Page 63 of Say It Isn't Snow

Holly

Longest day ever is over. I got so much done! Time for fuzzy slippers.

Caleb

I’m proud of you, sugar. Sounds like you’ve earned a massage.

Holly

Oh my god, that sounds so nice. A massage might bring me back to life right now.

Caleb

You don’t have to ask. My hands are all yours.

Holly

I’m going up to my apartment to take a shower, but I’ll call you after if you’re not asleep yet.

When I exit into the alley behind the block of shops, I halt in my tracks.

Caleb’s crouched to pet one of the cats Marjorie, the bookstore owner, feeds. He tilts his head and gives me a charming dimpled smile.

“Hi beautiful,” he murmurs.

“Wait—I thought you went back to your hotel after touring the practice rink for the Mavs.” I glance from my phone to him. “What are you doing here?”

“Waiting for you. I came to make sure you get home safe.”

A warm glow fills me from within at his heartfelt tone and expression.

“I don’t have far to go. You want to walk me upstairs?” I tease.

“I want you,” he replies.

I can’t help the grin that breaks free when he gathers me in his strong arms and presses me against the building for a sweeping kiss.

All my stress melts away once I’m in his embrace. I worry too much when I’m left to my own thoughts, but when he holds me I no longer feel the weight of everything I carry.

I sigh, grazing my nose against his. “I don’t do well with surprises from others. But from my boyfriend? I understand the appeal.”

“Call me your boyfriend again. I like the sound of it,” he rasps.

I suppress a shiver. “I think I like having you waiting for me after work.”

“Yeah? That’s good. You should get used to it.” His lips brush mine again.

“Ah, but if I do, how will I survive without it when you’re on the road for away games?” I wrap my arms around his shoulders. “Cake. Cake makes everything better. And I suppose I have my vibrator to keep me company whenever you’re gone.”

He buries his face in my neck with a smoky rumble. “I’m going to buy you one of those ones for couples to use over long distances. It doesn’t matter where I am, I’ll always make you come.”

I bite my lip, tipping my head back to give him better access. My breath hitches as his hands wander beneath my sweater. Since I live above the shop, I don’t bother with a coat.

“If you don’t take me home, we’re going to scandalize the other shopkeepers and Marjorie’s cat army,” I warn.

“You’re too hard to resist,” he protests against my skin.

I giggle, pushing against his chest. He straightens, cupping my cheek and flashing me a wry tilt of his mouth.