by Box Set
“Guess the news got it wrong again. I told her to hurry up so we can get going.”
“Are we going to be all right?” She turned to Preston and searched his eyes.
“We’ll be fine. We’re just going to be covered in snow by the time we get home, and we’ll all want a hot shower and some hot chocolate or whiskey.”
Tamra giggled. “Or some hot chocolate with Irish Cream in it.” She bumped Holly’s shoulder with hers.
Holly caught Preston’s eyes. There went that damn grin she was starting to love, crossing his face. Oh, you are going to be the death of me, cowboy.
Chapter 9
Let Nothing You Dismay
The ride home was much different from the ride to the church hall. Holly thought she was going to freeze to death. They sang carols and tried to keep their spirits up, but the snow was coming down so hard that she was afraid they were going to get lost.
Preston glanced over at her. “Are you all right?”
“I’m scared and cold.” She knew she was whining but she couldn’t help it.
“Why are you scared? We’ll be home shortly. Ma, you and Clare okay back there?”
“We’re fine, just cold.”
“How can Dancer, or you, tell where we’re going?”
“Good sense of direction for one thing, and he knows where the hay and the barn are for the other. Don’t worry, I’ll get everyone home safe and sound.” He made a sound and Dancer started moving faster.
Holly pulled the blanket closer around her, wishing they’d brought the nice warm truck with the heater that blasted hot air. Lord, she hoped there was enough hot water for all of them tonight because it would take her a while to thaw out. “I’m sorry I complained. I know everyone is just as cold as I am.”
“No need to be sorry. If I had known this was going to happen, we would have taken the truck tonight. I guess everyone is in the same boat.” He winked. “Or sleigh.”
Tamra leaned forward and popped him in the shoulder. “Not funny.” She laughed. “Next time, we bring the damn truck. When we get home, Preston, can you start the fire as soon as you get out of your wet clothes?”
“No problem, but I’m taking a shower before I do. Once I finish with that, I’ll start some hot chocolate as well.”
“Thank you.”
Once they were home and peeled out of their wet coats and boots, everyone hightailed it to their rooms to shower. Holly turned the water on as hot as she could stand it and stepped under the stream. Oh good lord, this feels so good. After several minutes, her shivering subsided and she washed her hair and body.
After she dressed and dried her hair, she slipped into a pair of sweatpants, a sweatshirt, a pair of warm socks, and some slippers before heading downstairs to find Preston stirring a pot of hot chocolate on the stove.
“That smells wonderful.”
He glanced around and motioned for her to come closer. “Kiss me quick before anyone else makes their way downstairs.” He leaned over, and she placed a gentle kiss on his mouth before moving away to grab mugs for everyone. “Aw, is that all I get?” His lips were stuck out in the cutest pout.
“I wish I had my camera.” She giggled. Before he could reply, Tamra and Clare came into the kitchen.
“I didn’t think I was ever going to thaw out! The chocolate smells wonderful. Did you get the fire going?”
“Sure did, Ma. I started one in the sitting room. I figured it would warm up faster and be cozy for us.”
“Good idea. Holly, I don’t think we’ve shown you the tree in that room yet.” She claimed a ladle out of the utensil holder and started filling up their cups with the thick, creamy liquid. “Anyone want a shot of Irish cream in this?”
“Sounds good.” Holly smiled as she saw Preston already pulling the bottle out of the fridge.
“Can I have some too?” Clare asked.
“I think this calls for just a little to help you warm up, sweetie.” Tamra unscrewed the cap and poured a small amount in each cup.
Holly was surprised when Preston reappeared with some whipped cream and topped off each steaming mug.
“That looks and smells so good.” She took the mug he handed her, and they made their way into the sitting room. A small live tree stood along the wall by a lovely bow window as a fire crackled in the stone fireplace. The room was a lot smaller than the great room but just as beautifully decorated. “This is lovely and so cozy.”
“This tree holds all the ornaments we’ve made or bought since we were little.” Preston moved to the tree, gazing at all the ornaments that sparkled in the firelight. “See that one there?” He pointed to a little silver star.
Holly nodded.
“I made that one in first grade.”
“It’s cute.” She offered as she sipped from her cup.
Everyone laughed.
“What?” She turned.
“You’ve got a whipped cream mustache,” Clare said. “I guess we should have warned you. My brother puts in way too much.”
“I do not.” His eyes gleamed.
“He loves seeing us with the mustache.” Tamra patted her lips with the napkin Clare handed her. “He gets me every time.”
Holly glanced at Preston. His mouth was turned down as he watched them giggling. She smiled when his eyes met hers; he raised a brow and sipped some of his chocolate. He set his mug down and stood to walk over to the fireplace.
He moved the screen and poked at the fire. “I’m not staying up much longer. Do you ladies want another log on the fire or can I push this apart to let it burn out?”
“Oh, I’m heading up now. I have to get up early tomorrow to go into town. Clare wants a new outfit for her performance.” Tamra stood up, yawned and stretched.
“I’ll stay here until the fire is out if you want to head to bed.” He replaced the screen hanging the poker back in the holder.
“I’m going, too. I have some things to do before I head to bed, and I want to call Terri. She’s going to meet us in town. Night, Holly.”
“Night, Clare. Night, Tamra. I’ll get the mugs and wash them if Preston doesn’t mind some company.” She glanced at him to see his reaction.
“I don’t mind the company.” He replaced the screen and hugged Tamra. “Night, Ma.”
“Night, son.”
Preston walked out with his mom.
Holly sat waiting with her heart pounding in her chest. Was he coming back? Maybe he was realizing what was going on with them was wrong. Was it wrong? Before she had time to think any further, Preston sauntered into the room, closing the distance between them quickly. He dropped down on his knees in front of her and kissed her softly on each corner of her mouth before taking her face in his hands and kissing her hard.
Her arms went around his neck as he opened his lips to allow her to deepen the kiss. Oh god, what you do to me. She pulled back, looking into his eyes. All she saw was burning, deep passion looking back at her.
“They’re down for the night,” he whispered as he let go, stood, and walked over to the fireplace. He removed the screen and added another log, stoking it to get the flames going again. “I’ll be right back, don’t move.”
“Okay.”
Holly wondered what her cowboy was doing now. Her cowboy? She smiled at the thought. Then he was back with two glasses and a bottle of wine. He opened the bottle and poured them each a glass.
Sitting down beside her, he held his glass up. “A toast?”
“For?”
“To finding someone who you love sharing your time with. I’m glad you came to spend Christmas with us.”
“Thank you.” They touched their glasses together as she leaned back against him. They watched the fire for a bit, as Christmas music played softly in the background. They finished the bottle of wine quicker than she imagined, and she felt content just sitting there with him.
He took her glass and set both of them down on the end table, stood, and moved to the bow window. Opening the top of the seat, he r
emoved some blankets and pillows. She watched in wonder as he lay them down beside the Christmas tree, adding the pillows last. He then turned off the lights, leaving the room bathed in a soft glow from the tree lights and the fireplace. It was the most romantic setting Holly had ever seen.
Preston turned and held out his hand, the sexy grin spreading over his handsome face so different than the scowling man who had met her at the door that first day. She stood and walked to him, her breathing already coming in sharp gasps at the thought of what was to come. He had her so turned on; she thought she was going to melt as soon as he put his hands on her.
She looked down and watched as he reached under her sweatshirt and pulled it up over her head, tossing it to the sofa. He untied her pants and slid them down to her feet then held her hands so she could kick them off. Holly felt the heat cover her body. No one had seen her naked but Dan. Would her body turn him off? Before she had time for any more thoughts, the smile was back on his face as his eyes darkened
“You take my breath away, darlin’. You are so beautiful.”
She stepped toward him, her hands trembling. “You have too many clothes on.” She pouted, not knowing where this brazen woman came from. He pulled his shirt off and tossed it onto the floor, causing her to suck in a breath. Holly let her eyes slowly take in this magnificent man standing in front of her. “You are amazingly beautiful,” she whispered as she slowly traced her hand down his chest to his chiseled, hard abs.
When he untied his sweat pants, he turned his back to her. Glancing over his shoulder, he slid them slowly down his hips, revealing his perfect ass to her as he dropped them to the floor and kicked them aside. Running her hands along his muscled back, she heard him chuckle as she splayed her hands over his ass and leaned against him. Holly circled his waist and let her fingers brush lightly against his erection. She smiled when she heard the sharp intake of his breath as she closed her hand around him. She gasped at how big he felt in her hand. Her mind raced, how could anyone so beautiful want her? She only had time to wonder for a second before all rational thought left her. He spun around and pulled her close into another mind-blowing kiss.
He pulled her tighter into his arms, kissing her gently. He placed his forehead against hers. “Holly, do you want this as much as I do? I know this is fast, and I don’t want to make you feel like we have to do this now, but I really need this.”
“I only know I want you.” She laid her head against his chest, listening to the steady, strong beat of his heart. She felt hers racing in her chest. Her hands were shaking as he slowly let his hands rove over her back, tracing small circles. His breathing quickened as she placed feather kisses along his collarbones and up his throat.
“If you want to stop, we need to stop now. If we wait much longer, there will be no going back for me.”
His voice was raspy and she felt his erection throb against her stomach. Thoughts raced through her mind, the rational side told her to slow down and put her clothes back on. The irrational side of her mind screamed for her to shut up and go for it as desire flowed through her body. He groaned as he took her face in his hands and kissed her until she thought she’d never catch her breath.
Stop over thinking everything! she screamed in her mind. “I don’t think there’s any going back for me either, cowboy.” She sighed before catching his mouth with hers again.
They collided with each other, kissing and nibbling as he slowly laid her down on the makeshift bed in front of the fire. His hand caressed the swell of her breast before rolling her nipple between this thumb and finger. He softly tugged, causing a gasp of pleasure to escape her lips. He kissed her neck then nibbled on her ear, running his tongue around her earlobe before gently nipping her neck. His other hand moved lightly down her back, pulling her closer to him; her passion was building to heights she had never known before.
Holly laced her fingers through his hair as he kissed her neck. She shuddered as his mouth closed over her nipple, his tongue lavishing small circles over the sensitive area, causing her to arch her back and moan. He moved his hand to the inside of her thigh, pulling back to watch her face as he slowly traced and teased his way to her throbbing nub. He cocked his head, brow raised, pausing to make sure she wanted him to touch her.
Holly smiled and gave a slight nod, watching that crooked grin spread over his face. His eyes never left hers. He softly teased and stroked her before sliding a finger inside the wet tightness that ached with need, causing her to catch her breath yet again.
“Are you ready for this?”
The look on his face made her heart skip a few beats. She nodded and drew her brows together when he rolled to the side. “Preston?”
“Hold that thought for a moment, darlin’.” He reached for his sweat pants and pulled a condom out of the pocket. “Better to be safe.” He shrugged his shoulders as she watched a blush spread across his cheeks.
He rolled onto his back and her eyes lowered to watch him sheath himself. Her eyes widened at the size of him, but she found it rather erotic the way he was putting the condom on. She glanced up to see him watching her, his eyes dark with passion. She opened her arms and Preston started kissing her softly. His hand moved down her stomach, and he nudged her legs apart as he gently explored her again, bringing her passion even higher. She watched his face as she closed her hand around his length and slowly stroked him.
He groaned and grasped her hand gently, shaking his head once before kissing her neck. Finally, he moved between her legs, sliding in slowly, and she heard him moan. Her hands stroked his back as he moved deeper, filling her physically and emotionally in ways Dan never had. She arched to meet his thrusts and moaned when he reached under her ass to lift her. He moved slowly, teasing her as he pulled almost fully out before sliding back in. She’d never felt anything so heavenly as her hands roved over his perfect body and he filled her so completely.
He pulled back for a moment, looking into her eyes as he lifted her leg and hooked it over his back. “Put your other leg up. I need to get deeper inside you.” His voice was ragged with desire.
Her body shook with excitement, and she did what he asked. Preston plunged into her, hitting the spot she’d only read about in romance books. She met him thrust for thrust as she felt something building inside of her, a fire burning deep within her. Suddenly, she threw her head back and bit her lip to keep from calling out his name as she felt herself spasm around him, shattering into a million pieces over and over again. Preston pumped faster and shortly followed her, his tremors sending her into another orgasm.
Spent, she felt her entire body turn into mush. Preston rolled off her, pulling her against his chest as she tried to calm her breathing. She could hear his heart racing in his chest.
“Are you all right?” He was making small circles on her lower back with one of his fingers.
“I’m fine.” She stretched and circled his tight abs with her fingertips. “How about you?”
“I’m more than fine. That was amazing.” He touched her face as a tear slid down her cheek. “What are you thinking about?”
“How wonderful it felt to have you make love to me,” she whispered, running her hand over his chest.
“We aren’t done yet. Not by a long shot.”
So she’d used the word love. He figured it just sounded less crude than saying they’d just had sex. You couldn’t fall in love overnight, at least he couldn’t. However, he sure as hell knew he wanted more of this for the time she was here. He was already getting his second wind, and he wondered if she had another round left before they should call it a night. Only one way to find out. He rolled over and started kissing her again, surprised when she responded with the same passion as the first time.
She laughed. “Ready for more, huh?” she asked with one brow raised.
In response, he took her hand and moved it to his cock, which was already hard. “I’m ready, if you are.”
“Do you have more protection?” She blushed as the words came ou
t of her mouth.
“Sure do. Don’t move.”
He started kissing her neck while he sheathed himself again. This time, he’d take it slower. He wanted to savor her. Her breathing came faster and she begged him to hurry.
“Easy darlin’, let yourself go and enjoy it. I don’t want to rush this,” he whispered between kissing and nipping her neck.
He felt her relax as he took his time and went painfully slow, wanting the sex to last. He wanted her to remember their time together long after she left Colorado. Her hands were touching him everywhere as she stroked his back and ran her hands down to grasp his ass. He loved the little sounds she made when he suckled her breasts. When he felt her tense around him, he knew she was ready. He slid his hands under her again, and she threw her legs over his back. He moaned at the feel of her as he slid even deeper. Lengthening his strokes, he moved faster as she met each of his thrusts with a deep moan escaping from her lips. He felt her clench around him as his own orgasm hit. Preston caught Holly’s mouth to stifle her cries as he emptied into her. They lay unmoving as shudder after shudder seemed to flow through him in an orgasm that was so intense, Preston felt as if he were shattering apart like a crystal goblet hitting the floor.
He kissed her softly and rolled them onto their sides, pulling her against him. As their breathing evened out, Preston whispered, “Darlin’ you’ve woken something in me I thought was dead and gone forever.”
Holly drifted off in his arms while Preston lay holding her, marveling that he finally was feeling again. Feelings that he thought had been taken from him forever last year after what his father had done to him. Christmas was again becoming special as this beautiful woman was undoing the pain and sorrow of the deceit his father and that woman had caused the family. He had always wondered if his father had known Preston had been with her before he had taken her as his mistress. Tonight those thoughts didn’t seem important anymore.
He wanted to stay like this with her forever. Man, I’m falling hard. He kissed her head and closed his eyes, figuring he’d let her sleep for a little while. When the fire burned down some, he’d wake her so they could go to bed.