Father Christmas (Kringle & Co #4)

Chapter 7

CHAPTER SEVEN

T he frigid night air nipped at Mindy's cheeks as she stepped outside, Noel's hand brushing against hers. She glanced at him shyly through her lashes, a thrill running through her at his touch. They walked in sync, footsteps crunching in the freshly fallen snow. Mindy breathed in the crisp, pine-scented air, exhilarated by the prospect of what this night could hold.

"It's so beautiful out here," she said, twirling with her arms outstretched. She came to rest against Noel's chest, his heart thrumming steadily under her palm. She gazed up at him, those blue eyes twinkling under the streetlights. Noel brushed a snowflake from her nose, his thumb lingering on her cheek.

"Yeah. It is." Noel's breath was warm on her skin.

Mindy's heart fluttered as he drew her close. She stood on tiptoe, lips parted. Noel's lips met hers in a tender kiss. She melted against him, the chill of the night air forgotten in the warmth of his embrace. After a lingering moment, they pulled apart.

She had always been a blunt person. It didn't always reward her. She was happy that tonight it had paid off. Admitting to her boss that she had the hots for him was the best Christmas miracle of the century. And it seemed he wasn't ready to end the night any time soon.

Mindy and Noel found themselves in a small park, glowing with Christmas lights and bustling with holiday cheer. The air was filled with the sounds of laughter and festive music, creating a magical atmosphere. Every tree was wrapped in twinkling lights, their branches glistening with freshly fallen snow. The ground was blanketed in a pristine layer of white, crunching softly underfoot as they walked.

Teens were skating on the frozen pond, their laughter ringing out as they twirled and glided across the ice. Some held hands, spinning in graceful circles, while others attempted daring moves, their breath visible in the frosty air. The pond's surface was a perfect mirror, reflecting the myriad of colorful lights strung around its perimeter.

Couples strolled hand in hand along the pathways, their faces illuminated by the glow of the holiday lights. Some stopped to share a kiss under the mistletoe hung from lampposts, while others gathered around bonfires, the flames crackling and casting a warm, golden light. Groups of friends roasted marshmallows, the sweet aroma mingling with the crisp winter air.

Many heads kept tilting back, eyes darting at cell phones, capturing the enchanting scene on camera. The snow was falling heavier and heavier with each moment, large fluffy flakes drifting down from the darkened sky. It clung to hats and scarves, creating a picture-perfect winter wonderland.

"They're predicting a few feet," said Noel, putting his cell phone back in his pocket. "I really should get you home."

"I actually don't live that far. Just a few blocks down. We could walk."

Noel nodded, offering her his arm. As they strolled, many called out greetings to them. They were still in their costumes. The beautiful thing about snowfall was that it had to get a little warmer before the flakes fell. So Mindy wasn't shivering as much as she would be in another hour or so. She was hoping that in that next hour she would be shuddering underneath a certain Saint Nick.

She was already getting used to the feel of him. His solid warmth seeped into her side, the steady rise and fall of his chest calming. She had never felt so at peace. Despite the chill in the air, she felt a heat rising within her, a growing closeness to this kind, gentle man who seemed to understand her like no one else.

"I should tell you that I'll be going to HR in the morning. I need to file some paperwork at the office."

Mindy nearly slipped on the sidewalk. Noel caught and held her steady. "Paperwork? What for?"

Noel gave her a crooked smile. "If I'm going to date you properly, I'll need to sign some documents. We both will."

Joy blossomed in Mindy's chest. He wanted to date her.

"That is, if you were looking for more than a one-night stand."

"More. I want more."

"Good. Because that is all that I have to give. I'm not a young buck who wants to hit it and quit it, Mindy. I like to take my time and go deep. I'm going to go very deep, and very slow with you. Do you understand me?"

"Yes, sir."

His grin slashed wide at that.

Mindy had no idea where the sir had come from. Likely it was an after effect of the sex party. Seeing that Noel was the boss, and this wasn't the first holiday party of that nature the company had hosted, Mindy wondered if Noel was into what they had just witnessed.

Was he a Santa Dom? Oh, if that wouldn't be the most perfect present in the history of holidays.

"Noel?"

"Hmm?"

"We can skip the paperwork tonight, right?"

"Absolutely. But I might make you sign an NDA."

"Why? Something wrong with your little reindeer?" She grinned.

Noel stopped and pulled her up against him. What Mindy felt between his thighs definitely had horse power. "I don't think you'll talk about the things I'm about to do to you."

"What things?" Mindy's voice was barely above a whisper. Her brain was so focused on that beast between Noel's thighs. Her heart raced like it was flying across the night sky to get to every single child's house across the earth.

"You're going to have to wait to find out. First, I'm going to get you inside and unwrap my present."

"Your present?"

"You, Mindy. You're my present."

"Yes, sir."