Somehow I’d managed to stay upbeat and involved for most of dinner, only faltering a few times, blaming it on nerves or joking that her sheer beauty was driving me crazy.

It wasn’t far from the truth.

Most days, she could make me go tongue-tied with a single glance. Tonight though? I was damn near speechless. It was a memory I’d treasure forever.

No matter what happened in the days to follow.

We rode side by side in the limo, her hand in mine, as the sights of the city passed by in a blur. November was fading into December, which meant every corner had exploded overnight, becoming a holiday mecca for the shopping elite.

It was supposed to be the happiest time of the year.

Our first Christmas together.

But would the last remaining days of the year melt away, leaving me yearning for the one thing I needed most in this world?

Her.

As the hours faded away, my sense of urgency grew. After every glance in her direction, it became harder and harder for me to turn away. Every touch, every kiss… was a lasting imprint on my mind.

By the time I twisted the key in the lock to my apartment, I was nearly frantic.

She took my delirious advances as pent-up passion, fueling my desire in spades, and she kissed me with wild abandon. Our clothes fell to the floor, landing in a tiny trail of seduction, as I led her to the bedroom. I watched as her half-naked body tumbled to the bed, her hair fanning out beneath her, like beautiful raw silk.

“Dear God,” I said, noticing the lacy lingerie for the first time.

Her cheeks reddened instantly, matching the red teddy that barely covered her. “What happened to cute candy hearts?” I asked, forgetting everything but her in that perfect moment.

“How did you—did I butt-dial you again?” She shook her head, covering her face with her hands.

“I have to say, as much as I love your particular style, this is nice. Very nice,” I emphasized, delicately running a single hand up the side of her thigh.

“Well, I met a nice lady at the lingerie store. And she—”

“What was her name?” I asked, smiling happily to myself.

“What?”

“Her name,” I said again. “What was it? I’d like to send her a card, or flowers maybe, as a thank-you.”

She laughed as my eyes continued to roam her body. “Janice. Joan? Judy? I don’t remember. Anyway, I expected her to laugh at me when I mentioned the candy hearts and lace combo, but she didn’t. She just smiled and said, ‘Being cute definitely has its place in the bedroom, but sometimes, straight-up sexy is the way to go.’

“Now, I probably would have just walked away at that point since she didn’t have what I wanted. In fact, I did. After I said thank you, I might add.”

“Naturally,” I said.