Page 7 of Hot Mess Christmas Express

Caleb’s heart leapt at her question. She remembered his passion project. Of course she had. The real Sienna was the easygoing, fun-loving woman he’d spent that night with. Not the succubus he’d made her out to be in his head. Fuck, he had really misjudged her.

He also really, really wanted to kiss her.

“I’ve done a grand total of two procedures since the last time we talked. I had been averaging about six a year prior to that.”

“I’m sorry.”

“Not your fault,” he said, reaching over and placing his hand on hers. He waited for her to pull away, but she didn’t. Maybe she was softening toward him too. “I told you so you could know that you’re not the only one who got a little off track. Happens to the best of us. There’s still time.”

Sienna twisted in her seat, so now she was facing him head-on. The corner of her mouth lifted, and her eyes seemed to sparkle in response to him. It was the same look she’d given him the morning after their perfect night when he’d asked if he could see her again. His insides lit up just like the Christmas tree in the corner, wanting to keep that look on her face forever.

Mentally, he kicked himself again for not calling her when he said he would two years ago. Had he just manned up back then and called her, asked her to dinner, he could have avoided this whole misunderstanding. Could have spent these last two years with her, instead of trying to avoid her. They could have spent tonight out on that dance floor making kissy faces at each other, instead of sitting in a bar apologizing.

“Thank you.”

“For?”

“Understanding. Not a lot of people do.”

“Consider it part of my restitution for two years of jackassery,” he said, giving her hand a squeeze. “Although I still have a lot of Sienna to catch up on. If you’ll let me.”

Her face turned thoughtful for a moment, before she let a giggle slip out. Caleb said a silent prayer in hopes that was a good sign and that she was going to be willing to give him another chance.

“How does a walk on the beach sound?” she asked, sliding off her stool.

“Sure, just one thing first,” he answered, mimicking her movements. Their bodies were all but flush, and he could feel the heat radiating off of her. It sent a rush to his head, exciting him even more.

“What’s that?”

“This.”

Slipping his arm around her back, he pulled her into him fully. Tilting his head, he gave her a wink before capturing her mouth in a hard, hot kiss.