After a heartbeat of silence, Noel cradled his face in her hands and kissed him again.
“Thank you.”
Nick pressed his forehead to hers, his arms secured around her waist. “That’s what friends with an interest in becoming more do for each other.”
She chuckled. “It definitely scores you brownie points.”
“Whoo-hoo. How many extra points do I get if I can also help on the location front?”
“A hundred zillion thousand.”
“Not an actual number, but I’ll take it. It’s not a cabin, but I bet if it’s available, we could get Charlie at The Rustic to rent you the presidential suite for cheap. I don’t think anyone has ever stayed in it since he always insists on keeping it open on the slim chance that some government official is going to stop in Mistletoe. I don’t know what you all have planned, but it sleeps ten, so I think it could work for you.”
Noel threw her arms around his neck and he sank into her, pulling her tight against his body, their mouths meeting over and over.
“Is that a ‘gee thanks’？” he asked between kisses.
“And a big-time thank you.” She nibbled his bottom lip, running her hands over his arms. “Maybe tomorrow I could sneak over after work and thank you properly.”
“Hmmm, what did you have in mind?”
“A little quid pro quo, Clarice,” she hissed, making the sucking noise from Silence of the Lambs.
Nick leaned back, frowning in disgust. “Can you not talk like Hannibal Lecter in reference to going down on me?”
Noel laughed, burying her face in his chest. “I’m sorry. I’m still adjusting to being not just friends. Trying to be sexy is rough.”
“Hey, you are sexy without trying, except when you’re quoting a psychopathic cannibal.”
“Noted.”
“Now if you were into other role playing, I could be down with that. I’ve always fantasized about making out with a dirty pirate.”
Noel’s hands slid into his hair and responded in a husky, pirate voice. “Guess today be your lucky day, argh.”
“Mmmm.” His hands cupped her butt, bringing her harder against him. “Better.”
“Ahem. Seems we’re interrupting.”
Nick and Noel broke apart at the sound of Merry clearing her throat. Both Winters sisters stood at the bottom of the stairs, watching them with identical grins. Nick shook his head at his meddling siblings but didn’t call them out on their lightness of foot.
“Ah, good. You’re here.”
“Weren’t we supposed to be?” Holly asked.
“Apparently, they weren’t expecting us anytime soon.” Merry wiggled her eyebrows as she thrust her hips.
Noel groaned, hiding her face in her hands.
Nick scowled at the girls and barked, “All right, chuckles, listen up. We are skipping practice tonight.”
Merry and Holly looked at each other, before Merry planted her hands on her hips.
“Does Mom know that?”
“She will, don’t worry. This is more important.” Nick turned to Noel. “Are your keys in your purse?”
“Yes, but the car’s not locked. The favors are in the back seat in grocery sacks.”
“All right, you two”—Nick pointed to his grinning sisters—“stop gawking. Noel needs us to help her finish the favors for Gabby’s wedding, so you two get the supplies and meet us at the kitchen table. Our mission is to finish the favors before Noel goes to work.” Nick clapped his hands. “Let’s get ’er done!”
Merry shot him a disgruntled expression. “Normally, I’d rebel against you popping off orders, but since it’s for Noel, I’ll go along with it.”
Holly pointed at Noel. “Why are you wearing an eye patch?”
Nick snapped his fingers rapidly. “All will be explained. Now shoo!”
“Nobody likes a tyrant, big brother,” Merry muttered as the two of them trekked back upstairs.
Alone again, Nick kissed her, falling into the taste of chocolate and warmth. When they finally pulled apart, Noel’s face radiated happiness.
“A girl could get used to this.”
I hope you do.
“We better get up there before they start catcalling.”
Nick laced his fingers through hers and led her up the stairs. They broke apart just before they crested the main floor, mostly to avoid any more teasing from his annoying sisters.
He was surprised to find his parents sitting down at the table with Holly and Merry, getting organized with all the favor supplies.