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Her head shook. “It never was. Not for me. I shouldn’t have let you think—”

  “It wasn’t for me, either, baby.”

  And just like that, Jonas found out how to make Christie Tate speechless. She stared at him a few seconds with her mouth hanging open. “Wh-what?”

  Her faint stutter squeezed his heart.

  “The first time I saw you, you were wearing a pair of glasses with black rims. You had on jeans that were two big, sexy black boots, and a blue shirt that made your eyes even darker.”

  “Th-that was years ago. I don’t even…how do you remember that?”

  “Because, baby, I remember everything about you.” Always had. “I knew the minute I saw you that you were too good for me.” His smile flashed. A real smile. One he didn’t have to fake. With her, he never faked. He just…was. “You were too young for me. Too young and too good, and I tried to stay the hell away from you.”

  The snow fell harder.

  “I knew I was going into undercover work. I knew what it would do to me.” He still didn’t want her to know the places he’d been. The things he’d seen and done. Christie—she was the light he’d held close all those years, and she didn’t even realize it. “But I had to take those jobs.” Would she understand the driving need that had haunted him for so long?

  Blood. Death.

  “I know you did,” she said, her voice a bit sad. “But Jonas, you didn’t have to do all of that alone.”

  His hands rose to curl around her delicate shoulders. The woman would break him one day, if he wasn’t careful. But with her, he’d always tried so hard to be careful. “Do you know why I left Narcotics?”

  She shook her head, and the snowflakes drifted through her dark hair.

  “I wanted something more.” If he was going to tell her, he’d do it right. Go all the way. “No, screw that. I wanted someone. I wanted you.”

  “Jonas—”

  “You never dated anyone seriously. I thought—fuck, I don’t know what I thought.” That you felt the connection, too. That we would be together one day. That there was plenty of time. Then he’d seen her with another man one day when he’d gone to Tate Toys to meet Daniel for lunch, and Jonas had realized time had run out. If he didn’t act, he’d lose her. “Do you know why I was playing that Santa gig? When I’d barely celebrated Christmas before?”

  “I thought you were a replacement—”

  “Because you were going to be there. You weren’t the only one who wanted something special for Christmas this year. I did, too. I wanted you. I wasn’t going to sit on the sidelines any longer. Wasn’t going to let life pass me by while I—” Tried to slay demons who were long dead. “While I just watched you go.”

  She blinked, once, twice, and then her dimple flashed. “Jonas, did you know?”

  “Know what?”

  “When you’re nervous, you talk fast.” She rose onto her toes and looped her arms around his neck. “I’m not going anywhere.”

  He pulled her closer. As close as he could get her. “Neither am I.”

  Her lips trembled, but not because of sadness. They trembled and stretched into the slow, sexy smile that had stolen his heart years ago. “New rules?” Christie asked.

  “Damn straight.”

  “Sex.”

  “Lots of it.”

  “The best sex.”

  “With you, that’s what I always have.” Not just sex, so much more. He’d known that from the first touch.

  “Strings?” she asked softly.

  “Enough to tie you up.” Forever.

  She laughed, and he kissed her the way he needed to kiss her. Long and deep and hard. He’d finally gotten just what he wanted for Christmas. Christie—in his arms.

  Just what he wanted—and everything he needed.

  ***

  Christmas Eve. This year, Jonas wasn’t spending it undercover with a bunch of asshole criminals he hated. He wasn’t at the station, manning the phones.

  He was in bed with Christie. His body relaxed. Sated from the sex. The best. Hell, yeah, sex with Christie—making love with Christie—was the best, and he’d be ready for another round soon. They had too many years to make up for, and he was too hungry to hold back.

  His hand slowly trailed up the smooth curve of Christie’s back. She stretched into his touch, then turned her head toward him.

  Jonas leaned forward to kiss her. “One more rule,” he told her, whispering the words against her mouth.

  Her brows came together. “What do you mean?”

  “Come with me. I’ll show you.” He slid from the bed and quickly pulled on a loose pair of sweatpants. Christie followed. She paused only long enough to snag the silk robe he’d bought for her. It was a blue to match her eyes.

  When they went into his den, the little tree was glowing. Christie’s touch. They’d decorated it together last night. Decorated. Drank wine. Laughed. Made love while the snow fell.

  Presents were under the tree. Some for her family. Some that Christie had brought over for him. Even one for Scotty.

  And a special one for her.

  He pulled her down in front of the tree. Jonas reached for the small red box with the bright green bow.

  Christie laughed. “Ah, I see. You want to start a tradition, huh?”

  He turned back and caught the sexy gleam in her eyes.

  “I’m all for that,” she murmured with a wink. “And by last count, you do owe me another pair.”

  She took the box from him, and, as was her way, she lifted it up to her ear. Her grin kicked up as she shook the box.

  Then her smile faded. “Wait. That doesn’t sound like—”

  “Open it,” he urged her. His voice was rougher than he’d intended, but Jonas knew that this moment might just be the most important one of his life.

  She stared at the box, then ripped the bow off and tore into the package.

  When she opened the ring box, he held his breath. His heart didn’t even seem to beat.

  “Jonas?” She looked up at him. Her eyes were so wide and gorgeous.

  “I don’t want to have any more Christmases without you.” He lifted the ring from the box and offered it to her. His fingers were shaking. “I told you there was one more rule. This time, I want forever.” Please, baby. Give me forever.

  She looked at the ring. Then at him.

  “Please, Christie.” His voice was so rough. “Will you marry me?”

  She lifted her hand. Wiggled her fingers. “If forever is what you want, then that’s exactly what you’re getting.”

  “Is…is that a yes?”

  “It’s a hell yes.”

  Hell, yes! He slid the ring onto her finger. It was a perfect fit.

  “You’ve been very good this year.” She leaned toward him and brushed her lips over his.

  Not good enough for her. But he’d try to be. For the rest of his life, he’d try to make everything good enough for her.

  She pulled back and stared into his eyes. “I love you, Jonas Kirk.”

  “And I love you, Christie Tate.”

  “Merry Christmas.”

  He kissed her. He loved her mouth. Loved her. His arms curled around her. Christie. The woman he’d watched for so long. The woman he’d needed. The woman who’d given him a really good time that he’d never forget during the holiday season.

  The woman who’d just promised him forever.

  Now, Jonas had everything he wanted, right there, in his arms.

  His only Christmas wish? It had been…her. To have a chance with her.

  But they didn’t just have a chance. They had a whole happily ever after.

  “I think we both made the good list,” he told her.

  Christie nipped his lower lip. “I believe we could score some points on the naughty list, too.” She pushed him down beside the tree. Lights gleamed around them.

  “Baby, I am all for being naughty.”

  She straddled his hips. Smiled down at him.

  He caught her hand. Br
ought it to his lips. Pressed a kiss to her knuckles as the ring sparkled in the light. “Merry Christmas, baby.”

  Merry Christmas.

  Then End

  Want some paranormal fun from Cynthia Eden? Count down to the new year with MIDNIGHT BITE.

  Midnight Bite

  A kiss on New Year’s Eve is supposed to be lucky…but a vampire bite? That’s not exactly something a woman dreams of getting. And when Lark Kinsley gets bit, all bets are off. She stakes her date, runs into the night, and tries to put the whole nightmare behind her.

  Only she can’t.

  Because she immediately runs into trouble—trouble in the form of a tall, dark, and deadly sexy vampire prince named Deveraux. He claims that he’s there to help her, but she’s not buying his story. The guy is no Prince Charming. After all, Prince Charming isn’t supposed to come with fangs and an appetite for blood. But Devereaux says that he’s been waiting centuries for her. That she is meant to rule with him. Obviously, he’s wrong. And possibly insane. She’s not meant to be the queen of the vamps. No matter what Deveraux says.

  But he’s not the only one after her. Paranormal monsters are coming out of the woodwork. And the bite that she got? It’s making her feel strange. Hungry. Her self-control is shredding, and Lark knows she’s changing. She just doesn’t know what she’ll become.

  The new year won’t go out with a bang…it will end with a bite.

  Author’s note: MIDNIGHT BITE is a sexy vamp novella—expect danger, expect hot times, and expect naughty language as you ring in the new year. Let’s celebrate with some undead style!

  Learn more about MIDNIGHT BITE now.

  A Note From the Author

  Thank you for reading DECK THE HALLS. I absolutely love the holiday season! Everyone seems happier, and, for a little while, the world is filled with magic. I always count down the days to Christmas with eager excitement, and I love to pass those days watching holiday romances on TV…and snuggling up to read holiday romances with a nice glass of wine! I hope this story put you in a fun, holiday mood!

  If you have time, please consider leaving a review. Reviews help readers to discover new books—and authors certainly appreciate them!

  If you’d like to stay updated on my releases and sales, please join my newsletter list.

  I’m also active on social media. You can find me on Instagram and Facebook.

  Again, thank you for reading DECK THE HALLS.

  Best,

  Cynthia Eden

  cynthiaeden.com

  About The Author

  Cynthia Eden is a New York Times, USA Today, Digital Book World, and IndieReader best-seller. Cynthia writes sexy tales of contemporary romance, romantic suspense, and paranormal romance. Since she began writing full-time in 2005, Cynthia has written over one hundred novels and novellas.

  More Information

  cynthiaeden.com

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  Her Other Works

  Death & Moonlight Mystery

  Step Into My Web

  Wilde Ways

  Protecting Piper (Wilde Ways, Book 1)

  Guarding Gwen (Wilde Ways, Book 2)

  Before Ben (Wilde Ways, Book 3)

  The Heart You Break (Wilde Ways, Book 4)

  Fighting For Her (Wilde Ways, Book 5)

  Ghost Of A Chance (Wilde Ways, Book 6)

  Crossing The Line (Wilde Ways, Book 7)

  Counting On Cole (Wilde Ways, Book 8)

  Chase After Me (Wilde Ways, Book 9)

  Say I Do (Wilde Ways, Book 10)

  Dark Sins

  Don’t Trust A Killer (Dark Sins, Book 1)

  Don’t Love A Liar (Dark Sins, Book 2)

  Dark Obsession Series

  Watch Me (Dark Obsession, Book 1)

  Want Me (Dark Obsession, Book 2)

  Need Me (Dark Obsession, Book 3)

  Beware Of Me (Dark Obsession, Book 4)

  Only For Me (Dark Obsession, Books 1 to 4)

  Mine Series

  Mine To Take (Mine, Book 1)

  Mine To Keep (Mine, Book 2)

  Mine To Hold (Mine, Book 3)

  Mine To Crave (Mine, Book 4)

  Mine To Have (Mine, Book 5)

  Mine To Protect (Mine, Book 6)

  Mine Series Box Set Volume 1 (Mine, Books 1-3)

  Mine Series Box Set Volume 2 (Mine, Books 4-6)

  Mine Series Deluxe Box Set (Books 1 to 6)

  Lazarus Rising

  Never Let Go (Book One, Lazarus Rising)

  Keep Me Close (Book Two, Lazarus Rising)

  Stay With Me (Book Three, Lazarus Rising)

  Run To Me (Book Four, Lazarus Rising)

  Lie Close To Me (Book Five, Lazarus Rising)

  Hold On Tight (Book Six, Lazarus Rising)

  Lazarus Rising Volume One (Books 1 to 3)

  Lazarus Rising Volume Two (Books 4 to 6)

  Lazarus Rising Deluxe Box Set (Books 1 to 6)

  Bad Things

  The Devil In Disguise (Bad Things, Book 1)

  On The Prowl (Bad Things, Book 2)

  Undead Or Alive (Bad Things, Book 3)

  Broken Angel (Bad Things, Book 4)

  Heart Of Stone (Bad Things, Book 5)

  Tempted By Fate (Bad Things, Book 6)

  Bad Things Volume One (Books 1 to 3)

  Bad Things Volume Two (Books 4 to 6)

  Bad Things Deluxe Box Set (Books 1 to 6)

  Wicked And Wild (Bad Things, Book 7)

  Saint Or Sinner (Bad Things, Book 8)

  Bite Series

  Forbidden Bite (Bite Book 1)

  Mating Bite (Bite Book 2)

  Blood and Moonlight Series

  Bite The Dust (Blood and Moonlight, Book 1)

  Better Off Undead (Blood and Moonlight, Book 2)

  Bitter Blood (Blood and Moonlight, Book 3)

  Blood and Moonlight (The Complete Series)

  Purgatory Series

  The Wolf Within (Purgatory, Book 1)

  Marked By The Vampire (Purgatory, Book 2)

  Charming The Beast (Purgatory, Book 3)

  Deal with the Devil (Purgatory, Book 4)

  The Beasts Inside (Purgatory, Books 1 to 4)

  Bound Series

  Bound By Blood (Bound Book 1)

  Bound In Darkness (Bound Book 2)

  Bound In Sin (Bound Book 3)

  Bound By The Night (Bound Book 4)

  Forever Bound (Bound, Books 1 to 4)

  Bound in Death (Bound Book 5)

  Boxed Sets

  Lazarus Rising Volume One (Books 1 to 3)

  Lazarus Rising Volume Two (Books 4 to 6)

  Lazarus Rising Deluxe Box Set (Books 1 to 6)

  Bad Things Volume One (Bad Things, Books 1 to 3)

  Bad Things Volume Two (Bad Things, Books 4 to 6)

  Bad Things Deluxe Box Set (Bad Things, Books 1 to 6)

  Only For Me (Dark Obsession, Books 1 to 4)

  The Beasts Inside (Purgatory, Books 1 to 4)

  Mine Series Box Set Volume 1 (Mine, Books 1-3)

  Mine Series Box Set Volume 2 (Mine, Books 4-6)

  Forever Bound (Bound, Books 1 to 4)

  Cynthia Eden has written many other works. Check out her full book list.