Page 11 of Bouquets and Buckles

“What if he finds out? What then?”

“What if he didn’t need to know?”

“But I’ll know, and that’s entirely the issue.” I scratch my beard.

“Couldn’t we both pretend? Since it’s just this once…”

She thinks I only want her this one time. Ishouldonly want that, but there’s a whole minefield of complications that come with admitting out loud how I really feel. That when it comes tothis girl, I’ve had a lot of time to think about what I would do if I ever had the opportunity to have her.

None of which involved a fuckingone time onlysituation.

However, she’s right. As I take a long draw of my drink, mulling over what to say next, the writing is already on the wall.

“That snow isn’t going to clear for a couple of days.” My throat bobs, swallowing down the part of me demanding I find a way to stretch whatever this is beyond something as simple as being snowed in together. “Probably a good idea if it doesn’t go any further than that.”

“I think that’s for the best.”

“If we do this… we stick to the boundaries. As soon as this has to stop, it stops. Your friendship is more important and I’d fucking hate myself if...”

“You don’t have to explain.” Skylar dips her chin. “We’re adults, right? We can play by somerules.”

Oh, there are a whole lot of fucking games I’d like to play with this girl.

“Then, in that case.” I tilt my glass at her. “Until the snow clears.”

“Until the snow clears.” Her sweet voice echoes mine.

Those bright blue eyes glint at me and my entire world slides sideways with the act of agreeing to this, even though there is no way in hell I should even be entertaining the idea.

“Thank you… for being so kind to me tonight.” She breathes. “You’ve always made me feel so welcome here… you’ve always been a good friend.”

That makes a gritty noise come out of me, and I place my glass down on the counter.

“Let’s make one thing real clear, right fucking now.” Leaning both hands on either side of her hips leaves me looming over her, so close I’m immediately wrapped up in her floral scent. “I don’t want to be yourfriend, Skylar.”

Chapter 10

Idon’t want to be your friend, Skylar.

Holy fuck.

I’m almost panting as the heat and masculinity of this man fills my senses. Lucas Rhodes is a solid wall consuming my vision and invading my space—along with my last remaining shred of sanity.

“I don’t want to be your friend, or your friend’sfather, or anything else that makes it seem like I’m not over here fighting every urge to kiss the fuck outta you.”

My eyes widen… entire body flushing…. pulse fluttering madly in my throat like it’s trying to grow wings.

“You want that…” Suddenly, I feel so nervous. My big plan of seduction was all well and good until now we’ve reached that threshold and I’m instantly aware of how much older and more experienced this man is.

If this carries on, I don’t want him to feel disappointed.

“I want a lot of things,” he murmurs. Dark, hungry eyes fix on my mouth. “A lot of things I’m not supposed to wish for.”

“It’s Christmas… don’t they say wishes come true?”

His lips twitch, and he reaches for the glass he set down just before.

“I’d say this is more like a fantasy wrapped up in a pretty pink bow.”