Page 6 of Candy Cane Chains
"And tonight?"
"Tonight I'm a mess." The honesty surprises me. Maybe it's the alcohol. Maybe it's those eyes that seem to see right through me. "But hey, at least I showed up, right? That's what they say - showing up is half the battle."
"Is that what they say?" His smirk deepens, and something warm unfurls in my chest. Despite everything, I find myself wanting to lean closer, to see if I can make that smirk turn into a real smile.
I refuse to let Travis ruin more of my night.
"That dress..." Julian's gaze travels down my body, lingering on the places where the red silk clings. "It's wasted on a friend's Christmas party at a bar."
My breath catches. The way he says it - like he's imagining exactly where the dressshouldbe worn - sends electricity dancing across my skin.
"Really?" I take another sip of my drink, letting the ice clink against my teeth. "Where should I wear it then?"
"Somewhere private." His voice drops lower, rougher. "Somewhere the lighting does it justice."
The tension between us crackles. I should be scared of the hunger in his eyes, but instead I find myself leaning closer. "The lighting here isn't doing it justice?"
"The lighting here..." He reaches out, running one finger along my strapless shoulder right above the fur trim. "Is hiding all the best parts in the shadows."
A shiver runs through me at his touch. God, when was the last time Travis made me feel like this? Like I was something precious and desired?
"Maybe that's intentional." I match his tone, letting my own voice drop. "Maybe the shadows are part of the appeal."
His answering chuckle is dark velvet against my ears. "I think you are all the appeal."
Heat spreads across my cheeks. "Yeah?" I should have a better answer but it's so hard for me to handle a compliment, it's embarrassing.
"Something tells me you know that." His eyes slide along me again, and I find myself relaxing, letting him see more of me. "Why else would you buy it?"
The compliment slides over my skin like a caress. I find myself relaxing into our verbal dance, enjoying the way he makes me feel seen. Wanted.
"To be interesting?" I offer, making my voice dip a little. More flirty. More like myself.
His eyes land on my lips and he tilts his head forward, stealing my breath. "Very interesting."
"Interesting enough for another drink?" I ask, letting my smile turn playful.
"Interesting enough for anything you want." The promise in his voice makes heat pool low in my stomach.
"Anything?" I raise a brow. "I should apologize," I say, running my finger along the rim of my glass. "I didn't exactly come prepared with a gift for Secret Santa. So if you can give me anything, what am I to give you in return?"
Julian shifts closer, his thigh brushing against mine. The contact sends sparks through my body, and my skin tingles where we touch. The alcohol has mellowed my edges, but my mind remains sharp - just relaxed enough to let myself enjoy this dangerous attraction.
To ignore what happened tonight.
And maybe… Maybe it's helping numb the pain enough for me to find someone who can give me what I was after. The outfit did have an intended desire.
"We'll have to improvise then." His voice drops to a whisper that cuts through the bar's noise like a blade.
He reaches up, and my breath catches as his fingers brush against my temple. With deliberate slowness, he tucks a strand of hair behind my ear, his touch lingering against my skin. The calluses on his fingertips catch slightly on my cheek.
I lean into his touch before I can stop myself. His hand is warm, strong - everything about him radiates that quiet power that makes my heart race. His thumb traces along my jawline, and I fight back a shiver.
"Cold?" The corner of his mouth quirks up.
"No." I meet his gaze. "Definitely not cold."
His eyes darken, and his hand slides to cup the back of my neck. The gesture is possessive, commanding, and it makes my pulse jump. Every point of contact between us feels electric, charged with possibility.