Page 2 of Enduring Christmas

"Listen, X," he paused, "this thing between us." She stiffened. And in Santa’s voice... the relaxed expression dashed away, dashed away, hi-jacking the semi-calm swirling between them.

"There's nothing between us," she snapped.

"That's a lie."

She placed one balled fist on her hip. "Trust me, you don't want to go there."

He stepped closer, mad as a hatter, and enjoying the sparks flashing between them. "You kissed me and liked it."

This woman would make Santa take a flying leap. Why would she be angry with him because she was a willing participant?

"Someone thinks highly of himself."

"And you," he accused, "are playing games."

"Boy, please. "She waved a gloved hand, trying to give him the non-plussed brush off. "The only reason I came over here was because you looked upset."

"Ex-wives can do that," he offered without further explanation. He pointed a finger "Once again, you noticed me. Thus, proving my point."

"It's Endurance," she said incredulously. "It's rude not to be nosey."

Back to the business at hand. "Are you going to dust up every time I kiss you?"

Huh. She extended her hand as if to ward him off. "I don't want to talk about that one kiss. And what is the city translation for dust-up?"

"A fight, Florida girl." He remembered the rumors about her being from the Washington DC area, and then moving to Florida. But her sassy attitude rang true to southern born and bred.

"There's nothing to fight about. You kissed me."

Luke's brows pulled low at the obvious denial. He could accept her slow-rolling their attraction, but outright denying it existed? Nope. "I pegged you for a tough girl. Not one to back away from what you want."

She paused. "I... I admit the kiss..."

He should leave the subject alone, but, darn it, he'd felt the electric jolt when they’d touched. That kiss had confirmed his suspicions. Passion existed on both sides. The chemistry, though volatile, had not been a figment of his imagination. But then her eyes lowered to his lips. When she sucked her full bottom lip between pearly white teeth, Luke bit back a groan. She was definitely feeling him.

"Yeah," he prompted, uncrossing his booted feet, moving closer.

"Was nice." She hesitated.

"You moaned my name. That's beyond nice." He put it out there before she could conveniently omit it. They both were single, and the attraction between them, palpable. He heard his own pulse hammer in his ears.

What was it with women?

Ignore them. They're unhappy.

Show them some attention. They're unhappy.

Luke glared at Xenobia, his ire on the rise. He'd told her, straight talk, he wanted her. They could have a chance at happiness.

"But I don't want your lips," her eyes dropped to his mouth. Luke fought to hide his smile. "On mine again."

He reached out, brushing his thumb down her cheek. Luke took his time enjoying the smooth, soft sensation of the woman beneath his fingertip.

"What about my hands," he whispered. It had been years since he touched a woman with sexual intent. The need stirring within him said that time had reached its end.

A soft moan escaped Xenobia, and Luke leaned in closer ready to claim his willing prize.

"So help me, Luke," she said pushing him away. "Go jingle your jangle with some other woman. That kiss was a mistake. One I will not repeat."