Page 42 of This Christmas

“Good.” He smiled. “Because I really want to kiss you again.”

She nodded and then glanced toward the door. They could both hear Charlotte in the other room, laughing at something on the television.

Using that moment, he brushed his lips across hers and felt her melt against him.

“I haven’t…” she started against his lips, “been with anyone…”

“Since Ted?” he asked, and she nodded.

“I haven’t since Lisa,” he admitted. “So, then, this means something.”

She nodded again. “I… won’t jeopardize my daughter,” she said, meeting his eyes.

“I won’t either,” he promised. “If things go sour, I know how to walk away.” He rested his forehead against hers. “If that’s what you want.”

She sighed. “Right now, all I want is to put my daughter to bed so you can take me to yours.”

He felt his body vibrate. “First, I promised to play a game with your daughter. She says she’s going to show me how to play something called…” He frowned. “Shush…”

“Sushi Go.” She chuckled. “Okay, but later I’m going to sneak down to your bed.” She kissed him again and then stepped past him and walked into the other room.