My friend scrutinized me then turned to Harley, clearly confused. “What?”
“Is that a smile on his face?” she asked incredulously.
David chuckled, then rolled his eyes and shrugged at me as if to say, “just go with it.”
I shook my head, amused at Harley’s theatrics. “Merry Christmas, guys.”
Harley staggered back a step and pointed at me, her tone accusing. “Who are you and what have you done with Grant the Grinch?” She looked over my head, presumably at Kristen and narrowed her eyes. “Body snatcher right? Are you their leader?”
David’s mouth tightened but his shoulders shook, giving away his attempt to hide his laughter. Kristen giggled, making my heat race as hunger pumped through my blood. I took a deep, calming breath before stepping next to the sleigh and lifting Kristen down.
She stepped in front of me and leaned back, just as my arms circled her waist. “Kristen, this is David, a friend from college, and the drama queen is his wife, Harley.”
David stepped forward, holding out his hand and an involuntary growl rumbled from my chest. He chuckled and raised his hands as though in surrender as he backed up to stand next to his wife. “Nice to meet you.”
Harley’s eyes were still wide as they bounced back and forth between Kristen and me, but her face was split with a smile. “Sooooo nice,” she agreed. “We’ve got hot chocolate and cookies inside if you’d like to join us. Rebecca is sleeping but I know Luke would love to see you. My parents and Tyler are here, so we’ve already got a nice little holiday party going on.”
Their ten-year-old boy and fifteen-month-old baby girl were my Godchildren and normally I would stay and visit, but tonight, I had more urgent matters to attend to. Like getting Kristen back to my house, stripping her naked and burying first my tongue and then my cock into her sweet, little pussy. I wanted to make love to her, then fuck her hard, then do it all again, until she passed out from all the orgasms.
“Another time,” I answered with a smile. “Kiss the baby for me.” Speaking of babies… My eyes drifted to Harley’s baby bump and visions of Kristen in the same condition assaulted me.
My plan for the holiday abruptly shifted. I pulled Kristen even tighter against my body, my hands splaying over her flat stomach. I wasn’t letting her out of my bed until I’d put my baby inside her.
Chapter Four
Kristen
“Are you sure your friends really didn’t mind that we ran out on them, leaving them in charge of your sleigh and horse?” I was apparently parroting myself now since I’d asked him the same question about ten times during our walk back to the farm.
He cranked up the heat in his SUV, and I tugged my mittens off before I held my hands up to the vent. “You’re going to keep asking until I finally admit it, aren’t you?”
I turned in my seat and tilted my head to the side. “Admit what?”
“That Harley made it pretty damn obvious she was more than okay with the plan when she did that little dance.”
I giggled, remembering how David had grumbled about her being more careful. He’d quickly scooped her into his arms and lifted her into the sleigh because he was worried about her falling in the snow. My heart had swelled at how romantic it had been, but I hadn’t felt the twinge of envy I might’ve had yesterday. Not when I was snuggled against Grant’s side with his arm wrapped around my waist. It was amazing what a difference twenty-four hours could make in your life. “Now that you mention it, I guess I shouldn’t be worried.”
“Damn straight you shouldn’t.” He laced the fingers of his right hand through my left as he turned onto the street in front of the farm. “You’ve got me to sweat the small shit for you now.”
My lips curved up in a shy smile. “I do, huh?”
“The big stuff, too.”
It should’ve sounded ridiculous, him making me a promise like that when we’d only just met each other. But I didn’t doubt his sincerity. Not even for a second. “I’ve got your back, too.”
His dark eyes lit up with happiness. “We make a good team.”
“Like Santa and his top elf.”
“No, like Santa and Mrs. Claus,” he corrected, making my heart race at the idea of even the tiniest possibility of being Grant’s wife someday.
The shock of realizing how hard and fast I’d fallen for the amazing man next to me left me reeling. I was speechless as I gazed out the window without really seeing anything until the car slowed about fifteen minutes later. I blinked a few times before realizing my car was parked at the end of the driveway he was pulling into. “How’d my car get here?” I peered up at the sprawling, ranch-style house. “And where are we?”
“My home,” he answered the second question first, as he hit the button for the garage door. “You seemed worried about leaving your car at my office, so I snagged your keys when you were changing for the sleigh ride and had one of the security guys move it here.”
I probably should’ve been a little freaked out at his high-handed behavior, but I was used to it since my dad was like that with my mom. I was also impressed by how in tune he was with what I was feeling since I’d only made one passing comment about going back for my car late at night. I had been worried, but I hadn’t wanted to make a big deal about it because I didn’t want to risk him changing his mind about taking me on a sleigh ride. “Thanks.”
He let out a deep sigh, like he’d been holding his breath while he waited for my reaction. After he pulled into the garage, he lifted my hand and pressed a kiss against my palm. “I wanted to feed you dinner, but since it’s Christmas Eve our restaurant options are kind of limited. Will you let me cook for you instead?”
“You want to cook for me?”
“I want to do everything for you, kitten.”
Seriously, I’d never stood a chance against this guy. There was just no resisting him. Not that I even wanted to. “Maybe we could cook together?”
“Even better.” He climbed out of the car, rounded to my side, opened my door, and held a hand out to me.
When he tugged me against his body, I felt his hard length press against my belly. Just like that, the fresh panties I’d changed into were as drenched as the original pair I’d started my day with. “Later,” I breathed.
This time he was the one to repeat what I’d said as he asked, “Later?”
I rose up on my toes and whispered against his lips, “I’m hungry for you more than I am food right now. I’d rather you give me a tour of your bedroom before we make dinner.”
“That’s an offer you don’t need to make twice.” He swept me into his arms and carried me into his home, not even bothering to turn on any lights as he stalked through dark rooms and headed straight to his bedroom. He gently set me down on the king sized bed and lowered his head to claim my mouth in a deep kiss. My lips parted on a gasp, and his tongue delved inside to tangle with mine. By the time he lifted his head again, we were both panting for breath.
He swiftly undid the buttons of my coat and stripped it from my body before I’d gotten the zipper on his all the way down. He shoved his coat down his arms and dropped it on the floor, and we both kicked off our boots. Then he tugged at the hem of my sweater, and I raised my arms so he could lift it over my head. I was barely free of it before he’d unsnapped my bra and slid it off my shoulders. “So fucking perfect, baby.”
He brushed his thumbs against my nipples, making them pucker. I whimpered when his hands moved away from me, but licked my lips when he tugged his sweater over his head and I saw the toned muscles of his upper body. We both stripped out of our pants at the same time, but he took his boxers with his and I was down to just my panties. Gently nudging me back, he braced his arms on the mattress a couple inches to either side of my head. “I know I’m going fast, but it’s just that I want you so fucking much. I’ll somehow find the strength to wait if you need more time, though.”
“I don’t need more time.” I slid one of my palms around the back of his head and tugged hi
m closer, using the other hand to tug my panties down my legs. “I want you now.”
“Thank fuck,” he breathed, lowering himself over me until his cock was at my entrance. He nudged inside me about an inch and held still. “So tight,” he groaned.
“I don’t have a lot of experience, and it’s been a long—”
He interrupted my explanation with a brutal kiss that left my lips tingling when he lifted his head. “I don’t want to hear about your past, kitten. As far as I’m concerned, I’m the only man for you.”
The possessiveness in his tone sent shivers up my spine. “I really like the sound of that,” I admitted softly.
“You better, because you’re the only woman for me too,” he swore as he shifted his hips and slowly slid the rest of the way inside me, inch by inch, until he bumped against my cervix. Then he held still, giving me time to adjust to the feel of him inside me. “You’re so big.”
He dropped his head to the crook of my neck and groaned, “You can’t say shit like that to me when I’m inside you.” I felt his cock flex. “It makes it even harder for me to keep myself under control.”
I swiveled my hips and gasped at the zing of pleasure that went straight to my womb. “What if I want you to lose control?”
His teeth clamped down on my skin, and a surge of wetness helped ease his way as he withdrew from my body and plunged back in, making me gasp. “You sure about that, baby?”
I tilted my head to the side to give him better access to my neck. He rocked gently back into me, and I moaned, “Very sure.”
“So damn perfect, and mine,” he growled, pumping his hips with shallow thrusts.
“More,” I whimpered.
“Whatever you want, kitten. I’ll give it to you.”
He reached down and hiked one of my legs around his hips so he could go deeper. I started to lift up to meet his thrusts, and it wasn’t long before we both lost control and the headboard was hitting the wall.
Grant rose up on his knees and powered into me harder. "I know it’s only been a day”—a hungry noise rumbled up his chest as he stared down at where we were connected—“but I feel like I’ve waited my whole life for this.” His cock dragged against my walls as he pulled back until only the tip was still inside me, and I whimpered. “For you.”
The combination of his words and his next thrust made my pussy clench around his cock and my body shudder beneath his. With my toes curled into the mattress and my head pressed back against a pillow, I screamed out my release as he pushed inside one last time before his body went rigid. After he filled me with his come, he rolled to the side and took me with him. As we lay there, cuddled together, all I could think about was how what should’ve been my worst holiday ever had turned into the absolute best. Because I’d met Grant.
Chapter Five
Grant
Holy-motherfucking-hell. My heart was racing at top speed and a fine sheen of sweat covered both our naked bodies. “Damn, kitten. That was…fuck. I’ve never felt anything like that.”
Kristen warm breath floated over my chest when she let out a cute, little contented sigh. “Is there a something better than incredible? Because if not, this definitely deserves a new word in the dictionary.”
I laughed deeply, making Kristen giggle when her head bounced a little since she was resting it on my torso. I fucking loved this woman. Our chemistry was explosive, but I also loved how she makes me laugh and when we talk, it feels like we’ve been best friends our entire lives.
Maybe I should have been freaked out that I was having these feelings after only half a day, but I truly didn’t give a fuck. I was simply happy to have found the woman of my dreams and I wasn’t letting her go. I snuggled her closer, and she threw a leg over mine and an arm over my chest. I closed my eyes and paid attention to the delicious sensations everywhere our skin touched. Then, it occurred to me that the spot where her pussy was pressed up against my hip was wet and sticky.
A caveman emerged from inside me and roared in approval when I realized that I’d taken Kristen bare and she could already be carrying our baby. Well fuck. My balls drew up tight and my cock leaked at the thought. I knew right then, if she wasn’t already pregnant, I was going to change that as soon as possible. I would fuck her and claim her until she was. I just needed to find out if she was taking anything and put a stop to that shit. I wanted her to be mine. Fuck that. She already was mine.
“Wake up sleeping beauty,” I whispered as I placed soft kisses on Kristen’s bare shoulder. She was sleeping on her side, facing me as I sat beside her. A dazzling smile stretched across her face, and she turned onto her back before stretching her arms above her head. The sheet slipped down, revealing one plump breast and my mouth watered. I was tempted to order in and spend the rest of the evening making love to her, but I’d promised to make this Christmas Eve special. I wanted to ease her sadness at not being with her family. Besides, this was my chance to give her a taste of what our life would be like when she moved in.
“Hey, handsome,” she purred. Her voice was a little rough from sleep, and it was so fucking sexy I had to take a deep breath and will the blood to return to my brain. When I opened them back up, her pretty lips had turned down and she was watching me with confusion and wariness. “You’re dressed?”
Did she think I was leaving? Or wanted her to leave? I swooped down and took her mouth in a deep, consuming kiss, pouring in all my hunger and passion for her. When I pulled back, I was satisfied to see her eyes glazed over and a dreamy smile on her face. “The groceries were delivered. I didn’t think you’d want me answering the door naked,” I said with a wink.
Her nose wrinkled and her lips tipped down and I almost laughed when I realized that the flash in her eyes was jealousy. I must not have hidden my amusement very well because she narrowed her eyes at me and looked as though she was going to say something but I cut her off with a quick, hard kiss.
“Let’s go, lazy bones.” I grinned and kissed the tip of her nose before standing beside the bed. “We’ve got a lot of cooking to do if we’re going to make all of your favorites.” I held out my hand and she took it, allowing me to help her up from the bed. I tried not to drool at the sight of her glorious, well-loved (if I do say so myself) body.
She laughed and it broke me out of the haze of lust that had been thickening around me and threatening to pull me under. “All of them? That could take a while.”
I shrugged and gently tugged her across the room to the master bath. “Ok, so maybe some of them came already prepared,” I conceded. “But, we still have plenty to do before we can have the feast you’re used to every year.” She laughed and warmth filled my chest. I’d honestly started to wonder if there was still a heart in there. Apparently, it just didn’t work right without Kristen.
When we reached the bathroom, I grabbed my robe from the hook on the back of the door and tossed it to her. “I can’t think with your sexy fucking body on display,” I explained as my eyes ran over her from head to toe. I took a deep breath and turned away but she grabbed my hand and tugged me back around. She’d donned the robe but her hands planted on her hips causing a large gap in the front and by the sparkle in her eyes, she knew exactly what that glimpse of tantalizing skin was doing to me. “You don’t know all my favorites anyway,” she sassed with a wink.
I shook my head at her adorable antics and a sly smile slid across my face. “Wanna bet?”
She crossed her arms over her chest and raised an eyebrow in challenge.
I mirrored her stance before rattling off every single one of her favorite holiday meals and treats. As I neared the end, her face had transformed into an expression of shock, with her pretty mouth hanging open in a little O.
“How could you possibly know all of that?”
I shrugged and walked to the large soaker tub situated in a nook surrounded by windows and started the water. “I called your parents while you were sleeping. Your mom was very relieved to know you weren’t spending Christmas alon
e.” I checked the temperature and was satisfied with the heat, so I flipped the stopper and poured in some of the vanilla bubble bath I’d had delivered with the groceries. The whole time, she was silent and when I glanced over, she was staring at me with soft eyes and a sweet smile.
“Are you for real?” she whispered.
I slowly walked over to stand in front of her and cupped her face in my hands. “I’m the realest thing in your life, baby. The most real you’ll ever have.” My lips brushed softly against hers in an achingly tender kiss. Then I leaned my forehead against hers and inhaled deeply. I loved her smell, especially now when it was mixed with mine. “Take a bath, kitten. Don’t rush, just relax. I’ll be in the kitchen when you’re done.”
I reluctantly dragged my ass out of the room, trying not to picture Kristen wet and naked just on the other side of the wall. When I reached the kitchen, I went about preparing some of the dishes that hadn’t come pre-made.
There had been two reasons I’d called her parents earlier. I’d introduced myself to them and explained that I’d met and fallen in love with their daughter. I knew it was fast, but no one would ever love her as much I did. I promised to care for her and treat her like the most precious person in the world to me because that’s what she was. To my surprise, her mother didn’t have any objections. In fact, she had laughed heartily before saying, “I should have known Kristen would end up with a man like her father. Wayne dragged me to the courthouse two days after we met and I was pregnant three minutes after that.”
Her father grunted but didn’t say anything else until I point blank, asked for his permission to propose. He was quiet for so long that I started to worry he wouldn’t give his blessing. It wouldn’t stop me from claiming Kristen, but I was sure she’d prefer it if we weren’t at odds with her family.
Tis the Season for Love Page 9