Page 64 of Tinsel & Tools

“You don’t have to.”

“I want to.”

I gave him a look. “First you feed me, now you’re offering a massage. Sounds like you’re just trying to get in my pants.”

His mouth curved. “Maybe I am.”

I snorted. “At least you’re honest.”

“Always,” he returned. “Come on, let’s pick a movie.”

We moved into the living room, the glow from the tree throwing light across the walls. He grabbed the remote, flipped through a few channels, and stopped on a Hallmark Christmas movie. “This work?”

I snorted. “You’re serious?”

“Completely. Small town, holiday magic, two people who don’t know they’re perfect for each other? Every plot’s the same, and that’s why it works. It’s the whole point of the holiday season.”

I shook my head. “You actually watch this stuff?”

“Obviously. Don’t tell me you’ve never seen one.”

“Not all the way through.”

“Then tonight’s the night.” He dropped onto the couch, pulling the blanket down. “Consider it cultural education.”

I shook my head but sat next to him. Not long after the movie started, a woman in a red coat bumped into a man carrying a Christmas tree, making both of them laugh like it was fate.

I rolled my shoulder, the knot still tight.

“Told you I’d get that.”

His thumb pressed into my shoulder, applying firm pressure until I let out a breath. “Better?”

“Keep going.”

I watched the screen while he worked at the knot in my shoulder. The guy on screen was teaching the city woman how to cut down a tree.

“I give it five minutes before he hands her hot chocolate.”

“Ten,” I countered.

“You’re on.”

His hand kept working, easing the tight muscle. When the guy pulled a thermos out of his truck, Gavin let out a soft laugh.

“Told you.”

I shook my head, but I didn’t move away.

His fingers didn’t let up, working the spot until the ache gave. The movie continued with a scene with holiday lights and carolers, which I wasn’t paying attention to.

His hand slid across my chest and lower.

“You’re missing your movie,” I told him, knowing exactly what was about to happen.

“I can watch and multitask,” he answered, his palm descending even farther.

“Pretty sure Hallmark doesn’t allow that.” I grinned.