Chapter Seven

Wynter

I can still feel the burn of Drake’s gaze on my back as I walk out of the library, my pulse pounding like thunder in my ears. What on earth just happened?

You’re mine.

Those two words keep bouncing around in my head, turning my insides to mush. Not to mention how he called me “sunshine.” I should be annoyed by his cocky, possessive attitude, but I’m not. My body is on fire, wanting more. And what’s worse? I think he knows it.

I stomp across the pavement, torn between excitement and confusion. Drake Hudson isn’t a moody librarian; he’s a devil in disguise—a devil with incredibly good looks, brains, and an ego the size of the earth.

I take a deep breath, trying to shake off his effect on me as I head toward my car. Focus, Wynter. I can’t afford to be derailed right now; I have things to do…I need more lights for the displays. The entire town of Pinegrove is waiting to see if I can pull this festival off. I will not be distracted by a tall, alpha librarian with a smile that has the power to melt my clothes off.

As I unlock my car and slide behind the wheel, my heart is still racing. I give myself a second to breathe before turning the key in the ignition.

The engine starts to kick in, then grinds to a halt.

I frown and try again. Now I have nothing.

“Oh, come on,” I mutter, jiggling the key like that’ll magically make the engine roar to life. The dashboard lights flicker weakly before fading out completely. Great. Of course, this would happen now.

I lean back in my seat, groaning in frustration. What else could go wrong today?

I’m counting to ten when there’s a knock on the window. Startled, I look up to see Drake.

I roll down the window, praying my cheeks aren’t a flaming crimson red. “My car won’t start.”

He leans down, his face level with mine. “Need some help, sunshine?”

There it is again—that nickname. I don’t know whether I want to roll my eyes or kiss him for it.

“I don’t think it’s the battery because it’s brand new,” I offer, like I know what I’m talking about. I’m lucky I can pump my own gas. “It’s probably one of those dreaded electronic issues. I’m going to call a tow.”

Drake straightens, pulling out his phone. “I’ll call the tow for you.”

“Oh, you don’t have to—”

He cuts me off with a raised eyebrow. “I’m calling.”

Of course, he is. I watch as he steps a few feet away, his deep voice carrying as he arranges the tow with an annoyingly attractive smooth efficiency. When he returns, he slips his phone back into his pocket.

“Tow truck’s on its way,” he says. “But it’ll take about an hour.”

I groan. “An hour? That’ll throw my whole schedule off. I need to get to the store and pick up more lights before it closes.”

Drake tilts his head toward a truck parked nearby. “I can drive you. But there’s a condition.”

I scowl. “A condition?”

He nods, giving me a sexy grin that turns my knees to jelly. “Dinner. You agree to have dinner with me, and I’ll be your chauffeur for the rest of the day.”

My heart stumbles in my chest. Dinner? Is he serious?

I stare at him for a long moment, trying to read between the lines. Did I miss something? Could he be a womanizer who likes to play games? Is he a predator? Or is he just a hot guy who hides behind a quiet exterior?

My body hasn’t stopped humming since he got close to me back in the library, and now here he is, offering to sweep in like a hunky knight in shining armor.

I should say no. I should maintain some professional distance. “Okay. Deal,” flies out of my mouth.

Drake’s grin widens. “Good. Let’s go, sunshine.”

Before I have time to change my mind, he’s opening the driver’s door for me.

“Your chariot awaits, madam.” He bows with a flourish.

Who is this man?

“You all right if I leave the keys under the floormat for Joe?”

“Joe?”

“He’s the owner of Tow and Go. He’s a good guy and a trusted friend. He will take great care of your car.”

“All right.” I hand him my keys. “You don’t have to do this though. I can call my girlfriend for a ride or get an Uber.”

Drake jogs over to his truck and opens the passenger’s door. “Sunshine, your car breaking down is the universe whispering in my ear telling me not to let you go.”

“Are you a twin or something?” I wrinkle my nose. “You’re not the same man I met last week.”

He bursts out laughing. “Not only is she beautiful, but she loves everything Christmas, thinks the world should be lit with twinkling lights, and has an excellent sense of humor.” He swipes a tear from his cheek. “I’ve hit the jackpot.”

“Did you have a medication change? Are you on drugs?” He helps me into the truck.

“No and no.” He grabs the seatbelt, reaches across my waist, and snaps it into place. His cologne’s woodsy, clean scenthas my pulse spiraling out of control.

He hovers in front of my face for a second. “This is the real me, Wynter. I hope you like it.”

He closes me in, and my throat gets tight, and my chest starts to ache.

I do like it. I like him —a lot.

As Drake climbs into the driver’s seat and backs out of the parking lot, I can’t stop thinking that maybe, just maybe…I’ve been granted a Christmas miracle of my own.

Chapter Eight

Drake

I’ve been staring at her for way too long, watching as Wynter flips through the menu like it’s the most fascinating thing she’s ever seen. Meanwhile, all I can think about is how I’m going to kiss her before this night ends.

I don’t just want to kiss her. I need to. It’s been gnawing at me since the second she walked into the library, since the moment she called me a Grinch with that sweet, sexy little smile of hers.

She’s crawled right into my heart without even trying.

“So,” she sets the menu down. “Do you always take women out for dinner after their cars break down?”

I smirk. “Only when the universe tells me to.”

She rolls her eyes, but I can see a hint of a smile tugging at her lips. “The universe, huh?”

“Yup.” I lean back in my chair, watching the way her eyes flicker like gemstones in the candlelight. “It whispered right in my ear.”

“Did it now?” She takes a roll from the bread basket. “And what exactly did it say?”

I lean forward, lowering my voice. “That I should make sure you never leave my sight again.”

Wynter freezes, her cheeks turning a gorgeous shade of pink as she swallows a piece of roll. “Do you have a book of lines?”

“A book of lines?’ I snag a poppy seed roll. “You don’t really believe that, do you?”

“Honestly? I don’t know. When we met, you were pretty tight-lipped and moody. Now you’re Drake the Cake on steroids…” her eyes widen. “Ohmygod…I shouldn’t have said that. I…I…when I get nervous…I…umm…I…”

“Drake the Cake?” My face hurts from smiling so wide. “You call me Drake the Cake?”

“Umm, well, yes and no. You see…umm…the girls in town call you that.”

“Is that so?” I reach over to touch her shoulder to reassure her. “It’s all good, sunshine. Drake the Cake isn’t so bad. Now, if it were Drake the Snake, we’d have to talk.”

Wynter laughs so loud she slaps a hand over her mouth to keep it in.

“Let it out, sunshine. I don’t care what anyone in here thinks.” I lean in close. “Except you.” I wink.

The waiter bustles over with our drinks, takes our orders, and rushes away. As I contemplate toasting my good fortune, I hear someone call out her name.

“Wynter!” A tall brunette is waving from the ma?tre de station.

“Oh, no.” Wynter groans softly.

“Is there a problem?” I sit up straight. “You want me to take care of it?”

“Calm down, Thor.” She rolls her eyes. “That’s my best friend Rachel and her husband, Lincoln.” Wynter throws her hand in the air.

“Then why the ‘oh no’?”

“Because she’s never going to let me live this down.”

“You’ve lost me.” I put my arm around her chair and drag it closer. “Fill me in.”

“What are you doing?” She swats me on the arm. “She’s watching.”

“Good,” the air between us shifts, and I can’t hold back anymore. ”Wynter,” I brush my thumb across her cheek, “I’m going to kiss you now.”

Wynter gives me a little nodandleans closer, inviting me in.

“Yes?” I ask.

“Yes,” she sighs.

I cup her face, bringing my mouth to hers. As soon as we touch, it’s like everything falls into place. Her lips are softandwarmandtaste better than I imagined. I deepen the kiss, pulling her closer as a soft sound escapes her throat—something between a sigh and a moan that drives me absolutely wild. She melts into me like she’s been waiting for this kiss as much as I have.

When I finally pull back, we’re both breathing hard, her eyes wide and a little dazed.

“Wow,” she whispers, her fingers brushing her lips.

“Yeah,” I murmur. “Wow.”

“What’s this?” I look up to see Rachel beaming down at us. “Are you two a couple now?”

Wynter looks ready to crawl under the table, but I don’t hesitate. “Yes, we are.”

Rachel’s grin widens. “Well, well, well. I guess miracles do happen. It’s nice to finally meet you, Drake. I’ve heard a lot about you.”

Wynter shoots her a look.

“Rachel talks about the festival all the time. I can’t wait to see what she’s doing.”

I reach for Wynter’s hand under the table. She’s definitely been talking to her friend about me, and I’m glad about it. “Stop by anytime,” I squeeze Wynter’s hand. “Wynter’s turned the library on its ear, but in an excellent way.”

“Darn it, I wish our table wasn’t ready.” Rachel sighs. “I’d love to talk more. Well, you two lovebirds enjoy.” She kisses Wynter on the cheek. “Details.” I hear her whisper in her ear. “I want details.”

Wynter mutters something under her breath as Rachel leaves. The second she’s out of earshot, she turns to me, shaking her head. “I’m sorry about that.”

“About what? I like her. She’s got spunk like you.”

“The lovebird comment was over the top.” She takes her hand back, and I instantly miss it.

I shrug. “I don’t know about that. I kinda liked it.” I wiggle my brows.

She snorts, shaking her head. “You’re impossible.”

“Guilty as charged.” I smile. “How about another kiss?”

Before I can steal another kiss, my phone buzzes in my pocket. Reluctantly, I pull it out and see Joe’s name on the screen.

“It’s Joe,” I take the call. “What’s up?”

“Hey, Drake. Just wanted to give you a heads up—your girl’s car needs a part, and I’ve gotta order it. It’s going to take at least a week, maybe more.”

I glance at Wynter. A week without her car? Merry Christmas to me. This means I get to drive her around. Every. Single. Day.

“Got it,” I reply, already smiling. “Thanks, Joe. I appreciate you. Now stop working and go home to those kids of yours.”

I hang up and lean back in my chair, grinning at Wynter.

“What is it?” she asks. “Please tell me I don’t need a new car.”

“Nope. However, it does look like your car will be out of commission for a while. Joe needs to order a part. Might take a week.”

Her face falls. “A week? That’s awful news. I have so much to do.”

I don’t miss a beat. “You don’t need to worry about that, sunshine. I’ll be driving you everywhere.”

Her eyes widen. “What? You can’t—”

“I can,” I say firmly. “And I will. No arguments. The universe is whispering in my ear again. And I’m not letting you go, sunshine. I meant it when I said you’re mine.”

“Drake,” she leans over, brushing a whisper-soft kiss across my lips. “I don’t know how to repay you.”

“A lifetime supply of these will do.” I kiss her once more.

She moans again, and my soul is seton fire.

By the time we come up for air, I know that, without a doubt, I’m never letting her go. If that means I will have to be surrounded by tinsel, twinkling lights, and garland all the days of my life, I’m in.

All the way.