Page 75 of Lethal Threat

And we do.

The big fire that Cole builds crackles and adds even more to the cozy vibe as I stir a batch of hot chocolate. I probably don’t need it, but it’s too perfect of a night for hot cocoa not to make it. But between the cider and the cocoa, I’m going to be buzzing for a week from all the sugar.

I’m grinning like a fool as I stir the cocoa.

Staying awake all night with Cole would be fun.

With my heart glowing, I fiddle around in the kitchen. Content. Before Cole brings in the tree, he puts holiday music on the Bose speaker in the living room.

It’s a classic. I know the lyrics, which is a pleasant surprise. It’s so odd what I can and cannot remember. Song lyrics, but not my relationship with Cole…

He saunters into the kitchen and wraps his arm around me.

Gently, he smooths my hair aside. It’s a wonderful sensation. Then he melts me even more when he rubs his scruff seductively, deliciously against my cheek. “I love your hair down, by the way.”

I lean back into him while the cocoa finishes heating. “Thanks, I like your hands in it.”

“You didn’t wear it down a lot before.”

He slides his hands into the heavy mass of my red mane. Stroking those big strong fingers against the sensitized skin.

I could purr. “Hm. That’s interesting. Well, if you’llkeep touching me like that, I promise to keep wearing it down for you.”

He groans. I teeter a bit when he steps back suddenly. He huffs out a short breath. “I need to get away from you if we’re ever going to get this tree decorated.”

Laughing, I reach for two mugs. “Agreed. And we don’t want to waste the cocoa either because it’s the best cocoa I’ve ever made. That I remember...”

“I heard you singing,” Cole calls from the other room.

My eyes shoot wide. Uh oh. “Do I sound horrible?”

“You sound like a sexy lounge singer. I’ve always loved your voice.”

“Hardly,” I scoff.

Cole appears at the kitchen doorway. He’s smiling fondly. “You used to say you had the voice of a buzz saw.”

I freeze. For a split second, I get a falling sensation. The spinning in my head is so strong I gasp.

Cole strides toward me. “Babe, what’s wrong?”

“Nothing. I just… it was just déjà vu.”

His hand tightens around my upper arm. “Are you sure?”

I nod, but I can’t concentrate. Something’s happening and I’m afraid it isn’t good.

Chapter Twenty-Five

COLE

I’m still worried.

Sierra leans her shoulder against me and curls her feet beneath her on the couch. I tuck her in and pull the gray and red plaid throw blanket over her.

I can’t stop myself from pressing my nose into her hair. Drawing in the tasty smell of sweet cocoa and the fresh scent of evergreen sap that lingers on her.

She twines her fingers with mine. The heat from her touch filters up my arm and lodges firmly in the middle of my chest. Like a candle flame.