Troping Through the Snow by Alexa Riley

“I’m not shy.” He folds his arms over his chest, and I can sense a wall start to come up. “And you’re not a dork,” he adds in my defense.

“Okay, maybe that’s the wrong word.” I lay my hands on the cool countertop, hating that the kitchen island is separating us right now. “I’m a virgin.” His eyes widen when I lay it out there. “Is it really that shocking? If I was dating, you would know it. One kiss with you and the whole town knew in five minutes. Have you heard of me with anyone since you moved here?”

I’m actually not sure when Clause did move here. His house sat far enough back from town that when it was built, it wasn’t noticeable. It wasn’t until I spotted him more than once around town that I realized he must live close. Then I might have asked around about where he lived.

“I know you haven’t dated anyone since I’ve been here, but there had to be someone before. I don’t want to think about that,” he grits out.

“Why are you so sure there was someone before?”

“You’re…ah…” He trails off.

“I’m what?”

“Perfection.”

If I wasn’t already half in love with Clause, that alone would have put me there. “So you do keep up on town gossip,” I say, and he gives me another one of his shrugs. “How did you spot me in Westchester? I had a wig on.” I knew it wasn't the best disguise but still. What are the odds he’d be a town over going to the grocery store when there’s one right here in town?

“I’d know your body anywhere.” His eyes drop to my breasts, and my cheeks warm.

“Are you a boob man, Clause?” I tease to lighten the mood for a moment, but I have no intention of fully changing this subject. I was timid when I left the bakery about where Clause and I stood, but after him getting me off in the truck, I know this has to be more.

“I’m a Frostie man.” A laugh bubbles out from me.

Clause has this way of complimenting me in the sweetest ways. It’s not straight lines that say I’m sexy. It’s endearing and so him.

“If you haven’t noticed, I’m a Clause girl.” He drops his arms and starts to come around the island, but I shift to match his movement and keep the island between us.

Seconds ago, I didn’t want there to be space between us, but I know if he touches me right now, I’ll be done for, and I want to have this conversation because I know I’m not leaving this house a virgin. I want to make sure that means something. I hadn’t been saving myself, at least I didn’t think I was, but as the years passed and no one ever caught my attention, I realized I wanted my first time to be with a man that would forever be mine.

“Are you running from me?” Something flashes in his eyes that makes more than my cheeks heat. My whole body lights up at the idea of Clause chasing me down because he wants me so badly, but I’m starting to think that maybe that is what has happened here. Or maybe I’m a silly girl making up a fantasy in my head. Somehow I don’t think that’s true.

“You’d chase me?”

“Yes,” he says without hesitation. He’s right. Shy is the wrong word. Maybe unsure or I might even say scared. He could be afraid to get hurt because his own family threw him out. Clause might not have liked what his family stood for and did, but that would sting any child to a degree.

“Clause, I—” He lunges for me, and for a big man, he can move fast. He’s got a hold on me before I can try and go anywhere again, and I wrap my legs around him, not fighting it. “I’m not running from you. I just want to know what this is.”

“You’re mine,” he states, and I run my fingers through his hair and feel him relax under my touch. “I saw you leave. It was late, and I was worried.”

“You followed me to Westchester that night?” Now it’s his turn to look shy. In a crazy kind of way, it’s cute that he blackmailed me into pretty much dating him, but it also makes my heart ache that he thought he’d have to do that. “I don’t think you know how attractive you are.”

“People run from me.”

“Because you growl at them. If you smiled, girls would probably fall at your feet.” They already check him out, but I don’t tell him that.

“It doesn’t matter. I want you.” He leans in and nuzzles my neck, and I feel him breathe me in. “I’ve never been with anyone either.” My fingers in his hair tighten. “I like my space but not with you. I want to be all over you, you’re so sweet. You’re the most precious, beautiful thing I’ve ever seen.”

“I have news for you, Clause. You’re the only man I’ve ever wanted.” He lifts his head to stare into my eyes. “Make love to me,” I whisper against his mouth. “Really make me yours.”

“You’re already mine.” Clause carries me through the house and into his bedroom. He drops me down onto the bed before pulling his shirt off over his head. I scramble to my knees so I can pull mine off too and unhook my bra. I go for the button on his jeans next, but his hands grab mine, stopping me.

“You got to taste me. I think it’s my turn to taste you.” I lick my lips, staring up at him.

“I won’t last if you touch me there.” Does he really think that’s going to stop me? All that does is make me want to do it more. I want to see this man come undone because it makes me feel like the sexiest woman in the world.