Father Christmas (Kringle & Co #4)

Chapter 6

CHAPTER SIX

" Y ou ready to come?"

That was not what Noel had meant to say. But his brain was scrambled. Likely from all the sex pheromones in the room.

The sounds of moans and groans and rapid breathing came from every corner, and even the center of the room. None of it fazed Noel. This wasn't his first sex party. He hadn't bothered to ask if it was Mindy's.

That was on him.

Seeing the way her pupils dilated, watching how her chest rose and fell, noticing each and every time she bit at the corner of her lower lip, Noel knew his curvy little elf wasn't the least bit embarrassed or turned off. She was very much turned on.

Which pissed him off.

"I mean, are you ready to go?" he corrected himself.

"I can come now? I mean go? So soon?"

Yes, looks like she did want to stay. Who did she want to play with? One of the Santas sprinkling sugar cane between angels' thighs? Or one of the reindeer strapping on dildos for double penetration? Or maybe she wanted to take a turn in the Queen Chair and have a train of guys, and women, lick her pussy?

Noel wanted to do all of those things to her. But he couldn't.

Well, he could . And he'd do it better than any of these young bucks playing reindeer games.

But he shouldn't.

"Are you ready to leave?" she asked.

It was the way that she asked him. He could hear the note clear in her voice. It was the same note he heard when a woman wasn't ready to leave his company. When a woman wanted to ask him for more but was afraid of rejection.

Mindy was afraid he would reject her. Which could only mean she wanted him. Well, that laid all bets on the table.

"Would you like to dance, Mindy?"

"With you?" There it was again, that lilting tone.

Noel held out a hand to her. She looked down at his fingers like they were candy canes. Slowly, her hand rose, and she put it in his.

"Trying to get on the 'nice' list, Mr. Kringle?"

"Maybe I just wanted an excuse to spend more time with you," Noel replied smoothly, taking her hand and leading her to the dance floor.

Noel was an excellent dancer, his strong frame guiding her with ease. Mindy relaxed into his hold, letting him take the lead as the music swelled around them.

"You're really good," she said.

"I have to admit, I don't make time for dating as much as I should," he said, meeting her gaze. "The holidays keep me busier than Santa's elves."

"Well, now you're stuck with me as your responsibility for the evening."

"I can think of worse fates," Noel replied smoothly as he dipped her low, then pulled her close again. Mindy fit perfectly against him, her body molding to his lead. Noel realized how much he enjoyed having her in his arms.

"I should admit something." Mindy's words were breathless. "But I hope it won't interfere with my job with the company."

"There's no HR here. And I know the boss."

"This concerns the boss. You see, I have a bit of a crush on him."

"Do you now?"

"I won't let it interfere with my work. But I just thought he should know. You know, in case he sees me staring at him with goofy eyes. He's just my every holiday fantasy wrapped up in a Santa suit."

Mindy placed a hand over Noel's chest. Noel's heart pounded at her touch. She pulled back before his heart rate could really go.

"It would be hypocritical for me to hold that against you when I think I have the exact same crush on you."

"You do?" Mindy tilted her head up, her cheeks flushed from the dance and the undeniable connection between them.

"I assumed you'd think I was too old for you."

"I actually just got out of a relationship," she confessed. "He wasn't the most mature partner, let's just say."

Noel sensed the hurt behind her words. He tightened his arm around her waist reassuringly. "His loss is my gain."

The music faded, but neither made an effort to separate. Noel caressed Mindy's cheek, an unspoken question in his eyes. When she didn't pull away, he bent his head and captured her lips in a promising kiss beneath the mistletoe.

Noel lost himself in the kiss, the sounds of the party fading away as his entire world narrowed to the feel of Mindy's lips against his own. She tasted like peppermint and Christmas magic, her body melting against him as she returned the kiss with equal fervor.

When they finally broke for air, Noel rested his forehead against hers, struggling to catch his breath.

"Wow," Mindy whispered, her eyes still closed.

"Wow is right," Noel agreed, marveling at the passion that had ignited between them so quickly. He brushed his thumb over her cheekbone, desire and tenderness welling up inside him.

Mindy's eyes fluttered open, her gaze searching his. "I wasn't expecting this when I agreed to help out tonight."

"Neither was I. But I have to say, you're the best surprise I've gotten this Christmas."

Noel held Mindy close as they swayed gently to the soft music, neither wanting the dance to end. He ignored the multiple climaxes happening around him. He was entirely tuned to the woman in his arms. Her head rested against his chest, and he could smell the sweet floral scent of her shampoo mingling with the pine and cinnamon that permeated the party.

As the final notes faded away, Noel reluctantly loosened his hold on Mindy. "It's getting late. I should make sure you get home safe. This weather is taking a turn."

"I suppose you're right," she agreed.

Noel took her hand and threaded their fingers together, marveling at how perfectly her small hand fit inside his own. He led her through the writhing crowd toward the exit, the chill of the winter night greeting them as they stepped outside.

Fat snowflakes drifted down from the inky sky, the first real snowfall of the season. Mindy turned her face upward, catching the flakes on her tongue with childlike delight. Noel watched her, utterly enchanted.

"It's so beautiful," Mindy breathed, squeezing Noel's hand.

"Not as beautiful as you."

Noel watched as a pretty blush stained Mindy's cheeks. Watching the pink spread as the white snow fell, Noel knew he was not letting this woman get away from him any time soon.