Page 10 of Christmas Agreement (Majestic Falls: Christmas Spice #3)

Rugar

What the fuck had just happened?

Yeah, there would have been problems there with maturity and my hockey schedule and her brother, who was my best friend as well as my wingman on the ice. Now, we were both adults and ready to make life decisions. Foremost for me was not fucking this up.

A knock on my window startled me from my deep thoughts, and when I looked Katie stood there. I turned off my Jeep, glad I was in a legal-ish spot and opened the door. When I climbed out, I wasn’t sure what to expect as we stood face to face.

“We’re not ending my perfect night like this,” she grumbled.

“Okay, I’ll walk you to your door…”

“ And kiss me goodnight.”

“Of course.” Thank fuck. I wanted that almost more than anything, but the thing I wanted most could wait until she was ready.

She raised an eyebrow at me because of course , there was no of course about it. Lifting my hand, I ran my curled fingers along her cheekbone. “I’m sorry I took so long.”

“Yeah, well… I guess I kind of understand why. Don’t do it again.”

“Babe, I’m a guy. We’re shit at talking about feelings. I’ll probably mess up again.”

She snorted and let me take her hand. Feeling marginally better, but still hating that our night was ending early, I walked her to the door.

“What time should I be here tomorrow?”

“Whenever you want?”

I glanced at my watch. “Now?”

“It’s not tomorrow yet.”

“In eighteen minutes?”

She sighed, though she smiled softly. “How about seven? PM .”

“I’ll be here.” Leaning in, I cupped the back of her head and kissed her quick and deep. I wanted more and it was hard as fuck to back away, but she’d drawn the line in the sand and I’d respect that and stay on my side. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

She hesitated, and I could see her indecision as she second-guessed the angry choice she’d made in the Jeep.

“Okay,” she finally said.

I waited while she unlocked the door and let herself inside. Standing there for long moments afterward, I stared at the door. Why the hell did I feel like I’d taken a puck to the balls without protection.

Shoving my hands into my pockets, I dropped my head forward and huffed a harsh sigh. Well, at least we still had a date Tuesday.

* * * *

“You look beautiful,” I murmured.

Katie chuckled. “You told me that…five times.”

“Well, I’m saying it again and it’s still true.

” I glanced around the social we’d been at for a couple hours.

It was pretty much every college party I’d ever been to.

Guys drinking and being lugs. Girls clustered together and watched them while they whispered to each other.

Some couples, like Katie and I, were stuck together like glue—some far more than others. We might need a firehose for them soon.

The only difference was, we were all dressed nice. So it was a high-class free-for-all. The food had been good, and we’d chatted with some of her sorority sisters, who’d gushed over the boyfriend they hadn’t known she had.

“We’ve been together for a long time,” she’d told them. True enough, I guessed. In our hearts, there’d never been anyone else.

“Can we go?” she asked now.

I shrugged and set down the soft drink I’d been sipping. “It’s your party. Whatever you want.”

“I want to go before I punch one of the barbies who’re ogling you.”

My eyebrows raised. They were? Huh. I’d barely noticed anyone but Katie. Now, I wanted to leave, too. I didn’t want to fend off anyone, because the only woman who interested me was at my side.

“I know,” she said, and I realized I’d spoken out loud. “And congratulations. You’ve fulfilled part one of our agreement.”

“You know it’s not that,” I half-growled.

“I know. Take me home, boyfriend .”

“Am I leaving you at your door again?” I’d take the super long way home if I had to. I didn’t want our night to end. And when it did, I wanted to be in her bed.

“No. I want you to come in. I want…” She bit her lip. And I scooped her up, carrying her right out of that party while I ignored the laughter and hooting around us.

“Caveman,” Katie giggled.

“Only with you. I like that dress. I think I’ll like it even more on the floor.”

She made an amused, shocked sound. “You did not just say that.”

“I did. And it’s true. And it’s happening.” My dick throbbed a hell yes, and Katie hugged me close, no doubt feeling my need as I set her on her feet.

“Falling in love wasn’t part of the bargain,” she whispered.

“Babe, I’ve been in love with you for so long I don’t remember a time when I wasn’t. To my mind, there has never been anyone but you for me.” My lips covered hers, sealing that vow and declaration.

She whimpered, pressing into me. “Take me home,” she murmured against my lips when we were both panting and in genuine danger of me lifting her and pressing her against the Jeep while I took her right here.

I popped open the door. “Your chariot awaits, milady.”

“Good, I plan on riding it a lot.”

She giggled as my eyes widened. Hell yes.