Page 2 of Christmas Magic

Very few people knew the truth about Lucian and his cat. Most folks knew Lucian only as an antiques expert in his late twenties who knew a lot about the Middle Ages. He’d formerly worked in Boston and months ago, had moved to Cat’s Paw Cove to help his grandfather, who intended to retire soon, run Black Cat Antiquities. When Molly had come to town to clear out her late mother’s home and get it ready to sell, she’d brought some items into the store for appraisal. She’d met Lucian, and thanks to the undeniable attraction between them and interfering magic, their lives had never been the same since.

Lucian, still studying her, didn’t look the least bit apologetic. In fact, he looked rather smug. “In terms of your jeans….”

Here we go.

“When will I be treated to such a wondrous sight again?”

Did he seriously think her butt was ‘wondrous?’ Her face heated. Maybe those early morning Yoga sessions, while he went for jogs on the beach, were finally paying off.

Nah. He was resorting to flattery so she wouldn’t be mad at him.

Well, she wasn’t some meek, subservient damsel who dared not speak her mind. Nor was she afraid of making him help with the decorating.

Zzztttt. Molly yanked some tape from the dispenser on the top step of the ladder, affixed the garland to the wall, then climbed down the steps. She crossed to him. Raising her chin, she looked him straight in the face.

He didn’t even blink.

Gazing into his gorgeous, smoldering eyes, though, made her stomach flutter.

He could make her go weak in the knees without even saying a word. So unfair.

“How much trouble am I in?” Lucian asked in that husky tone that made her long to close the distance between them and lean in for a hot kiss.

No. No kissing. She was supposed to be annoyed with him.

“What do you think?”

His gaze slid slowly down to her mouth, and his grin broadened. “I think I have a very beautiful fiancée—”

She rolled her eyes again.

“—who has the curviest, most luscious—”

“Tape?”

“Not what I was going to say.”

“Garland?”

“Nope.”

“Ladder, then.”

“No!” Glowering, he set his hands on his hips. “I was trying to compliment your ass—”

“—ets. Yes, I know. But, since I’ve had a turn taping up garland while on the ladder, you are taking over now.”

He stared at her for a moment. “Molly.”

“Lucian.”

“Let’s be practical.”

Her eyebrows rose. “Practical?”

“Mmm.” His arm slid around her waist. “You’re far better at decorating than I am.”

She set her left palm flat in the middle of his chest. The heat of his body, through the soft cotton of his shirt, warmed her skin. The physical contact sent a delicious quiver of anticipation racing through her. Their desire for each other had its own unique and powerful magic.