A Vampire for Christmas - By Michele Hauf Page 0,32

she heard his low whistle. He’d been sitting on a wood bench in the hallway alcove and rose to greet her.

Her heart forgot how to beat for a moment as her eyes drank him in. A nice-looking man in a tuxedo was always eye-catching, but Trace took it to a whole different level. The cut of the jacket emphasized his broad shoulders and didn’t hide how his muscular torso tapered down to lean hips.

God, how she’d love to undress him right now. Inch by inch and button by button, she’d deconstruct him carefully in order to savor the experience.

Trace definitely wore the suit. The suit didn’t wear him.

As she approached him, she grazed her fingertips along the top of the occasional table to steady herself. His hair was just the right amount of messy, his skin smooth and freshly shaven. The sandalwood and pine scent of his aftershave was subtle yet distinct. Clean, pure, unadulterated male.

His lips were slightly parted and she could just see the tip of his tongue. But those eyes of his were what really captured her attention. She wouldn’t have been able to look away from him if she’d tried.

They were dark, intense, hungry.

All because of her.

And she loved it.

He sauntered toward her like a lion approached his mate—powerful, in control and confident. If it struck his fancy right now to lift her skirts and make love to her, she had no doubt she’d comply willingly. Despite the guests starting to arrive two floors below them, one word from him would be all it would take. She’d slip her hand into his and lead him back to the bedroom.

His gaze wandered lazily down to her toes, then back up again, as if he had all the time in the world. A knowing smiled curved his lips, making her skin tingle with delight. “Are you wearing them?” His voice was deeper than normal, making her acutely aware of that sensitive spot where her inner thighs touched.

“Yes,” she answered.

He exhaled slowly, ruffling her hair. “I knew you would.”

Then, gently, he drew the back of his finger down along her neck and leaned in close. She arched her head back, wanting to feel his lips against her.

Alongside the gown on the bed had sat a gold box. Inside, beneath the tissue, was a gorgeous black lace corset, panties and stockings. The printing on the card was bold. “The gown is for you. These are for me.”

She’d never worn a corset before, so it took a few minutes to figure it out. It felt strangely, yet wonderfully, restrictive. The lace wasn’t all that soft and the boning pushed her breasts up, making her cleavage much more substantial than she was used to. But when she slipped the gown over her head and covered it all up, she felt very naughty. Like she was harboring a delicious secret. Tonight, everyone would see the gown, but they’d have no idea what she had on underneath.

Except for Trace.

Even now, she could feel the slight scratchiness of the lace rubbing against skin that wasn’t used to the texture. No matter where she was tonight or what she was doing, the sensation would always bring her thoughts back to the corset and him. He’d done that on purpose, she realized.

“Good God. What have I done?” He practically growled as he pressed her against the wall.

She laughed, pleased by his over-the-top reaction. “Why? What seems to be the problem?”

“You, Charlotte, are the problem. I’m not used to feeling this way. I’ve got a hundred guests arriving, and I should be down to greet them, but all I can think about is you.”

“Me?” she asked innocently.

“Yes. You are absolutely stunning. Without a doubt, you’re the most beautiful woman I have ever laid eyes on. And it makes me want you all the more knowing that underneath this gown, you’re wearing the items I selected for you.” He rubbed his hip against hers as if to prove his point.

Damn. He wasn’t kidding, she thought, a delicious shiver racing down her spine. He laughed softly then. The thin triangle of her panties suddenly felt hot as she imagined him pushing inside her.

“Later, after the party is over and most of the guests have left or retired to their rooms, I plan to see what you look like.”

She could hardly breathe. “You do?”

“Yes. And did you happen to notice that the panties had tiny snaps at the hips?”

“They do?” She’d been so focused on getting everything on that she hadn’t