Page 44 of The Best Christmas Choir Ever

“You could enter on behalf of the choir.”

The corners of her lips twitched. “The choir needs to practice on the off chance we make it into the competition. No one needs a gingerbread-shaped distraction.”

“I’d argue there’s time for both,” he said, studying her teasing smirk, wondering what she was thinking about. Was it kissing him? His hand between her legs? The way she’d writhed?

Work, his mind practically screamed at him. Focus on the work. Because whatever was going on between him and Charlie was far more complicated than sneaking away for some secret community center sex.

“But speaking of the choir, I do have something to show you.” He fumbled around in his pocket. “Damn, I left my phone upstairs. Do you have yours?”

“It’s dead,” she said. “I need to charge it.”

“Okay, come with me.” He started down the hall toward the elevator.

“Where are we going?”

“To my office.” She glanced at him, perhaps a little amused. “What?”

She shook her head. “Nothing.”

The elevator door opened, and Julian hit the third floor button as it closed again.

“You’re in a good mood,” she said without looking at him.

“It’s gingerbread day. I’m stoked.”

“Mm-hmm,” Charlie said, her eyelashes fluttering. “Stop staring at me like that.”

“Like what?”

“Nothing is going to happen,” she said, like she was trying to assure them both. Her eyes were bright, twinkling under those damn elevator lights again.

“What nothing are we referring to?”

“You know,” Charlie insisted.

“Do I?”

Her lips twisted. “I’m not going to remind you if that’s what you’re waiting for.”

“Hey,” Julian said, holding his hands up. “I thought we were riding the elevator.”

“Yes,” Charlie agreed. “That’s all.”

“What else would we be riding?” he said, knowing he was treading too close to a line he should avoid. But he couldn’t help himself. Couldn’t help the desire to touch her. He lifted his hand, stroking a finger down her cheek, along her jaw. Some sensible part of him knew it would be terrible to lose her twice, but with her looking at him like that, he remembered what it was to feel wanted and to want her in return. The memory was intoxicating.

She blinked up at him. “I told you not to stare at me like that.”

“Well, you never answered my question. How am I supposed to stop staring at you if I don’t know how I’m staring at you?”

“Like you’ve seen me naked,” she clarified.

“Well, I have. It’s been a long time, though.” Don’t do it, Don’t… “I could use a refresher.”

Her breath hitched, and he liked the sound. Liked how unnerved she was and that needy look in her eyes. “Shut up,” she finally said, fighting a grin. He dropped his hand. “We need to focus on the choir.”

“I’m good at multitasking.” A lie. He was barely managing.

Charlie took a step toward him, forcing him back against the wall of the cab. Every muscle in his body tensed, his heart knocking against his ribs. Then the elevator door rolled open, and he was saved from doing something foolish. Julian surged out of the cab, sucking in a settling breath as he led Charlie down the hall to his office.