The holiday party was in full swing, the warm glow of string lights bouncing off the garlands and ornaments that decked the house. Laughter, music, and the faint jingle of bells filled the air as people mingled, but you were laser-focused on one thing—or rather, one person.
Nicholas stood by the kitchen counter, his dark eyes sparkling under the soft light. He was effortlessly charming, leaning against the counter with a drink in hand, talking to your mutual friend. He wore a fitted burgundy sweater that hugged him in all the right places, and you had to remind yourself not to stare.
You'd been dancing around your mutual flirtation for weeks now, ever since the two of you had been paired up for a Christmas charity event. It started with playful banter, stolen glances, and a few casual texts. But tonight, with the air buzzing with holiday magic, you were ready to see just how far that flirtation could go.
You grabbed a glass of eggnog for courage and made your way over, weaving through the crowd. Nicholas spotted you instantly, a slow smile spreading across his face.
"Look who finally showed up," he said, his tone teasing. "I was starting to think you'd bailed on me."
"Bailed on you?" you asked, feigning offense. "I'd never. I just got distracted."
"By what?" he asked, leaning in slightly, his voice dropping.
"Wouldn't you like to know," you shot back, raising a brow.
He laughed, shaking his head. "You're trouble."
"And you love it," you said, taking a sip of your eggnog.
Nicholas tilted his head, his gaze holding yours. "I'm starting to think you're trying to distract me."
"Distract you from what?" you asked innocently.
"From the fact that I've been trying to figure out how to get you under the mistletoe all night," he said, his voice low and playful.
Your cheeks heated, but you didn't back down. "Well, that sounds like a you problem," you teased.
Nicholas chuckled, stepping closer. "Maybe. But I'm pretty good at solving problems."
Before you could respond, the music shifted, and the opening chords of "A Nonsense Christmas" filled the room. The upbeat, flirty vibe of the song seemed to match the energy between you two perfectly. You tilted your head, an idea sparking.
"Dance with me," you said, grabbing his hand without waiting for an answer.
Nicholas didn't protest, letting you pull him into the living room where a makeshift dance floor had formed. The two of you moved to the playful beat, laughing and spinning as the lyrics sang of cheeky Christmas moments and stolen kisses.
"You've got moves," he said, his voice warm as he twirled you.
"You're just noticing?" you shot back, your grin widening.
"Hard not to notice," he replied, his tone softening as he pulled you closer.
The room felt like it blurred around you, the music and the crowd fading into the background. Nicholas's hands settled on your waist, his touch light but steady. "You're dangerous, you know that?"
"Why's that?" you asked, breathless from dancing.
"Because I can't stop thinking about you," he admitted, his voice low and sincere.
Your heart skipped, and for a moment, you forgot how to speak. The playful teasing between you had always been fun, but now... now it felt like something more.
Before you could respond, someone shouted, "Mistletoe alert!"
You glanced up and, sure enough, a sprig of mistletoe hung above you and Nicholas. Your eyes darted back to his, and the mischievous glint in them made your pulse race.
"Well," he said, his grin turning devilish. "Looks like my problem just solved itself."
You laughed, shaking your head. "Convenient, isn't it?"
"Very," he murmured, leaning in.
The kiss was soft at first, tentative, like he was savoring the moment. But then his hands slid up to cup your face, pulling you closer, and the world seemed to melt away entirely.
When he pulled back, his forehead rested against yours, and he smiled. "Merry Christmas," he said softly.
"Merry Christmas," you replied, your cheeks flushed, your heart pounding.
The music picked up again, and someone wolf-whistled, pulling you both back into reality. Nicholas laughed, his arm sliding around your waist as he guided you off the dance floor.
"You realize you're stuck with me now, right?" he said, his tone playful but his eyes warm.
"Good," you replied, grinning. "I wasn't planning on going anywhere."
And as the snow began to fall outside, you couldn't help but think that this was the start of a Christmas you'd never forget.
