A Maverick's Christmas Homecoming

He looked into her face so close to his and said, “That couldn’t have gone better if I’d planned it.” If he had, he’d have planned to be somewhere warm and for her not to have so many clothes on.

“So, you think it will be that easy to have your way with me?”

“A guy can hope.”

Apparently the innocent expression he put on his face wasn’t convincing because she chose that moment to rub a handful of snow over his cheeks.

He sucked in a breath. “God, that’s cold.”

“I’m so sorry.” Clearly it was a lie because she did it again.

“Payback isn’t pretty.” He reached out to grab some snow, then lifted the collar of her coat to shove it down her back.

She shrieked again, then gave him a look. “You’re so going down for that.”

“I’m already down.”

“Then we need to take this battle to a new level.” She jumped up and staggered back a few feet, then bent down. When she straightened, she hurled a snowball with each hand, but missed him.

Shane rolled to the side and grabbed her legs, tackling her. “I learned to do that when I played football.”

He looked down at her laughing face and thoughts of war and retaliation retreated. She was so beautiful he couldn’t stop himself from touching his mouth to hers. Definitely going on Santa’s naughty list this year.

He deepened the kiss and caught her moan of pleasure in his mouth as she slid her arms around his neck. They were already down so he didn’t have to worry about losing his balance this time. That was fortunate because she felt so good in his arms, he had his doubts about maintaining emotional equilibrium.

He cupped her cold cheek in his palm and traced the outline of her lips with his tongue. She opened her mouth, inviting him inside, and he instantly complied. The touch sent liquid heat rolling through him and he groaned with the need to feel her bare skin next to his. The sensual haze lasted just until he felt her shiver.

He lifted his head and saw her shaking. “You’re freezing.”

“N-not yet. But c-close.”

Shane levered himself up and to his feet, then reached a hand down to help her stand. In the streetlamp he could see that her coat and pants were wet. “You’re soaked.”

Her teeth were chattering, but she managed to say, “Th-thanks for the news flash.”

“You need to get into something dry.”

“I need to go h-home.”

“My place is closer.” The next words just popped out, but as soon as they did he knew how much he wanted it. “You could stay tonight.”

“Oh, Shane—”

“Just a thought. No harm, no foul.”

“I’d really like to.” There was need in her eyes, but it was quickly followed by doubt. “But …”

There always was, he thought.

“I have an early day tomorrow,” she said. “It’s probably best if I go home. Rain check?”

“You got it.” He’d never meant a promise more. “Now let’s get you back to your car.”

He hurried her to the parking lot and took her keys when her hand was shaking too badly to fit it in the lock. When she was in the driver’s seat, she managed to get the key in the ignition and turn it. There was a clicking noise but the engine didn’t turn over.

Shane met her gaze. “Did you forget to say your prayer this morning?”

“That’s not the problem. This clunker is officially beyond the power of prayer. It’s dead.”

Chapter Four

Trouble wasn’t a four-letter word but it should be when talking about her car, Gianna thought. On top of that, she was freezing. Rolling around in the snow with Shane had seemed like a good idea at the time, but not so much now.

He leaned into the open door and met her gaze. “I think the battery’s dead.”

“Of course it is because that’s just how I roll—or in this case, don’t roll. And dead is good.”

“How do you figure?”

“It won’t feel a thing when I beat it with a baseball bat.”

“That won’t help the situation.”

“Says who? Hitting something would make me feel a lot better.” She got out of the car, shivering when the cold air wrapped around her, then dug in her purse for her cell. “It’s late. There’s no way I can deal with this now. No garage will be open, so I’ll call a cab to take me home.”

He put a hand on her arm. “Not while I’m around.”

“I don’t want to inconvenience you.”

If she’d taken him up on the offer to spend the night it would be very convenient, but she was pretty sure sleeping wasn’t on his mind when he’d offered. It’s not that she wasn’t interested in sex, but this was too soon.

“I’m happy to help you out, Gianna. And I won’t take no for an answer.” He plucked his cell phone from the case on his belt, pushed some buttons and hit Send. A moment later he said, “Rob? Shane Roarke. Can you do me a favor? Bring my car down to the restaurant, the parking lot out back.” Rob said something that made Shane grin. “Yes, a very nice Christmas bonus. Happy holidays.” He put the phone back in the case. “The car will be here in a few minutes.”

Gianna stared at him. “It must be amazing to be you.”

“And who am I?” The words were meant to be glib and lighthearted but a slight tension in his voice made him sound a little lost.

Shane Roarke, celebrity chef and wealthy eligible bachelor? Lost? That was just nuts. She must have hit her head when they were wrestling in the snow. Or her brain was frozen. He was rich, famous, handsome. Women threw themselves at him. If this was a dream, she didn’t want to wake up. And he was driving her home.

To her minuscule apartment above Real Vintage Cowboy. Yikes.

After seeing his place she was a little embarrassed to bring him inside hers. But that was just silly. After he pulled into the parking lot behind the store she’d just hop out and say thanks. There was no reason for him to know that her apartment was so small she could stand in the living room with a feather duster, turn once in a circle, and the place would be clean.

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