16
SCARLETT
All I Want for Christmas
Scarlett woke up on Christmas morning to find Viggo watching her.
He was lying beside her, propped up on one elbow with the covers bunched around his waist, leaving his bare chest exposed. His eyes were focused on her face with such tender intensity that her heart flipped over and skipped several beats.
She gave him a soft, drowsy smile. “Merry Christmas.”
“Merry Christmas,” he murmured.
“How long have you been awake?”
“A while.” He smiled a little. “My family called pretty early to wish me Merry Christmas.”
“Really? I didn’t even hear your phone ring.”
“Good. I didn’t want to wake you, so I stepped out into the hallway to talk to them.”
Scarlett smiled, snuggling deeper under the covers. “How many hours ahead is Stockholm?”
“Six.” Viggo reached out and stroked her cheek with his thumb, staring at her with quiet adoration. “I love watching you sleep.”
Her heart fluttered and sang at his words. “Is that what you were doing? Watching me?”
He nodded slowly. “I could watch you all day and never get enough.”
An ache swelled in her chest. I am so fucked.
She reached over and touched his chest, letting her fingers drift over his pecs. He caught her hand, lifted it to his mouth and kissed her palm.
She smiled shyly, her toes curling beneath the covers. It was Christmas, and all she wanted was him. Him, him and only him.
Slowly he eased her onto her back and shifted his weight over her. She shivered as he ran his warm hands up her body, stroking along her ribs before brushing his mouth over hers.
“One more day.”
She smiled against his lips. “What’re you talking about?”
He slid his tongue inside her mouth and she moaned softly, hooking her leg around his and digging her heel into the back of his thigh.
“Let’s stay one more day,” he whispered.
Her heart leaped. “You know we can’t,” she said weakly.
He sucked her tongue. “Why not?”
It was hard to think with his hard cock pressed against her lower belly. “We’re already missing Christmas today,” she said breathlessly. “Everyone’s waiting for us.”
He levered himself above her and planted his hands on either side of her head, looking down into her eyes. “Just one more day.”
She groaned, wrestling with fierce temptation. “Viggo—”
“Look outside. We got almost two feet of snow. We don’t even know if the roads will be passable tomorrow.”
“True.” Scarlett was smiling. If she could hibernate with him the rest of the winter, she would in a heartbeat.
He slicked his tongue along the seam of her mouth, making her sigh as her hands went to the back of his neck, fingers burrowing into his hair.
“We’ll have to stay on top of the weather report to see if any more snow is expected,” she whispered.
“Umm-hmm,” Viggo murmured distractedly, the fat head of his cock nudging her entrance. “And speaking of staying on top of something…”
After making love a few more times, they lazed in bed another hour just enjoying the warmth of each other’s bodies, blithely ignoring their ringing phones. Alexa played festive Christmas songs while the twinkling tabletop tree cast a warm holiday glow around the room.
Viggo had called room service last night and preordered breakfast. When the food came, they donned matching hotel robes and ate in bed, feeding each other syrupy forkfuls of brioche French toast with caramelized bananas and smoked bacon.
When they finished eating, Viggo pulled Scarlett into his lap and leaned back against the headboard. She wreathed her arms around his neck as they shared slow, soft kisses.
“God, I’m loving this,” he murmured against her mouth.
She smiled. “Being shut away from the world in this little hotel room?”
“Yeah. It doesn’t get any better than this.”
“Agreed.” She fluttered butterfly kisses on his cheek with her long eyelashes, making him laugh at the tickling sensation.
She grinned into his eyes. “Be right back.”
“Where’re you going?”
She laughed. “I have to pee. Is that okay with you?”
“I suppose,” he grumbled playfully before releasing her.
His heated gaze followed her as she climbed off his lap and headed around the corner. After using the bathroom and washing her hands, she reached inside the closet to retrieve the silver gift-wrapped box she’d hidden behind her coats. She’d bought Christmas presents for her family, her bandmates and Viggo. After he dumped her, she’d seriously considered setting his gift on fire. Now she was glad she didn’t.
When she returned to the bed, she was surprised to find two expensively wrapped gifts waiting for her.
She stared at Viggo. “You got me Christmas presents?”
“Of course.” His expression softened when he saw the large box she was carrying. “You didn’t have to get me anything.”
“Oh, this isn’t for you. It’s for the concierge. He’s been so helpful, hasn’t he?” When Viggo grinned, she laughed and thrust the present at him. “It’s not much, but I hope you’ll like it.”
“I know I will,” he said warmly. “But I want you to open yours first.”
“No, you go first.” She sat on the bed, watching eagerly as he unwrapped the box. Inside was a large stuffed elk sporting a Rebels number nineteen jersey with SANDSTRÖM sewn across the back. It was holding a hockey stick in one paw and a realistic-looking cinnamon bun in the other.
A warm, deep laugh rumbled out of Viggo’s chest. The sound made Scarlett grin.
“Holy shit,” he exclaimed, picking up the elk. “Where’d you get this?”
“One of those novelty places that makes custom stuffed animals.” She grinned. “I chose an elk because it’s Sweden’s national animal. He plays hockey and loves Swedish cinnamon buns just like you.”
“Damn, he’s cute as fuck.” Viggo grinned boyishly and squeezed the plush elk in his big hand, activating the music box. When “All I Want for Christmas” erupted from the toy, he stared at it in disbelief. “Is that…?”
When Scarlett began singing along to the song, he let out a laugh of pure delight.
She smiled. “I recorded a drum solo and four other Christmas songs. To start a new one, just give it a squeeze.” Her smile turned shy. “I figured since you like my singing—”
He cupped the back of her head, pulled her close and kissed her deep and hard. By the time he drew away and smiled into her eyes, she was breathless and grinning like an idiot.
“I don’t like your singing. I love your singing,” he said fervently. “This is one of the best gifts I’ve ever received, Scarlett. I’m gonna cherish it forever.”
His heartfelt words made her melt. “I’m so glad you like it.”
“I love it. It’s awesome.” He grinned at the elk, listening to Scarlett’s rendition of “All I Want for Christmas.” The quiet rapture on his face turned her insides to mush. Who knew such a big, tough hockey player would have a soft spot for stuffed animals? It was the most achingly endearing thing she’d ever seen.
“Oh. I almost forgot.” She smiled, lifting the elk’s little jersey. “There’s a picture sewn over his heart. See?”
Viggo gazed down at the old photograph of him and his siblings as children. They stood bunched together in front of the family’s summer cottage back in Sweden. Six blond-haired kids, arms slung around one another’s shoulders, laughing and making goofy faces at the camera.
Scarlett smiled, watching Viggo. “I got the picture from your Instagram.”
“Fuck, baby.” His voice was thick and he looked like he was blinking back tears as happy childhood memories tumbled through his mind. When the Christmas song ended, he lifted his head and grinned at Scarlett, his eyes warm with pleasure. “Thank you so much for this.”
“You are so welcome,” she said softly.
He kissed her again, then handed her one of her presents. “Your turn.”
She shook her head at him. “You really didn’t have to get me anything.”
“Just open it.”
She pulled the bow apart and peeled off the fancy wrapping paper. Her pulse quickened when she saw the long velvet jewelry box. She carefully flipped back the lid, then gasped at the sight of two sparkling diamond navel rings. One was a diamond-studded hoop. The other was a delicate platinum barbell with a diamond on each end.
“Wow,” she breathed, lifting the jeweled ornaments out of the box to admire them in the light. “These are absolutely gorgeous, Viggo.”
He smiled. “You like them?”
“They’re diamonds. What’s not to like?” She beamed at him. “I can’t wait to wear them. In fact, I’ll wear one tonight when we go to dinner.”
He grinned wickedly. “Can I watch you put it on?”
“Of course,” she purred, returning the navel rings to the box. “If you’re a good boy, I’ll even let you do the honors.”
He laugh-groaned before handing her the second present.
She removed the gift wrapping and opened the box to reveal an old Marvel Team-Up comic book. The pristine cover featured Spider-Man and the Human Torch battling the Sandman.
Her eyes widened at the realization that this was the first issue that had introduced Misty Knight.
“Oh my God!” She jumped up, staring incredulously at the comic book. It was sealed in a plastic case and graded Mint condition. Not only that—
“It’s signed by Stan Lee,” Viggo said.
She squealed excitedly and leaped on top of him, making him laugh as she pinned him against the headboard and showered his face with a flurry of grateful kisses. “This is the issue that got stolen!”
“I know.”
“Oh my God!” Her stunned gaze went from his smiling face to the sealed comic book. “I always wanted to get my hands on another copy. The last time I tried, it was sold out everywhere I looked.” She shook her head at Viggo. “I can’t believe you found a copy in Mint condition. And you got Stan Lee’s autograph!”
He smiled softly. “I still remember the giddy excitement on your face that night when you told me about your love affair with Misty Knight. I just wanted to see that look again. It took my breath away then and now.”
“Oh, Viggo…” Her voice caught in her throat.
He stroked her hair back from her face. The tender affection in his eyes made her want to cry. “We’re still going to Comic Con together.”
“Yeah?” She gave him a pleased smile. “You still up for some cosplay?”
“Yeah.” He grinned. “Just don’t tell my teammates.”
She laughed and smacked more kisses all over his face.
After exchanging gifts, they checked their phones. They both had a bunch of missed calls and texts from family and friends.
Nadia and Lennox had left Scarlett teasing voicemails, wondering if she and Viggo would come up for air today. Her bandmates had called to rave about the Christmas presents she’d given them. They sent a video of themselves dressed as Goth Santa’s Helpers. She howled with laughter as they serenaded her with The Vandals’ “Oi To The World.”
“That is hilarious,” Viggo chuckled, watching the video with her as his phone pinged beside him. “They should put this up on YouTube. Your fans would love it.”
“Definitely.” Scarlett grinned, sending out a group text to her bandmates. “Do you need to call back any family members? Or did you already talk to everyone?”
“I talked to my parents and siblings. I can talk to the rest later,” he said, kissing her shoulder. “They’re probably all gathered around the table having Christmas dinner right now.”
Scarlett turned to look at him. “Do a lot of relatives come for Christmas?”
“Tons,” he confirmed, smiling fondly. “Most of my aunts, uncles and cousins will be there.”
Scarlett smiled at the picture his words painted. “I’m sorry you’re missing that.”
“It’s okay,” he murmured, stroking her cheek. “I’m right where I want to be.”
Her heart soared. “So am I.”
He smiled, brushed his lips over hers and winked. “Call your family so they won’t think I’ve kidnapped you.”
“Good idea,” she said with a laugh.
She phoned her father first, exchanging Christmas greetings and warm pleasantries.
When her mother got on the phone, the first question out of her mouth was: “Are you and Viggo enjoying yourselves?”
Scarlett smiled wryly. “Merry Christmas to you too, Ma.”
“Same to you, baby.” Sherise tittered. “We’re all having such a wonderful time. We got up early this morning and opened presents, then had a big breakfast at the lodge and went skiing. That was a blast! Reid’s family is such a delight. I’m so glad his parents are back together. You can tell they never stopped loving each other. And I’ve really enjoyed getting to know Reid’s siblings. Avery and Aria are such sweethearts, and that brother of his is so handsome. If you didn’t already have Viggo, you know I’d be trying to fix you up with Ryder. With a name like that—”
“Ma, please.”
She laughed. “Not that there’s any substitute for Viggo. Lordy, that boy is something else. Reid, too. He and Nadia can’t keep their hands off each other. Every time they sneak off together, I know exactly what they’re about to do. And I overheard Ana teasing Nadia about screaming Reid’s name in the middle of the night.” Sherise cackled lasciviously before continuing. “Your grandparents are getting along so well with Reid’s grandparents. It’s heartwarming to see them bonding. I wish my parents could have come as planned—maybe next year. Anyway, all the womenfolk are in the kitchen right now drinking hot toddies and putting the finishing touches on Christmas dinner. Reid’s grandma bakes a mean bourbon pecan pie. She promised to give me and Aunt Eden the recipe. We’ll try to save a piece for you and Viggo.”
“Please do.” Scarlett grinned, enjoying her mother’s chatty update—minus the pervy parts.
“Of course everyone misses you and Viggo. You both have presents under the tree. And your grandparents can’t wait to see you and meet Viggo.”
“I know,” Scarlett said, feeling slightly guilty. “As long as the roads are clear, we should be able to join you guys tomorrow.”
“Oh, take your time. There’s no rush.”
“Really, Ma? Don’t you want to see your own child for the holidays?”
“Of course I do. But your safety is more important than anything else. There’s no sense in you and Viggo risking life and limb just to be here with us.”
Scarlett saw right through the faux maternal concern. “Seriously, Ma—”
“Put Viggo on the phone so I can wish him Merry Christmas.”
Scarlett frowned. “I don’t think—”
“I’ll be good, I promise.”
Scarlett rolled her eyes, then turned to Viggo and mumbled, “My mom wants to wish you Merry Christmas.”
He held out his hand, his eyes twinkling with laughter.
“If she says anything inappropriate—”
“I can handle it.” He wiggled his fingers for the phone.
After another hesitation, Scarlett reluctantly handed it over.
Viggo put the phone up to his ear—the ear on the other side of his head. “Merry Christmas, Mrs. Warner.” He paused and smiled, listening to her mother’s response. Then he chuckled warmly. “I appreciate that.”
Scarlett strained to hear what her mom was saying, but she wasn’t talking loud enough. Probably on purpose.
“I do,” Viggo said, looking at Scarlett. There was a glint of mischief in his eyes. “Yes, ma’am.”
Scarlett narrowed her eyes suspiciously. “What’re you two conspiring about?”
He turned away from her and rose from the bed, wandering to the window as he continued speaking to her mother.
Scarlett scowled after him. What the hell could he and that crazy woman be talking about?
As soon as he ended the call and gave Scarlett back her phone, she demanded, “What did she say?”
“Nothing.” His expression was innocent. Too innocent.
She frowned warningly. “Viggo—”
“Let’s go outside and build that snowman.”
“What? Now?”
“Now.” He grinned, plucking her out of the bed. “C’mon, songbird. It’ll be fun.”
They bundled up in warm clothes and ventured outside to the small park in front of the hotel. The ground and trees were blanketed in fresh white snow that shimmered like crystal in the afternoon sunlight.
As Scarlett stood there admiring the beautiful scenery, a snowball hit her square in the back. She spun around, sputtering indignantly as Viggo burst out laughing.
“Oh, it’s on!” She bent down, scooped up some snow and rolled it into a ball. When Viggo took off running, she darted after him shouting, “Your ass is mine, Sandström!”
He laughed harder, taking cover behind a tree.
Grinning from ear to ear, Scarlett crept up on him. Or at least tried to. It was hard to be stealth with snow crunching loudly beneath her boots.
Suddenly he pounced from behind the tree, armed with an even bigger snowball and a positively devilish grin.
Caught by surprise, she hurled her snowball at him and completely missed.
“Bloody hell!” she shrieked in frustration. “How the heck did I miss such a big freakin’ target?”
Viggo threw back his head and let out a diabolical laugh that echoed around the snowy park. It was such a perfect evil-villain laugh that Scarlett couldn’t help giggling. But then suddenly he trained his sights on her, and her giggles turned into squeals as he started chasing her with that big ass snowball.
She ran like she was being pursued by the homicidal maniac from The Shining. Unfortunately, Viggo was a superfast hockey player who streaked across icy surfaces like the wind. She’d have better luck outrunning a bullet train.
So when he was almost upon her, she pretended to trip and fall into the snow, sending up a dramatic poof of white powder. Smothering a grin, she rolled over onto her back and whimpered piteously.
“Shit.” Viggo leaned over her, his eyes full of concern beneath his black beanie. “Are you okay, baby?”
She gave an exaggerated wince. “I don’t think so.”
“What’s wrong?”
When he leaned closer, she scooped up a handful of snow and threw it in his face. “Gotcha!”
He reared back, sputtering and choking on the cold snow.
Scarlett started laughing so hard she could barely catch her breath.
Viggo wiped his face and glared at her. But his lips were twitching, and he soon doubled over laughing. Which only made her laugh harder.
She was still lying in the snow when he climbed on top of her and straddled her hips, grabbing her wrists in one hand and pinning them above her head.
She grinned up at him. “I got you so good.”
“You did.” His eyes sparkled like silver in the sunlight, roving slowly over her face. “God, you’re beautiful.”
Her heart stuttered in her chest. She could feel the heat of his body through their thick layers of clothing and heavy coats.
She gave him an impish grin. “You wanna kiss me, don’t you?”
He smiled. “I do.”
“So what’re you waiting for?”
“Good question,” he murmured, his head dipping toward hers.
She closed her eyes as cool lips brushed over hers, making her shiver at the contact. The stubble on his cheek was wet with melted snow. But his breath was warm and his tongue was hot, parting her lips and sliding into her mouth. She moaned as he kissed her deep and slow, heating her blood and turning her insides to mush.
All too soon he pulled away, chuckling as she chased his mouth with her own.
She dragged her eyes open just in time to catch his evil grin before he smashed a wad of snow in her face.
She shrieked at the shock of the cold as Viggo erupted into laughter and climbed off her. Coughing and swearing, she grabbed a double handful of snow and took off after him. More laughter and shrieks rang out as they chased each other around the park, ducking behind trees and pelting each other with snowballs.
Scarlett couldn’t believe how much fun she was having. Viggo made her feel positively alive and happy in ways she’d never dreamed possible. But she knew it was dangerous to let her guard down like this. She could feel herself sinking deeper and deeper, caught in a rushing avalanche of emotion with no hope of being rescued.
When Viggo tackled her to the snowy ground and pulled her on top of him, she stared into his laughing eyes and thought for the second time that day: I am so fucked.
After frolicking in the snow, they raced back up to the room to take a hot shower. After two days of showering with Viggo, Scarlett never wanted to bathe alone again.
They emerged from the steamy bathroom and leisurely toweled each other off. When Scarlett started lotioning herself up, Viggo watched her fixedly, his hooded eyes roaming over every inch of her bare skin.
She smiled when he snagged the bottle from her and took over the task of moisturizing her body. The rough slide of his palms over her damp flesh had her shivering and arching into his heated touch. When he had her pliant and primed, he dropped to his knees on the floor and hooked her leg over his shoulder. Then he put his mouth between her thighs, speared his tongue inside her and licked her like she was his favorite flavor of candy.
She came hard and fast, gasping and shaking against the wall, her hands bunched in his wet hair. He kept licking and sucking, tonguing her clit until she cried out loud enough for people outside the room to hear.
Weak-kneed and trembling from both orgasms, she managed to banish Viggo from the bathroom area so she could get dressed in peace. They had dinner reservations for six o’clock at the hotel restaurant. It would be their first date at an actual restaurant, so she was pretty excited.
After styling her hair, she slipped on a clingy knit dress in holiday red. The long-sleeved, off-the-shoulder dress fit like a glove and clung to her body in all the right places. She donned a pair of strappy red stilettos, slicked on some lip gloss and dusted her bare shoulders with a shimmering powder.
After giving her reflection a satisfied nod, she spritzed herself with perfume and left the bathroom area.
Viggo stood at the window laughing and speaking Swedish on his phone. He was already dressed, one hand tucked casually into the pants pocket of an expensively cut navy suit. His handsome virility never failed to steal Scarlett’s breath.
As if sensing her presence, he looked over his shoulder and did a double take.
His reaction made her heart soar with satisfaction. Smiling, she watched his devouring gaze take in her formfitting dress and strappy high heels.
He said something into the phone and hung up without taking his eyes off her. “Wow,” he whispered.
She struck a sexy pinup pose. “You like?”
“Hell fucking yes.” He prowled toward her, staring the entire time. Prowled was the perfect descriptor for the predatory way he was approaching her, an animalistic gleam in his eyes.
Her heart sped up as he got closer. Licking her glossy lips, she ran an appreciative eye up and down his frame. “You don’t clean up too bad yourself, Mr. GQ.”
He grinned as he circled her slowly, his eyes traveling over her body. “Let’s stay in and order room service.”
She laughed. “Nice try, but something tells me we wouldn’t be doing much eating.”
“Says who?” he said with a wolfish grin. “I intend to do plenty of eating.”
The raunchy innuendo had her cheeks heating and her thighs clenching together. “I think you’ve done enough ‘eating’ for one day.”
“Nonsense,” he rumbled. “I can never eat enough.”
His warm breath on her nape made her knees weak. When he put his hand on the curve of her waist and bent to kiss her bare shoulder, a shiver ran through her and goosebumps pebbled her skin. It was all she could do not to lean back against his hard body, spread her legs and let him have his way with her.
“Viggo,” she whispered.
He kissed her just below her ear. “What, beautiful?”
“We’re not staying in. But you get an A for effort.” Grinning, she grabbed her Prada clutch and started toward the door, feeling the intense heat of his gaze on her ass. She put an extra swing to her hips and heard him growl behind her. That made her laugh.
In the elevator, she stood against the wall and swept her gaze over the elegant length of him. With or without his custom suit, the man put the F in fine. Seriously. It was ridiculous.
“Why are Swedes such good dressers?” she mused.
His eyes glinted with humor. “Are we?”
“Uh, yeah. You and Henrik Lundqvist are considered two of the best dressed players in the league.”
Viggo chuckled. “I don’t know about Henrik, but I wouldn’t say I was a good dresser before I signed an NHL contract.”
Scarlett grinned and sang, “Money, money, money.”
He half smiled. “Yeah.”
When the doors opened, he took her hand in his. Together they stepped off the elevator and crossed the elegant lobby to the restaurant. It was already packed, filled with the sounds of laughter and conversation and holiday music.
As the smiling hostess escorted them to a table, Scarlett saw people staring at them and whispering.
“Holy shit,” one guy exclaimed to his date. “That’s Viggo Sandström!”
“The hockey player?”
“Yeah!”
“Wow, how cool that he’s here.”
“I’m getting his autograph.”
“Let him eat first.”
Scarlett smiled to herself. She knew it was only a matter of time before someone recognized Viggo.
The hostess led them to a table by a large window overlooking the snowy harbor. Viggo pulled out a chair for Scarlett.
“Thank you,” she purred, sitting down.
He pushed her chair in and whispered in her ear, “Men are staring at you. I hope I won’t have to kick too many asses tonight.”
She laughed as he took his seat across the table, never taking his eyes off her.
The hostess handed them menus and smiled, mostly at Viggo. “Your waiter will be with you shortly. Enjoy your dinner.”
After she left, Viggo’s phone rang from inside his suit jacket. He reached into the breast pocket and pulled out the phone, looking at the screen. His brow furrowed slightly.
“Something wrong?” Scarlett asked.
“No.”
She didn’t believe him. Was another woman calling? Was it Audrey or some other bunny?
Her thoughts ran rampant. “Do you need to take the call?”
He shook his head and turned off the phone. As he tucked it back into his pocket, he gave her a half smile. “Is your phone off?”
“Um, no.” Remembering the rule he’d made the night they went stargazing, she took her phone out of her clutch and made a show of powering it off.
He winked. “Atta girl.”
They grinned at each other across the table.
Smoothly crossing her legs, Scarlett picked up her menu and glanced around the crowded restaurant. “This is a great table.”
“Glad you approve,” Viggo drawled.
She gave him a knowing smile. “Did you request this table when you made the reservation?”
He grinned. “I didn’t have to. The manager just happens to be a diehard Rebels fan.”
Scarlett laughed. “Of course.”
The waiter arrived to take their order, beaming excitedly at Viggo. “It’s so awesome to meet you. I’m a big fan.”
“Thanks, man.”
“I don’t want to bother you and your beautiful date. But could I have your autograph and get a selfie with you?”
“Sure.” Viggo graciously signed a piece of paper and took a picture with the starstruck waiter, who enthusiastically pumped his hand as he sat back down.
“I have a pair of your Reeboks. I wish I’d worn them to work so you could’ve signed them for me. I can’t wait to tell my friends that I met you. They wouldn’t have believed me without the selfie. Thanks so much!”
“No problem, man.”
Beaming brighter than a lighthouse, the waiter handed Viggo the wine list and rattled off the specials for the evening, apologetically explaining that the menu selections were limited due to the snowstorm.
While Scarlett mulled over what she wanted, Viggo ordered a bottle of Domaine de la Romanée-Conti, circa 2005. Scarlett knew, even without seeing the price, that it was the most expensive wine on the list. Not that he couldn’t afford it.
“Excellent choice,” the waiter said approvingly.
After they ordered their meals, he looked like he wanted to hang around some more and talk hockey with Viggo. But he dutifully collected their menus and left.
Scarlett watched him go, giggling behind her hand.
“What?”
Her amused gaze shifted to Viggo. “I don’t know who wants to kiss you more—me or our waiter.”
His eyes gleamed. “You want to kiss me?”
“I always want to kiss you.”
“Then we should have stayed upstairs. You coulda kissed me, licked me, sucked me—”
She laughed. “I get the point.”
He gave her a purely wicked grin that hit her right between the thighs.
The waiter brought their fancy bottle of wine, poured some in a glass and offered Viggo a taste. He swirled the red wine, inhaled the bouquet and sipped, swishing some around his mouth before swallowing.
Scarlett was ridiculously impressed. He was a hockey player, and she simply didn’t expect hockey players to taste wine like an expert sommelier. But he was also European, and Euro guys tended to be a little more refined than the Americans she dated. No shade. Just facts.
When Viggo gave his nod of approval, the waiter filled both wineglasses and promised to return shortly with their meals. Scarlett watched him back away from the table. He was so busy grinning at Viggo that he almost bumped into another server carrying a tray of drinks.
Scarlett covered her mouth to hide her laugh.
Viggo chuckled, watching her. “Think he’s gonna ask for my number?”
“He might!”
Viggo grinned, lifting his glass to hers. His eyes were soft and warm. “To our first Christmas together.”
Her heart fluttered. “It’s been a memorable one.”
“Unforgettable.”
They smiled at each other, clinked glasses and sipped slowly, savoring the rich wine.
“I remember watching media interviews after you were drafted,” Scarlett reminisced. “You were so wide-eyed and innocent. So green.”
Viggo grinned. “I was nineteen years old starting a new life in a new country. I was scared shitless.”
She laughed. “That was pretty obvious, especially on Draft Day. You looked like you were gonna puke.”
“I did. Twice.”
She laughed again.
“You think that’s funny? I almost ruined my brand new suit.”
“Poor baby,” she teased, reaching across the table to pat his forearm. He caught her hand, rubbing her knuckles with his thumb. His touch sent a charge through her nerve endings.
“So have you gotten used to it?” she said a little breathlessly.
“Used to what?”
“Being famous.”
“Sure,” he said with an easy shrug. “Hockey’s not as popular in America, so I don’t really consider myself famous.”
She snorted. “You’re kidding, right? Of course you’re famous. Didn’t you hear those people whispering about you when we walked through the door? Practically every time we’ve been together, you’ve met some gushing fanboy—our waiter being the latest example.” She smiled. “You’re one of those athletes whose popularity transcends their sport.”
Viggo chuckled, running his finger around the rim of his glass. “I feel sorta famous in Canada. And back home, of course.”
“Of course,” Scarlett said with a grin. “I saw a photo of you being mobbed at an IKEA in Stockholm. You ran in to pick up a few things with your mom and sisters. Someone recognized you, and that was all it took to set off a stampede. Poor guy.”
“It’s cool,” he said with a fond laugh. “I love my countrymen and I appreciate their support. But living in America, I enjoy not being recognized everywhere. It’s nice.”
No sooner had the words left his mouth than a beaming couple stopped at their table to gush over him. He shook their hands, signed autographs and posed for selfies that were immediately posted to social media. When he introduced Scarlett as his “lady” and “a hugely talented rock star,” the delighted couple insisted on taking pictures with her as well. The first one was fine, but after that they wanted her to strike the obligatory rocker pose with devil horns and her tongue sticking out. She flashed the horns but kept her tongue firmly inside her mouth.
After the giddy couple left, she shook her head at Viggo and grumbled teasingly, “I don’t know whether to kiss you or choke you right now.”
He grinned wickedly. “Why not both? I’m down for some kinky choking.”
She laughed and shook her head again. “That was very sweet what you said about me.”
“Nothing but the truth, beautiful.” He winked at her and sipped his wine. “So when are you guys getting back in the studio? I’m ready for some new music.”
“Next month,” she promised.
“Good. Can’t wait to wear out the new album.”
She smiled, pleased. He’d provided so much creative inspiration for her new music, he practically deserved a writing credit.
Their meals arrived, and they spent the next hour sharing their favorite childhood Christmas memories as they ate and laughed.
Once their plates were cleared, Viggo reached across the table and took Scarlett’s hand. For endless seconds everyone in the restaurant disappeared, leaving just the two of them.
She gave him a sultry smile. “I’m wearing one of the belly rings you gave me.”
“Yeah?” The word rumbled from his throat. “I can’t wait to see it.”
“I can’t wait to show you.”
Their waiter returned, placing a large plate between them. It was heaped with warm apple pie smothered in vanilla ice cream.
Viggo brought his chair around the table to sit beside Scarlett. They both picked up a spoon and dug into the dessert. They fed each other dripping mouthfuls, smiling wickedly as they licked each other’s spoons.
That was all the foreplay they needed.
After settling the bill and generously tipping the waitstaff, Viggo took Scarlett’s hand and ushered her to the elevator. They started kissing and necking before the doors even closed. By the time they reached their floor, her torn panties were in his pocket and the insides of her thighs were smeared with her juices.
He unlocked the door and backed her into the room, never breaking the seal of their mouths. Her heart was beating out of control and her blood was rushing hotly through her veins.
Sucking her bottom lip, he palmed both of her ass cheeks and lifted her off the floor. She wrapped her legs around his waist, her dress hitching up over her thighs.
He carried her past the bed to the window. As her back thudded against the cool glass, she shivered with excitement. They were fifteen stories above street level, but she didn’t really care if anyone could see them. Nothing mattered but the pounding need inside her.
Viggo pressed his body against hers, pinning her hips to the window. This freed one of his hands to fumble out a condom, unzip his pants, pull out his cock and sheath himself. When he thrust up into her, she cried out and threw her head back against the glass.
He groaned thickly as her pussy clenched around him. When he bent and sucked on her neck, she let out a loud moan and fisted her hands in his hair.
He began thrusting hard and deep, his eyes burning fiercely into hers. She mewled and arched her back, crossing her ankles behind his flexing ass. His thick cock plunged inside her over and over, ruthlessly working her G-spot. As a powerful orgasm slammed into her, she screamed his name.
Shuddering, he cupped her ass cheeks and fucked her harder, rearing back against her locked ankles as he pounded between her quivering thighs. She bucked and sobbed and pleaded for more, though she honestly didn’t think she could take much more pleasure.
He slanted his lips over hers, fucking her mouth with his tongue as his hips slammed hers against the window. Breathless and overwhelmed, she dug her fingers into his back, her nails clawing the fine fabric of his suit jacket.
He released her mouth and flung back his head, groaning a string of Swedish words that sounded blisteringly erotic. When she felt him burst inside her, she came again with a shuddering cry.
Breathing hard, his cock jerking and pulsing, he dropped his head beside hers, resting his forehead against the cool glass.
She closed her eyes, dizzy and panting as she clung to his heaving shoulders. “Is it possible to be fucked to death? Serious question.”
He huffed out a shaky laugh. “If it is, I can’t think of a better way to go.”
She started to giggle. And then they were both laughing.
After some time, he brushed her hair back from her damp forehead and kissed her so tenderly she wanted to cry.
But the kicker was when he gazed down into her eyes and whispered, “Best. Christmas. Ever.”
That was when her heart soared into the stratosphere.
Yep. She was in trouble.
After Myles betrayed her, she swore she’d never put herself in a position to be hurt again. Yet here she was laying her heart on the line for the one man who could totally destroy her.
Why did Viggo Sandström hold such power over her?
Because you loved him before he even knew you existed.