A Very Merry Mistake

by Lyra Parish

“Tempting. What if I said I like to snuggle and I can’t control where my hands go?” “Tell me, is that a promise, darlin’?”

“Oh God, no. I’ve got a thing for tall, muscular men my age.” “Lumberjacks on that list?” Claire shoots me a wink, and my heart rate picks up. “And what if they are?” “I think you shouldn’t start something you won’t be able to finish.”

“Ever had that before?” He lifts his chin, referring to the nog. “No, but it’s sweet and thick. The way I like it.” I chew on my bottom lip, and he swallows hard. “I like it thick, too,” his grandma says, pulling us away from our intense eye contact. We both burst into laughter.