Page 11 of The Vampire and the Case of the Cozy Christmas

He grinned. ‘She was lying through her teeth. She could have made them but she knew I wanted to bake them myself, so she made the gingerbread instead.’

My heart warmed even further. My favourite Christmas treat, my favourite people and Christmas magic. It really was everything I could have dreamed of. I smiled and held out a small pie, ‘Will you have one?’

He looked a bit dubious but he did bite into it. ‘Hey,’ he said after a few chews. ‘That’s really good!’

I grinned. ‘Told you! Now, let’s go to bed. Let’s ring in Christmas together.’

He shot a quick look at the back door, clearly debating something. ‘What?’ I asked. ‘What’s up? Do whatever you need to do, don’t mind me.’

He looked uncomfortable. ‘The ladies like their port. I normally take them a bottle at Christmas.’

Melt my heart. ‘You go right ahead,’ I said. ‘I don’t want to ruin your traditions!’

‘Never. But we can make new ones together. Come with me,’ he said impulsively.

I laced my fingers through his and we padded out into the dark, freezing night with a bottle of port.Reallynice port. I watched as Connor uncorked the bottle and the dancing ladies ran over to him. They swarmed up him like he was a climbing frame and peppered his cheeks with chaste kisses as he held perfectly still.

Just as quickly they slid down and went for the bottle. They put some stones into it and, when it overflowed, they cheered and licked the dripping liquid. That answered the question of how they’d handle such a large bottle.

Connor took my hand and led me back inside to the warmth of his newly blessed home. ‘So,’ I said, amused, ‘I have competition for your affections.’

He turned to me, eyes serious. ‘Never.’

I fell into his arms and they tightened around me. Our kisses were hot and heavy, tinged with the taste of mince pies and red wine. I couldn’t be sure if it was the alcohol that was making my head spin or the man, because he was intoxicating all by himself. Yum.

I pulled back to look at my mate. ‘I love you, Connor McKenzie. Merry Christmas.’

His eyes darkened and he pressed me close. ‘I love you too, doe. Merry Christmas.’ Then he tugged me towards his bedroom.

Best. Christmas. Ever.