ound us are snow, a bright moon, and a stunning oceanfron

resses his mouth into mine. I let out a groan in surprise.

at the nape of my head. My heart beats at a rapid rate. Our breaths spe

him right no

he pauses, lea

eautiful tonig

st. “You’re a ba

chuckles. “I’m sorry, I can’t help

y. “But I love it here. This

py I am that you’re here. I don’t really want to cele

quite sad for me. I had a piece of cheesecake, a

will be different this time.”

about anything. You at

embrace and turn my b

had

n from me in a stupid car accident and left me alone

le

m just c

M

’t know much about him. Just the generic website

a reason for being anonymous.” I smile as I look up at

r if I’m capa

do you

y dad and some people inside. Who kn

ing from the party. Sure, he may be there. I’ve probably already walked pas

be proud,” Kristoff adds. “Hey, w

throat is drying up. “Ye

and then enters the hous

he sky again, a torrent of

ty to meet Kristoff and Lora. People like them are the kind I wouldn’t meet if

minatory social rules. Only the wealthy, successful, and privileged can

would ever accept me because of my background. Only Kristoff and Lor

use

Kristoff’s parents dislike me. How much more if they

y, vaguely familiar voic

the

about that.” I awkwardly step to the side. This g

utlines of stubble are the only visible parts of his face. He’s dressed in a m

stoff. I saw you tal

inside to g

n glances towar

ke me to help

ou’re with him,

m it wit

with you? You don’t appear t

y distracting. I have never heard such a

ir, of

e,” he murmurs. “He shouldn’t have

t reall

ow anyone

e together, but she’s dan

s arms. “So you won’t min

ce with a stranger without asking Kristoff first. T

ly refusing you, but I’m not r

His mouth twitch

, I feel a little braver.

ragged me he

Dragged

n

brought

endearingly. But wh

ts his head to the si

mouth to reply, Lora

and... oh, hello.” She stops, recognizing the man st

goodness, a mas

ng for Kris

er. “He’s prett

it around mine. “I’m sorry abo

eyebrow, but I’m not r

er been more nervous in all my life. Not even whe

miliar... I feel myself being dragged t

turn. “Once again, I’d like to extend a warm welcome to our annual Christma

ills the g

off?” I whisper in

e buffet with hi

on’t know anyone at

the guy outside? Even with the

e to him for one minu

ld’ve asked hi

interest. “Should w

t’s emba

ttention back

un!” Adam goes on.

roars in

a stranger, or anybody! The lights will go out at exactly twelve o’clock, and our game will s

n the hall

idn’t exactly excite me since I

reams in excitement. “You know w

already taken or

yes. “Whatever.

s left!” Adam yells. The

e, eight,

heck is

, fi

e, smiling and carrying two flute g

ur.

y appears in a flas

. two...

ghts s

e microph

ne sq

es for Kristoff, but to no luck; someone bumps me from

f... Th

, and then collide his lips with mine. A hear

d on the porch. It has spicy sandalwood and slightly sweet notes of

ps while his mouth lays gentle kisses on m

mouth sensually teasing with mine. With each stroke, the kiss sears my lips, and

ike I’m

My nipples erecting against my dress, and a

s is not how Kristoff’

ne voice stops me when

y st

’s not K

k. Once again, his lips brush against my skin. He holds me closer. There’s suddenly an un

ross my face, and then his

a total stranger in th

e hall. The music resumes, and everyone g

mind them. I lift my hea

he gol

, n

m, but Kristoff finally appears, looking exasperated. Not because he saw the kiss,