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Nick stared at the liquid fizzing in his glass "Or you end up spending it alone, wondering if everyone is having terrific fa time and you’re some kind of pathetic loser because no one wants to spend Christmas with you"

"Exactly"

Their eyesand it floored him Holly was the first person he’d run across who didn’t wax poetic about the joys and wonders of the holiday season The first person who’d understood his ambivalence

"I take it you’ll be alone this year?"

"Yes You?"

"The salass "So what is your favorite holiday?"

"The Fourth of July," Holly said without pause

"Really? Why?"

She shrugged "The weather is hot The beer is cold Kids get just as excited seeing a fireworks display as they do seeing Santa Claus It lasts one day and there’s usually a fair around"

"You like country fairs?"

"I’d never really been to one until I moved here What’s not to like? There’s always tons of yu and greased pig contests Ad the tractor pull and the demolition derby"

"Darlin’, I’d love to take you home to our county fair It’s all that plus a rodeo You’d have a blast"

Holly sipped the cha manner "You wouldn’t be e?"

"What do you mean someone like you?" Then it occurred to hiotten Holly earned her living taking off her clothes Not that he gave a crap what other folks said "Hell no I wouldn’t have a lick of e you home to meet the folks and neither should you What you do for a job ain’t all you are, Holly I’d be damn proud to have you on my arm at the colass stopped halfway to his ain?"

She froze "Uood at it"

Nick offered a wolfish grin "Well, it’s your lucky night, ’cause I’ine you are, but I’m hopeless"

"Never know unless you try" He pointed at her glass "Drink up and the lesson will begin"

"Nick--"

"No arguing This is ed the station

Holly stood "Your fantasy is teaching an uncoordinated acc--" Hersi you a blowjob in the hot tub?"

"Definitely a possibility for later Right now my fantasy is two-steppin’ ned with a beautiful woaze as he untied the belt on her robe The lapels hung open, exposing her froers beneath the nubby fabric to reach her sently pushed the robe off her shoulders It landed on the carpet with a muffled thud "Your turn"

Holly pressed her mouth to the hollow of his throat and ether The fabric slithered down his back and pooled on the floor

Nick led her to the center of the roo her flush against him He centered his left hand in the s You feel great" Nick kissed her, amazed by the way her et her body to move like that, she’d be a two-steppin’ sensation in no time He’d love to take her to the western bars in the ether, he kissed her, lost in her

When the song changed to a peppier beat, she balked and broke the kiss "Wait"

"You’re doin’ fine Easy as falling off a log Step, step, shuffle back Step, step, shuffle back Step, step, shuffle back"

Holly dipped her head to stare at her feet and he nudged her chin back up

"Eyes on mine Feel the rhythm in the way your partner moves you, not in your feet Every partner is different"

"Howme for?"