Chapter 6 #2
Ellie gamely took another mug to sip, introducing him around the room.
The names and friendly faces blurred, but it was clear, everyone in town adored her.
And why wouldn’t they? She was single-handedly running their accounts, doing their taxes, and sending guests their way for the festival.
But watching her, Dash had to wonder if this was what she truly wanted from her life.
That wall of postcards said more than her friendly smile ever could.
Inside, she was itching for a taste of the outside world, but what would finally make her take that leap and strike out beyond Sweetbriar Cove to find a new life for herself?
And was there any room in that new life for him?
Dash stopped, the thought landing in his mind out of nowhere. No. It was crazy, He’d only just met her. He shook off the insanity and turned back to the room, just as the judges announced the winning eggnog recipe to a room full of applause—and some grumbles from an older man in the back.
“Uh oh, dissent in the ranks,” he whispered to Ellie as she emerged from the crowd. “Do I need to spirit you out of here before he demands a recount?”
She looked around, then smiled. “That’s just Eddie, he loses every year. The guy puts like half a glass of bourbon in every cup!”
“Sounds like a winner to me.”
“You won’t be saying that in the morning.” Ellie grinned, pulling her jacket back on. “Trust me, half the judges are going to be walking around with sunglasses tomorrow to get over their hangovers.”
She said goodbye to a few people, then followed Dash outside. Snow was falling lightly, the sky pale silver over the dark silhouette of the town, but the streets were full. Everyone seemed to be gathering in the town square, holding lanterns and candles.
“It’s caroling night,” Ellie explained. “All the local choirs are here, some come from miles around.”
“Shall we?” Dash offered his arm. “Unless you need to get back to work.”
“No, I have the rest of the night off.” After a moment, Ellie slid her gloved hand into the crook of his arm. She met his eyes for a moment, then looked down, almost shy.
His pulse kicked.
Suddenly, the connection between them returned, feeling strangely intimate out there in the middle of a crowd.
They silently made their way across the street, joining the throngs of people around the huge holiday tree.
The carols were already underway, sweet music in the crisp evening air.
They found a spot near the front to watch, but even though it was a pretty scene, Dash was totally distracted by the woman beside him: every footstep, every glance, every move she made.
He wanted her.
A group of small kids ran past, jostling Ellie. Dash automatically put his arm around her waist to steady her.
Ellie didn’t step away.
He drew her closer, hands soft on her hips. He felt on edge, like one wrong move could push her away for good—but the right one…
The right move would break through those defenses and reignite all that fire he knew could blaze between them, brighter than the torch flames flickering around the square.
His heart was pounding like he was sixteen all over again by the time Ellie exhaled a breath, shivering in the cool air. Then, slowly, she leaned back against him.
Yes.
Dash slipped his other hand around her waist, drawing her into the circle of his embrace.
Ellie’s back to his front, her head resting against Dash’s shoulder.
They stayed like that for a long moment watching the choir, long enough for Dash to breathe in the scent of her, her silky hair tickling his chin.
Long enough for the heat to burn where their bodies met.
Long enough to imagine holding her like this, with nothing between them. His hands exploring every lush inch of her—and his mouth following in their wake. Kissing. Teasing.
Making that lush mouth call his name.
Dash’s grip tightened, and maybe it was just his imagination, but he could swear, Ellie breathed a little more quickly too.
Her jacket was hanging open. Dash slid one hand under the bulky fabric, still resting on her waist, but closer now, palm against her sweater. Ellie shifted, and then his fingertips were grazing the narrow band of bare skin, just above the waistband of her jeans.
He didn’t move a muscle.
It was crazy, they were standing fully-clothed in a crowd full of people, but he couldn’t remember the last time he needed a woman so much. Blood was rushing south fast, and he sent silent thanks that there were a couple of layers of coats between their bodies.
What he wouldn’t give to be alone with her right now.
The carol ended, and the crowd around them applauded. Ellie seemed to jolt back to life. She quickly ducked out of his arms, blushing furiously. Her eyes seemed stunned, the desire clear all over her gorgeous face.
“Let’s get out of here,” Dash murmured, holding her gaze.
She bit her lower lip. “I shouldn’t…” she whispered, tempting.
Not “can’t.” Not “I don’t want to.”
“Shouldn’t.”
He felt a rush of victory. She wanted this too. And damn it, he was going to explode if he didn’t kiss her soon. Kiss her in a way that was going to turn some heads in this small town of hers—and maybe get them cited for public indecency, too.
If he was lucky.
Not waiting another moment, Dash grabbed her hand and pulled her through the crowd.
Ellie made a noise of surprise, but she followed, fast on his heels as he strode to the outskirts of the square.
He dragged her around the corner onto a quiet street, empty in the dark save the snowflakes spiraling to the ground.
“Where are we going?” she asked, sounding breathless.
Dash spun around, and backed her gently up against the wall.
Ellie’s question faded. Her eyes flared, bright in the dark.
“You drive me crazy,” Dash whispered, planting a hand on either side of her head. “Do you even realize what you’re doing to me right now?”
Ellie inhaled in a rush, her eyes moving to his mouth. Her lips parted in anticipation, her eyes drifting shut, and her body seemed to melt against him. Everything about her was screaming to be kissed, but Dash held back. He needed more this time.
“It’s your turn,” he told her, slowly tracing the edge of her jaw. “Tell me what you want.”
Ellie blinked, surprised.
“Tell me.” He leaned closer, until his lips grazed her earlobe. He bit down softly, and she gave a breathy moan. “Tell me what you want, and it’s yours.”
Ellie took another breath. Then her voice came, faint but determined, as the snow kept falling all around them.
“Kiss me. Please.”