down my body as he goes to grab for me, but I take a step back, staying just out of reach.

“Naughty girl,” he croons. “If you want out, you’ll have to barter for your freedom.”

Our eyes are connected as I swallow hard because Reed is just so fucking Reed.

“Oh, cut to the chase. What do you want?” I whisper, body almost vibrating with anticipation.

“There’s not much I don’t want.”

He pushes off the door, grabbing a handful of my shirt before tugging me flush to him as he reaches back and locks the door. My chest rises and falls, eyes closed as he dips his lips to my neck.

Wait, what was I asking for? Or was he asking for something? Oh, who cares.

Two knocks bang against the door just as he forces my head to the side, giving himself more room to devour my neck. My shoulders jump before I shove my palms against his chest, pushing him back. But Reed only lifts his mouth to yell, “Fuck off. We’ll be out in a minute,” as he tugs me back against him.

I smile as my arms wrap around his neck, laughter filling the air. His lips descend back on mine as his hands drag up the sides of my face into my hair. Reed kisses the hell out of me. Stealing all my breath and cutting off any humor left in me.

“Mmmm,” I moan into his mouth, my body feeling pliable, molding itself to him. But I’m jerked from the decadence hearing Jace’s voice bellow through the locked door.

“Reed. If you don’t get the fuck off my girl…”

“My girl,” Reed growls into my mouth.

I love when they fight over me.

I’m laughing into the kiss, but Reed’s already walking us backward toward the bed. He’s either going to fuck me while they listen or that door is getting knocked down. I’m betting the latter.

There’s more banging mixed with Cole saying something about finding a key or a chainsaw before I’m hauled directly onto the bed.

“Reed,” I squeal, laughing harder as cursing comes from outside.

He reaches over his shoulder and drags his shirt over his head, looking down at me with a smirk.

“It’s gonna take them a few minutes to find the key that opens your door. I say we get started without them.”

I don’t say a word. But my legs spread. Pussy already glistening, inviting everything he wants to give, as I bite my lip and look up innocently.