Total pages in book: 29
Estimated words: 26731 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 134(@200wpm)___ 107(@250wpm)___ 89(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 26731 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 134(@200wpm)___ 107(@250wpm)___ 89(@300wpm)
His gaze hardens, and for a moment, I think I’ve pushed too far. But then, he lets out a slow, amused breath, the air fogging between us. “Well, you’re in the wrong garage, babe. I’m not the type that needs saving.”
“Maybe not,” I admit, meeting his stare. “But I’d say you’re definitely the type who needs a little holiday spirit.”
He shakes his head, a smirk tugging at his lips. “Keep dreaming, Mrs. Claus.”
I roll my eyes. “And for the record, it’s Ivy. Not Mrs. Claus. You think every woman in a red hat’s on some mission to change your life?”
He chuckles, low and gritty. “No, but it’s a hell of an image.” He leans closer, his voice dropping to a whisper. “Especially when she’s got a mouth like yours. Full of sass.”
The air grows heavy between us, his words lingering, taunting. My pulse quickens, a spark flaring in my chest. I glance down, taking in his broad shoulders, the way his flannel shirt stretches over his chest. I can feel his gaze as if it’s brushing over my skin, and the thought alone sends a thrill racing through me.
“So… are you gonna fix my car, or just stand there looking pretty?” I challenge, hoping the sass in my voice covers the racing of my heart.
“Pretty?” He raises an eyebrow, stepping even closer until there’s barely a sliver of space between us. “You think I’m pretty, huh?”
I swallow, my cheeks heating. “I didn’t say that.”
“Sure you did.” His grin is cocky, unfiltered. “But let me guess—Christmas cheer means denying whatever you really want to say?”
“I think you’re the one assuming a lot of things here,” I counter, my voice a little shaky. “Maybe I’m just being polite.”
“Is that what you’re calling it?” He chuckles, a low, rumbling sound that sends another spark of heat down my spine. “Well, let me tell you, polite or not, I’m not about to roll over just because some Christmas-crazy woman batted her eyes at me.”
My breath catches, and I struggle to find a comeback that doesn’t betray the growing tension in my stomach. “Good thing I wasn’t planning on batting anything, then.”
His eyes darken, and he takes another step forward, his voice dropping. “Careful, Ivy. Keep looking at me like that, and you’ll find yourself right on that Naughty List with me.”
I let out a shaky laugh. “I thought you didn’t believe in that sort of thing.”
“Oh, I don’t.” He leans in, his gaze locking with mine. “But I can make an exception. Especially for someone who thinks they can play me.”
I open my mouth to respond, but no words come out. The way he’s looking at me, the intensity in his eyes, it’s like he can see right through every witty retort, every attempt at indifference. My breath catches, and his gaze dips to my lips.
For a brief, electric moment, I think he might kiss me. I think I might let him.
But then he straightens, a smug grin flashing across his face. “Tell you what, Mrs. Claus. I’ll get your car running again. But you’re gonna owe me.”
I raise an eyebrow, fighting to keep my voice steady. “Owe you? For doing your job?”
“Consider it a Christmas favor,” he says, his gaze lingering on me in a way that feels almost predatory. “And don’t worry, I know exactly how I’ll collect.”
The implication is clear, and my heart pounds as I fight to keep my composure. “Fine. I’ll owe you. But don’t think for a second that you’re getting off my Naughty List.”
He chuckles, turning back to the car. “Babe, I live on that list. You’re just catching up.”
Chapter Two
Cole
The clang of tools hitting the floor echoes in the garage, snapping my focus from under the hood of Ivy’s car. I mutter a curse under my breath, lifting my head to see her standing by my ancient radio, one hand on the dial, the other over her mouth in feigned innocence.
“Didn’t anyone ever tell you not to touch a mechanic’s stuff, especially when he’s working on your car?” I ask, wiping my hands on a rag, trying to keep my tone steady even as my patience wears thin.
She grins, all bright-eyed and unapologetic. “I just wanted to see if this old thing worked. It looks like it’s been here since the Stone Age.”
“Yeah, well, it does,” I say, crossing my arms. “Or it did. Now I’m not so sure.”
She laughs, a light, unbothered sound that fills the room like a bell. I hate that the sound goes straight to my cock. “Well, Cole, maybe a little Christmas music wouldn’t hurt. You look like you could use some holiday cheer.”
“Last thing I need is jingle bells in my ear while I’m trying to work.” I lean back under the hood, hoping she takes the hint, but she’s still hovering, practically buzzing with excitement.