SPARKS FLY
CHAPTER 5
***
Sophie
“Fudge buckets?”
An embarrassed heat flashes hot across my cheeks. The cost of swearing is adding up these days.
“Swear jar. Don’t ask.” I dismiss it quickly and am thankful when Sebastian changes the subject entirely.
“You know, your depression-era decorating idea isn’t a bad one.”
He taps his chin while focusing on the crooked spruce I’ve slowly begun to love. Still, I resist the urge to roll my eyes and smirk instead.
“It was a joke, Sebastian. Sarcasm. You do know what a joke is, don’t you?”
“Yeah, yeah. Hear me out.” He dismisses my musing in lieu of an idea that’s sparked a twinkle in his eye.
Damn, the man’s cute. Adorable, in fact.
Shoot, there goes another dollar for the swear jar.
“Neither of us has a dime to spare on new stuff. But we can still have some fun with this.” His eyes brighten, and he begins to pace as he thinks aloud. “Let’s make it a scavenger hunt of sorts. Are you game for thrift shops and family attics?”
“I guess so, but...” I shrug, confused about where he’s going with this idea.
“Yes.” He fist bumps the air. “Let’s go retro. It’s all the rage anyway.”
“Retro? As in...”
“Old school. Popcorn string garlands, paper snowflakes, handmade ornaments...the whole nine yards.” His enthusiasm is catchy. “There’s an old train set in my parent's attic. I could stack it with chocolate gift boxes for my window.”
"If we can find one of those metallic tinsel trees and shiny pastel ball ornaments to go with it, it'd be perfect." My pulse picks up steam. I teepee my fingers together and wiggle the tips against each other. "Oooh, if you have individually wrapped chocolates, you could hang them from the tree as ornaments."
“This could work, Sophie. I really think we can pull this off.” He grabs my shoulders, and I perch up on tiptoes nodding my head. “I bet we can find old-fashioned soda fountain stuff, too. Malt glasses, gingerbread houses, and cookie jars.”
I nod eagerly, swept away in his excitement. I flatten my palms on his chest.
“And lights. Don’t forget lights.” For the first time in weeks, the weight on my shoulders lightens. I gather his shirt between my fingers. “And battery-operated candles that flicker to draw in the eye.”
“Yes. And candy canes and those old-fashioned ribbon candies.” His eyes crinkle at the corners, sparkling and warm. “Everything colorful.”
His hands slide off my shoulders and skim down my sides. A shiver slinks up my spine and my fingertips tingle. He grasps my waist and lifts me off my feet, twirling me in a circle. A cool breeze zips up my skirt, and an unfamiliar yet welcoming flutter wafts over my sensitive flesh.
My hands glide over his pecs, and I wrap my arms around his neck, holding on as a girlish laugh spills from my lips. He chuckles against my ear. The vibration and heat sink into my pores, lifting my spirits even higher.
“We’ll show everyone how Christmas is done.” I throw my head back, laughing more than I have in a long time. “Nothing can stop us.”
Sebastian slows the spin, and I’m suddenly aware of the warmth of his breath on my neck.
“We make a good team, Sophie.”
His voice tickles and stirs the heat that flutters deep inside me. His eyes darken as he stares into mine. My eyes flicker to his lips, so close I could taste him. I’m breathless as an unspoken assent catches in my throat.
He glides his hands across my hips to the dip at my lower back and holds me closer. His eyes sweep over my features, and there’s no denying the feral glint in his eyes. I’ve never felt so wanted and seen in my life than at this moment.