Page 65 of Santa's Baby
That was much too soon. Much, much, much too fucking soon.
I grin like it was no big deal and start towelling myself off. But Reuben doesn’t move, just stares.
“Sorry,” I say. “Got a little goofy there. It’s been a long night.”
I’m so embarrassed that I look down at my thighs as I towel them, knowing that my cheeks are beetroot red. I’m cringing, terrified I’ve just broken some stupid code ofsweetnessthat a founder like him doesn’t want from an entertainer like me.
My heart feels exposed and on the line.
“Tiffany,” he says, and I want to apologise and let Creamgirl take the floor. I want to flutter my eyelashes and go for his dick again, but no. His hands take mine.
“Say that again,” he tells me.
I attempt a giggle. “What?Sorry?”
He doesn’t laugh along with me. “Don’t play Cream here. She may have been the entertainer I booked, but she isn’t the woman I want here.”
I can hardly breathe.
“Want or need?”
“I think you already know the answer to that question. I don’t usually offer personal cab services in my Bentley.”
My heart is pumping so fast, it’s thumping in my ears.
“So, say it again,” he says. “If you meant it, then say it. If you didn’t, then don’t.”
I take a deep breath, teetering on the edge of loved-up madness.
“I meant it. I knew it from the very first moment we locked eyes in the grotto.”
“Then say it. Tell me.”
My heart screams, truly alive for the first time in years as I bare my soul.
“All I need… is you.”
16
REUBEN
Imake a sleepy Tiffany a hot chocolate before I depart for the mall. Shame I don’t have any squirty cream that she requested on the top.
“I’ll rectify that with my next groceries delivery,” I tell her, “I’ll order a crate of the stuff, and we’ll use it for considerably more than hot chocolate.”
“Promises, promises,” she says, taking a sip of the hot drink.
I shrug my jacket on and grab my keys, and I can’t resist the temptation.
I take the mug from her hands, place it on the counter, take her beautiful face in my hands, and kiss her.
She rakes my hair and our tongues dance a wonderful chocolatey dance.
“If only you could stay,” she says as I break away.
“I’ll be back before you know it,” I stroke her hair, “you rest up. I’m sure you’ll need plenty of energy for later.”
Her pout is so quirky, it gives me a rush of adoration. It’s soher.