A Bride Under the Christmas Tree: Seven Brides of Christmas Book 3

by Kane, Sylvia

  We wrapped our arms around each other and kissed. This time, something told me it was more than pure lust and desire. I felt something deeper when I was in his arms and when I felt his lips on mine.

  “Conrad…”

  “Yes, Bella?”

  “That was great.”

  He chuckled and tried to catch his breath. “Yeah. Understatement, but yeah.”

  I kissed him again, and though we didn’t want to separate, I think we both knew we could stand there against the wall like that all night.

  “I guess I should finish signing these, huh?” He’d dressed up and sat down again at the desk, pen in hand.

  “Oh, shit! He’s still waiting for those documents! Yes, please. Sign them. I have to take them back to the office afterwards.”

  Panic rose within me as I pictured Mark sitting there in his office cursing me out for coming back late. What would he think? I had a bad feeling this was the last straw with him.

  Once he finished signing everything, I gathered the papers, tucked them away neatly in my work bag, which was almost like a suitcase, and we raced down the office hall toward the elevator.

  I don’t know if it was my imagination but we may have gotten a few strange looks. Whatever.

  “I’ll give you a ride,” Conrad said in the elevator. He reached over and grabbed my hand. His hand was large, warm, and protective.

  I nodded. Thank goodness he offered, because it had begun snowing again, and I just wouldn’t have been able to manage.

  “What are you doing next Saturday?” he asked in the car.

  “No plans yet. Why?”

  “Did you get the invitation for Delilah’s party? It’s a ball over at the Dream Shy Hotel.”

  I racked my brain. It sounded familiar, but I must have forgotten about it.

  “What about it? Is it that Saturday?”

  “Yeah. And I’d love it if you came with me. I mean, I know you might be going regardless, because you probably got your own invite, but we should go together. Know what I mean?”

  I had to think fast. That would be like coming out as a couple. There was nothing wrong with that in theory. I liked him. A lot. I wanted nothing more than to be around him, all the time. But I had my job to think about, and if word got back to Mark that I’m still seeing Conrad, our client, then there’ll be hell to pay. I’ll lose my job, and then what?

  “I’d love to go with you. But…”

  “But what?”

  “My boss, remember?”

  Conrad slammed on the steering wheel in frustration. “Yeah. The fucking policy. Let me think,” he said. “Come to the ball, anyways. We’ll just play it a bit cool, if you insist. If that makes you feel better.”

  That sounded like a good plan.

  “Sure. In that case, I can go. Just try to keep things quiet, okay? At least until I find another job. I’ve been thinking about moving on anyways.”

  “Oh, yeah? Why?”

  “He’s just not a very nice guy, that’s all.”

  Conrad’s eyes turned to steel. “What? He’s a jerk to you?” His jaw clenched.

  “Sort of. It’s not that bad, really, but I think I’m done. I deserve better.”

  “You sure do. Let me know if he’s an ass. I may be able to help,” he said as we turned onto my office building’s street. “I can wait here. We should get some dinner.”

  Damn. I already had dinner plans with my parents and couldn’t ditch them at the last minute.

  “Sorry. I’ve got plans.” He didn’t question me, but I knew he must have been curious. “With my parents.”

  “Okay, got it. I’ll wait here and give you a ride anyways. This weather isn’t getting any better.”

  “Thanks.”

  Mark gave me a bit of hell when I showed up with the documents, but mostly he was happy because he could finally leave the office. As promised, Conrad drove me to the restaurant where my parents were waiting, but before I hopped out of the car, he gave me another long, lingering kiss.

  8

  Conrad

  I walked into the ball, and the scene took my breath away. I was used to fancy parties, but Delilah had truly outdone herself. It was classy but festive, with a red and gold theme. I stopped to chat with a few people on my way to the bar, but there was only one person I was there to see. Luckily, she didn’t flake on me.

  She appeared at the entranced like an angel. The only things missing were her wings. Her dress was formal and classy. It was deep blue with a sharp v-neck and with a bare back. She looked beautiful.

  I remembered that we were supposed to play it cool, so instead of rushing up to her, I let her approach my group. Then, I sidled up next to her and leaned down.

  “You look gorgeous,” I whispered.

  “Thank you,” she said with a small smile. “You’re hot stuff yourself.”

  Since we were in a crowd, I reached down and squeezed her hand.

  I went to the bar and got us drinks, but before I could engage her in any more conversation, Delilah took to the stage. She was a character, and I had to admit I admired her. Her business acumen was on point, especially for her age.

  She said a few words to welcome us and to wish us happy holidays, and the party got started. The live band was awesome, the drinks were perfect, and I couldn’t have been happier. Well, I could have, if Bella and I could’ve acted like a normal couple instead of stealing glances. Another thing that irked me was that all the single guys who thought she was single tried to chat her up. My blood boiled and I wanted to fucking strangle them or drown them in the chocolate fountain.

  We danced a few times, which was innocent enough.

  “Bella, I want to hold you closer and bury my face in your neck,” I said to her quietly.

  She laughed softly. “I know. Not now, maybe later.” Her eyes shone with promise, and I knew what she was getting at. I’d have to sneak out and get a room for later. The night was getting better by the minute.

  When the dance was over, she excused herself for a few minutes, and headed out of the hall, toward the lobby. I decided it was a good chance to get some alone time with her, so after a minute or two I followed her.

  I expected to see her coming back, but instead, she stood there with a panic-stricken look on her face facing me, speaking with a man whose face I couldn’t see. What the hell was going on? She looked upset and scared, and my heart began racing.

  I strode up behind the man.

  “Is everything all right?” I asked, in a tone that showed I meant business.

  The man turned. Fuck. It was Mark Casey, her boss. Guess we were busted. Not that I was scared of the guy. I only cared for her sake and because she’d told me she didn’t want him finding out.

  “Conrad. This doesn’t really concern you.”

  “If it has to do with Isabella, then it does. She doesn’t look too happy right now. Would you know why that is?”

  Mark began stammering. “Well, it’s just that…well, I’ve already spoken to her about our fraternizing policy, and it seems she doesn’t—“

  I cut the asshole off right there.

  “Listen,” I said, leaning in. “She’s an adult and she’ll see whoever the hell she wants to. Do you think you’re the only firm in town? All I have to do is snap my fingers and she’d have ten job offers on the spot. I haven’t done that, because she’s smart and can do it on her own if she wants to, but don’t be under the impression that you could push her around.”

  He stared at me with mouth agape. I reached for Bella and pulled her close to me. The smile on her face was priceless. Her eyes were red, though; the asshole had almost made her cry.

  “I turned her face up and kissed her square on the lips. My gaze darted back to Mark, who began backing up, and after muttering something to himself under his breath, he turned on his heels and scurried away.

  “Oh my god, thank you for that.” Bella’s soft voice stirred my heart.

  “It was nothing. Actually, I’m so glad this happen
ed. Everything I said is true. It’s up to you, of course, but I really think you should quit that job. That asshole is toxic.”

  She nodded. “I’d probably be fired after this, anyways.”

  I knew she was right.

  “What am I gonna do without a job? It’s the holidays…not the greatest time to be job hunting.”

  “Well, like I said, I’m sure you can do it on your own, but I know a lot of people in good places. You don’t have to worry about a thing.”

  I brushed her lips with mine again.

  “Go back to the ball. I have to take care of something.” I gave her hand a squeeze and watched her walk away. The way her hips moved was just unbelievable.

  The front desk wasn’t busy at this time of night. Being so close to the holidays, I didn’t know if there’d be any rooms, but I lucked out because there was a cancellation.

  “Great, I’ll take it!” I said with a huge smile.

  Sure, we could have gone to my house, but I wanted something special for tonight.

  The party was still in full swing, but we disappeared. We could always go back downstairs if we wanted. The night was still young.

  9

  Isabella

  I beamed as we stood outside the hotel suite. When Conrad confronted Mark, it felt as if a huge weight had been lifted off my shoulders. Now we could be together and didn’t have to hide that from anyone.

  Sure, I still had some lingering self-doubt, but I was working on that. It was silly to assume he wouldn’t want me. I was smart, kind, and of course, he wouldn’t let me forget that I was pretty.

  He was great, too. Down-to-earth, which was a surprise given his financial status. Gorgeous. And funny. I haven’t laughed this much with a man since…forever!

  The room was exquisite. It must have been one of their premium rooms because there was a balcony, a separate living room and bedroom, and an amazing bathroom with a hot tub. He placed his hand on my ass and gave it a squeeze when we checked it out.

  “Wanna take a dip?” he asked?

  The thought of being in there gave me goose bumps.

  “Hm, yeah, that sounds perfect,” I murmured.

  He poured us each a glass of wine.

  “Has the season been as good as you’ve expected?” he asked as we stood at the window, gazing out at the city below and sipping our wine.

  “Much better than I expected. It’s been magical, and it’s all thanks to you,” I said.

  I may have blushed, because my face suddenly felt hot.

  “I don’t know how this is possible so fast, but I think I love you, Bella.”

  He leaned in and kissed me, and jolts of electricity burned through my body. Had I heard right? Did he say he loved me?

  “What did you say?” I asked when our lips separated.

  “I love you, Bella. You’re so different from other women I’ve met. You’re not concerned with who has the biggest house on the block or the coolest car. And you’re kind and funny, too.” He brushed a strand of hair out of my face. “Not to mention beautiful. Everything I need in a woman.”

  I almost dropped the wine glass, but managed to find the side table and put it there. I needed to wrap my arms around this man now.

  “I love you, too. I’ve known it since the first night. I was just scared.” My voice trembled. I’d never been this open and honest with anyone, and it was a relief to be able to tell him without worrying about his reaction.

  “Hold on.” He gave me a kiss and disappeared down the hall of the suite. Next thing I knew, the water was running.

  I followed him, and ran into him in the hall as he headed back to me.

  “Come here,” he said, drawing me close.

  His hands snaked around my waist and he opened the zipper on the back of my dress. I shivered as he brushed his fingers down my back all the way to my ass and back up to pull the dress down over my shoulders. It dropped to the floor with a thud.

  His eyes were intense and fiery, devouring my nearly naked body.

  “Let’s get this off, too, baby-doll.”

  My bra joined my dress on the floor.

  “Let’s check the water.” I grabbed his hand, and wearing only my lace thong and my heels, I led him to the bathroom. The lights were already dimmed. The atmosphere was electric. The water bubbled and it was the perfect temperature when I dipped a hand in.

  “Come here, princess,” he growled. “I want to pamper you.”

  “Mm,” I murmured, helping him with his clothes. I pulled his shirt down over his muscular, bulging shoulders, running my hands along his muscles.

  “Like what you see?”

  “Always,” I replied.

  “Never mind me, look at you. You sexy little thing.”

  He palmed my tits, brushing his hand across my nipples. They hardened at his touch. He reached down and pulled my thong off. He scrunched up and took a sniff.

  “I’m keeping these,” he said with a smirk.

  “Weirdo!” I said with a laugh.

  He dropped his pants and underwear, and I was glad to see it was almost rock-hard.

  I lost my heels and stepped into the hot water. It warmed me all over, not that I needed it. The sight of his naked body looming over the tub was enough to make me pant.

  “Get over here,” he commanded me, and I was more than happy to oblige.

  I scooted over to him and happily jumped into his arms, our lips meeting in a fiery kiss and his hands everywhere. On my ass, my thighs, rubbing my folds, and squeezing my tits. This man was insatiable, just the way I liked them.

  I wrapped my hand around his cock and stroked it with a firm grip. He sat on the edge with his back to the wall and ran his hand through my hair, pulling me close. I was on my knees, the warm water bubbling around me and tickling my skin.

  I parted my lips and brought them over the crown of his cock, keeping my gaze locked on his face. His eyes turned to steel as desire took over and he pushed his cock a little deeper into my mouth.

  “That’s so fucking good. Yeah, just like that,” he growled.

  My pussy ached. It turned me on to watch his reaction to the way I sucked and licked his hard cock.

  “I need that pussy,” he grunted. “I wanna make you scream.”

  He didn’t have to tell me twice. I turned my back to him and lowered myself over his lap, one of his hands on my waist and the other guiding his cock to my opening. He snaked a hand around and pulled me down, his cock gliding in.

  “You like that?”

  I moaned in response. He wasn’t messing around. The thrusts came fast and furious, my body bouncing with each powerful jerk of his hips. I felt incredible in his strong, commanding hands. He knew exactly what to do, and it all came so naturally. He was the best lover I’d ever had, and I knew he’d be my last.

  He filled me completely, his skin rubbing mine with just the right amount of friction. I felt his fingers on my clit, and it was as if my body was on fire. The desire and pleasure were over the top.

  He slowed down and kissed my neck from behind, gently at first and then with more insistence. We stood up and he pushed me back against the wall. I rested one of my legs on the tub’s edge, and he guided his cock to my pussy lips.

  “Want more of that?”

  I was dying for it. I’d been so close to coming before he stopped.

  “Yes.” I nodded and rubbed my pussy against his cock.

  “Here, I’m going to fuck that little pussy until you scream.”

  I nodded and whimpered, squirming for his huge, fat cock. I loved being with him, it was unlike anything I’d ever felt before. His touches scorched my skin and left a trail of fire behind. The crown of his cock glided in between my pussy lips and with a groan he pushed it all the way in. I moaned, and knew I wasn’t gonna last long.

  He began rocking his hips back and forth, and I held on to him for balance. His strong arms held me up and squeezed me close. I felt the tension rise within me, bubbling like the water in the tub, taking
over…and I was gone, lost in ecstasy. My body pulsated with orgasms. My knees went weak but he held me pressed to his body.

  “I’m gonna fill you up, baby-doll,” he groaned into my ear, and with two powerful thrusts, he came, kissing me like a starved man.

  “I love you.” He said, still hugging me close to him. With a finger under my chin, he turned my face up toward his and softly brushed my lips.

  We wrapped towels around ourselves and plopped down on the bed, our limbs entangled and our lips devouring each other.

  I rested my head on his chest and felt his heart beat.

  “Is this a dream?” I asked.

  “No, this is better than a dream, at least for me. Because you’re here with me.”

  Epilogue

  Isabella

  “Mommy! Mommy!”

  My ears perked up as I heard Mia’s little voice from the top of the stairs. We were just about to have a lunch in the backyard. Conrad was busy grilling the meat and veggies, and I was prepping the salad and sides.

  “Come here, sweetie,” I said, holding out my arms as I made my way up. Her hands were wrapped around the gate rails, and she was shaking them with all her little might.

  “Momma!” She rubbed an eye and giggled at me. She’d just woken up from her nap. I smiled, but thought about how much harder this might be for me in a few months. I was four months pregnant, and if my second pregnancy went anything like my first, I’d be huge and uncomfortable by the end of it.

  I lifted her over the gate and hugged her little body to mine.

  “Come downstairs, it’s almost lunchtime. Your daddy’s making us some delicious food!”

  She threw her arms around me, her light brown curls brushing against my face. “But first, let’s change your pull-up!” I said as I placed her down on her feet.

  “No! No changing diaper!” She scrunched up her face and covered her crotch with a plump hand.

  I couldn’t help but giggle. She was adorable when she was angry.

  “Come here, don’t be silly.” I lifted her and took her to our downstairs changing station, which was really just a corner of the living room where I’d stacked some diapers and wipes in a side table drawer.