Beyond the Mistletoe: A Christmas Romance (Beyond Love Book 7) by Karice Bolton

miserably.” His eyes locked on mine. “So I thought a weekend of fun could be exactly what I needed. You?”
    “Same. But it’s never been my style. I tend to freeze up and run away.”
    “You don’t seem to be running away.” The look in his eyes was dreamy and took my breath away.
    “Yet,” I added, and he shook his head, beaming.
    “They also told me a cute redhead would be at the festivities.”
    “Really? Have you seen one yet?” I teased.
    “Right in front of me.”
    Even though I led him right into that one, I couldn’t help but love what his words did to me.
    “I’m not a natural redhead.”
    “Your olive skin kind of gave that away,” he confessed.
    “You do pay attention.”
    A few beats of comfortable silence sat between us.
    “I spotted a covered patio with a fire pit from my room.” He took a sip of his whisky. “I ordered marshmallows to roast. They’re waiting for us at the front desk, if you’re game.”
    “I’d like that very much.”
    He stood up and took another swig of his drink before holding out his hand for mine. I stood up quickly, almost losing my balance as my imagination ran wild. Would I be able to really let loose and be with him? Was he even asking for that? I had no idea, but I quickly wanted to throw my worries and speculation out the window. I wanted to forget about tomorrow and be in the moment without dragging emotion and sentiment to everything I ever touched.
    I slid my hand into his and felt the immediate connection I so desperately craved but was afraid to let myself have.
    We stopped at the front desk where they had a bag of marshmallows and skewers waiting for us. Derek grabbed everything with his free hand and led me down the hallway to the large wooden doors that opened onto the covered patio.
    I expected to see other people around, but outside was completely empty. Large benches circled the fire pit and several outdoor heaters warmed the space up. The white of the snow caught the amber glow of the flames. There were two wool blankets folded on the bench in front of us. He placed the marshmallows and skewers on the bench and shook out one of the blankets, wrapping it around me before he looked up and smiled.
    “What?” I whispered, following his gaze to the tiny green bundle dangling above us.
    “We have to follow the rules,” he murmured, closing the gap between us.
    Even in the frigid temperatures I immediately felt a rush of heat run through my body as he pressed the strength of his body against me, making my world spin. He tilted his head slightly and pushed my hair to the side, whispering for me to come closer. I nodded, and before I even had chance to move, his lips touched mine.
    My blanket fell to the ground as I closed my eyes and melted into his embrace. His lips slowly parted, and I kissed him back, hungry for the companionship I was afraid to let myself have. I ran my fingers through his hair as our kisses deepened, and everything else drifted away. I no longer cared where I was or where I’d be tomorrow. For now, I was where I needed to be.
    He ran his hands along my sides, and my body shuddered with the slightest touch. His fingers gently dipped along the curves of my waist; our kisses deepened, and the sweetness of his lips tasted beyond anything I’d imagined. I wanted so much more.
    And that was the problem. No matter what I told myself, I wanted more than just a good time over the weekend. I wasn’t wired any other way, and he sensed it.
    His lips slowly parted from mine, leaving a tingling sensation as I opened my eyes to see Derek smiling at me, his gaze taking me in.
    He let out a deep sigh and shook his head while bending over to pick up the blanket that had slipped to the ground. I stood almost paralyzed by the longing that flooded my veins. I wanted to be kissed all over. I wanted to experience more of Derek. He sat on the bench and pulled me onto his lap before covering us both in the blanket.
    “I’m not sure I can do just