Jingle Wars (Hollyridge, #1)

by Veronica Eden

We’re close enough I can see his pupils dilate, feel the shift in his breathing when his head inclines another inch to erase what little distance is left between us. To prove my point, I reach up to cup his neck, thumbs grazing his jaw. It’s warm beneath my icicle fingers. His focus drops to my mouth and my grin stretches. Without warning, I dig my nails in, just enough to be uncomfortable, not break the skin. “I’m a fighter, Finn Mayberry. I have no problem fighting you to the end.” “We’ll see about that, Traitor,” Finn rasps, a hint of arousal clear in his tone. I lick my lips and he releases a near-silent groan. I’m only aware of it because I feel the rumbling vibration beneath my hands. The invisible cinch pulls tighter, his chest brushing against mine. He drops the stick he fished from my messy hair and traces my jaw with his thumb, angling my face up. My lashes flutter and my chest caves. He’s going to— “Don’t you two look cozy.” The friendly voice laced with laughter has us flying apart. I smack the back of my head against the gazebo. “Ow.” I wince, holding the back of my skull. Finn reaches for me on instinct, then drops his arm like a stone in water. A bewildered, guilty look settles on his face. “Grams, I—No—It wasn’t—”