Her eyes remained locked on his. “How so?”
He blew out a rough breath. “I’ve been trying to ignore how close you are and how good you smell.”
She opened her mouth as if about to respond, but then bit her bottom lip.
He adjusted on the couch. “I’m trying not to go all caveman and pounce on you but… All I want to do is kiss you again.”
She exhaled. “I know what you mean, but…” She crossed and uncrossed her legs. She covered her mouth, but then let her fingers trail down her neck. What was she wrestling with?
Fuck. Had he blown it? Damn, he shouldn’t have said anything.
When she turned to him, her eyelids lowered. Her chest rose and fell with quickened breaths. She raised a hand to his cheek and traced along his jawline. She stroked the rough stubble on his face that he’d let grow in. “I like how this feels.”
He froze. His body turned as hard as a statue, but one with a heartbeat pounding with desperate anticipation.
Her lips then curled into a smile. “Looks like you have some chocolate there too.”
“Where?” His voice came out strangled and he cleared his throat. Did she have any idea of what she was doing to him?
She tapped her index finger onto a chocolate chip on the plate and then dabbed his bottom lip. “Right there.” Her voice softened to smooth silk and her gaze lowered to his lips.
She leaned forward in what felt like a thousand ice ages. His body instinctively mirrored hers.
He moved toward her in what seemed like glacier-slow speed.
When his mouth finally met hers, the vibrancy in the connection was palpable. Her lips were soft and sensual, now with the taste of dark, decadent chocolate.
Time still slowed. All he wanted to do was savor this perfect moment.
He wrapped his arms around her and kissed her deeper, and as he leaned her back against the couch, the urgency between them grew. She melted against him, as warm and comforting as Christmas Eve should be.
Vince ran his fingers down over her neck, her collarbone, down to her breasts. She moaned and arched as he thumbed her nipple, drawing it into a hard peak. His cock twitched as he pictured taking that sweet morsel in his mouth.
He settled more of his weight on her, eager to press his erection between her legs.
Emma pulled back with a jerk and squirmed out of his arms. “I’m sorry, I can’t do this.”
Vince blinked. The sudden absence of her turned into an unexpected emptiness. What the hell just happened?
“Are you okay, Emma?” he straightened.
She sat up straight and dropped her head to her hand. “As much as I want to, Vince…” She sighed. “Not tonight.”
“What’s wrong?”
She raised her head, and he glanced at her profile. Her slender neck. Then he noticed it—the tightness in her jaw and worried expression.
“Was the kiss a bad idea?” he asked.
“No.” She covered her heart. “That was the highlight of my evening.”
Vince had never been more confused in his life. “Emma?”
She exhaled and her shoulders sagged. “I shouldn’t have dragged you from your family tonight and into my mess.”
“What mess?”
She ran her hand over her forehead and through her hair. “When I was walking back from Karine’s earlier, I received a notification from the security app on my phone. Someone had broken into my apartment.”
“Fuck.” His spine straightened as if someone had tied it to a metal rod. He stood and searched around the apartment as if he’d find some perp spying on them or some sign of entry and then returned his eyes back to her. “Are you all right?”
“Vince, I’m fine. They caught the guy.” She motioned with her hand. “Please sit and I’ll tell you what happened.”
It took several seconds before he could release the tautness in his muscles. His blood agitated with an urge to find whoever did this and make him pay. But when he glanced at her and caught the vulnerability in her eyes, all his instincts shifted. He wanted to care for her, protect her. He sat beside her and took her hand. “Are you sure?”
She gave him a one-shouldered shrug. “Okay, I’m a little shaken up, but I’ll be all right.” She forced a smile. “I feel so much better already with you here.”
He blew out a slow breath. “I’m glad you reached out.”
With her free hand, she rubbed her eyes. “Let me go back so I don’t miss anything. Oh yes. So, I saw this guy wearing all black with a mask and gloves and everything right in here.” She pointed in the middle of the living room. “The police came, and they caught him. He admitted to being behind the other break-ins.” She gazed at him with appreciation. “He was caught, and it’s all because of you. I wanted to call and tell you.” She steepled her fingers in front of her face and then lowered them. “But then I remembered it was Christmas Eve and you’re on leave and I shouldn’t be pulling you into my problems while you’re enjoying some well-deserved time with your family.”
Blinking through the rage to hunt down the criminal who hurt her, he slowed his quickened breaths to focus on her. “I’d never think of you reaching out to me as a problem. Call me anytime.”
“I appreciate that.” She rubbed her temples. “While I sat here alone, I couldn’t help but think of what could have happened if you hadn’t set that up. My mind looped over the different scenarios. I didn’t want to be alone.” She squirmed. “And maybe I wanted to see you too.”
A feeling of lightness spread throughout his chest, piercing the warrior side that thrummed with wanting justice. “I’m glad you did.”
“Once you got here, I was so happy to see you, and I didn’t want to ruin the moment with the break-in.” She chewed her lip. “And then we were having such a great time with the cocoa and movie. When we kissed, it felt so good… But with all that had happened here tonight, I’m still a little freaked out.”
Raw emotions warred as the alpha male within itched to punish the man who upset her, but what rose higher was the need to stay and comfort her. “Anybody would be in your situation.” He took her hand and gave it a reassuring squeeze.
Her gaze drifted off and then she pulled it back to him. “Thanks for being here for me, Vince.”
Before he could stop himself, he admitted, “I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.”
His protective instinct took over. All he wanted to do was take away her worries. “Come here,” He released her hand and then raised his arm, inviting her to lean against him.
She exhaled and nodded before cuddling against him. With her tucked to his side, he never wanted to move again. How right it felt to care for her.
He held her and stroked her hair. Eventually their attention returned to the movie. Before it ended, Emma’s breathing had turned deep and slow. He glanced at her face. Her eyes were closed, expression peaceful and content.
No way would he wake her. He wanted to make sure she rested after what she’d gone through. And damn if he didn’t want to stay here and care for her.
Even if he stayed awake and upright all night, it would still be the best Christmas Eve he’d had in a long time.
Spent with the one he loved.
Chapter Eleven
Emma
Emma stirred and recognized the familiar dialog from A Christmas. When she realized she’d been sleeping against someone, she pulled herself upright. The glow of the television reinforced her guess. She’d fallen asleep in the living room—on Vince.
Vince’s eyes were closed, but he opened them. “Hey, you’re awake.”
“I’m so sorry I pinned you there. That must have been so uncomfortable.”
His eyes widened. “With you in my arms? Never.”
Heat rose in her cheeks. She remembered the kiss last night before she’d pulled away. Why had she let her damn brain interfere in that delicious moment?
Oh right, because that intruder had broken into her apartment, and she’d been feeling pretty damn v
iolated. Funny, he’d been the reason she’d called Vince over—and the reason she’d backed away.
She glanced at the clock. “It’s 2am.”
“Merry Christmas.” He smiled and it reached his adorable, still sleepy eyes.
“Merry Christmas.” She stood and shuffled her feet. She took a shaky breath. “Do you want to come lie down in my room? It will be more comfortable than on the couch.”
His eyes brightened, but he said, “I’ll be fine out here. As long as you don’t mind if I wait until the morning to head home.”
“No, of course not.” She moved her weight from one foot to the other. “I’d like that.”
She entered her room and grabbed a pillow and blanket for him. He was being a perfect gentleman, and yet a part of her wished he wouldn’t.
After she gave him the bedding, she said, “Thanks for staying here. I feel better after… you know.” She circled her hand, unwilling to state the obvious reason with the break in last night.
“Of course, Emma.” He stared at her with earnest eyes. “I’m here if you need me.”
She nodded and swallowed before returning to her room. Once she climbed into bed, she pulled the down comforter up to her chin. What would it be like to have Vince here with her, warming her bed? His body pressed to hers?
It didn’t have to go far. They could at least keep each other warm and cozy on a winter night.
But, it could go further.
That kiss. He was a damn good kisser. Slow and sensual, affecting her in a way that made her body burn and toes curl.
Vince
When Vince heard his name, he snapped out to full attention. He glanced around a dark room, his eyes adjusting to the dark outlines before he remembered where he was—in Emma’s living room. He must have dozed off on Emma’s couch.
“Emma?” Was she okay?
She moaned. He jumped up and rushed to her bedroom. The door was partly open, and she lay in bed, hair splayed across the pale green pillowcase. The white blanket covered her breasts, but left her arms and shoulders exposed. Her eyes were closed, and she appeared to be asleep.
“Emma?” He kept his voice low in case she was asleep.
He’d heard her call his name. Was she dreaming?
Dreaming about him?
He stayed and watched, wanting to ensure she was okay.
Her breath came quicker, chest rising and falling beneath the covers. “Yes,” she murmured. She turned her head on the pillow. “Just like that.” Her voice came out low and sensual.
So fuckin’ hot.
Vince covered his mouth, his body turning hot and tight. He’d heard his name when she’d called out, waking him. He was sure of it. That would mean this far-from-innocent sounding dream had to be about him.
What fantasies played out in her mind? A thousand and one came to him, all of which started with him taking two steps forward and going to her on the bed.
He shouldn’t…
Now that he knew she was safe, he should walk away and go back to the couch. His feet were sandbags and he couldn’t move. He stared at her, transfixed, as her expression softened with pleasure.
Her panting slowed, yet his still came short and ragged. His heart pumped hard as blood throbbed through his body. Every part of him was coiled tight with need.
Soon her chest rose and fell in slower succession as she appeared to fall deeper into sleep. Whatever she’d been dreaming about remained a mystery.
He couldn’t stay here and stare at her all night. If she woke and saw him watching her like some creepy stalker, she’d freak out.
She was fine. He didn’t have to protect her from any threats. And she sure didn’t appear to be inviting him into her bed any time soon. He had to go back and lie down.
Finally, he pried his cemented feet from the floor and walked back to the cold empty couch alone, save for his achingly hard erection.
Emma
When sunlight filtered into Emma’s bedroom, she practically bolted up. Vince stayed over because of an intruder. They’d kissed. She pressed her fingers to her lips. What a kiss it was…
She’d fallen asleep on him and then invited him to sleep in her room, but he’d been a gentleman and stayed on her sofa. The sensual dreams that followed were far from innocent. Her cheeks burned as erotic images flashed in her mind.
It was just a dream.
Still, what a crazy night.
She quickly dressed in a pair of leggings and long blue pullover and stepped with bare feet out into the living room.
He was sitting on her couch, wearing the same clothes as last night and scrolling through his phone.
“Hey,” she said sheepishly.
“Morning.” He cocked his head as he perused her with a lingering glance. “How did you sleep?”
She shrugged. “Not bad. You?”
“I’m glad you got some sleep.” He stood and walked over to her. “If you’re feeling okay, I’m going to head home.”
She nodded. “Sure.” She glanced into the kitchen. “You sure you don’t want to stay for breakfast?”
He grinned. “I’m sure I’ll eat plenty today.”
“Okay.” She swallowed that bit of disappointment. “Merry Christmas, Vince. Thanks for coming over last night.”
He kissed her on the top of her head. “Merry Christmas, Emma. I’ll call you later.”
A chaste kiss. A weight of disappointment settled in her gut. “Okay.”
As he walked out her front door, he added, “Text me if anything comes up.” He fixed his eyes on her. “Anything.”
“Will do.” She stared at his retreating body and frowned. He closed the door behind him, and her apartment immediately felt colder, emptier without him in it.
She stepped into the kitchen to make some coffee and sighed. Whatever was going on between them was definitely turning murky, complicated by her struggle between what she wanted and what was the safest option for her heart.
“Merry Christmas!” Karine bear-hugged Emma when she arrived that afternoon with a bottle of wine and a bag of presents.
“Merry Christmas.” The scent of turkey and other baked vegetables reached Emma’s nose. “Smells delicious in here.”
“You look great.”
Emma glanced down at her red cashmere sweater and black pants and then at Karine, who wore an emerald green shirt and a festive scarf with bells. “Thanks, so do you.” She turned to the small group of relatives who’d arrived. “Merry Christmas, everyone.”
“Hope you brought an appetite. We have so much food!” Karine raised her hands and led the way into the living room.
“Of course. When you’re cooking, I’m not going to spoil my appetite.”
Emma glanced at the vivid scene. Colorful lights blinking on the tree, toddler toys strewn across the oriental rug, and a toddler entranced by the wrapping paper she crumbled in her tiny hands.
“It looks like Santa’s workshop in here.”
John nodded. “Santa came last night and brought all these presents for Laura.”
“I hope you left him milk and cookies.” Emma arched her brows.
“Oh yes,” Karine grinned and rubbed her stomach. “They were gone this morning, barely a crumb in sight.”
Emma gave Laura her gift bag. She pulled out the books and toys before returning her attention to the shiny gift wrap.
“I don’t know why we bothered buying anything.” Karine laughed. “She’s more interested in the bows and paper. If we just wrapped up boxes, she would have been just as happy—and we would’ve saved a lot of money.”
John and Karine pointed out some of Laura’s gifts that they were especially proud of. It might as well have been the set for a holiday movie.
Emma glanced at Karine and John. Karine tended to be exuberant and sometimes overbearing, while John was more introverted and mellow. Even though they were opposites, they worked. John softened Karine’s anxieties, and she introduced him to new experiences. They were perfect for each other, a
nd now they moved onto another phase of their marriage by starting a family.
The same as Peter and his now very pregnant wife.
Emma swallowed the sudden sour taste in her mouth.
Peter had broken their vows and with it her heart, yet he started a new story with a happily ever after. How was that right?
Enough of that. Emma had spent too much time trying to understand what had gone wrong in their marriage. She couldn’t dwell in the past, especially on Christmas day.
Funny, she’d just wanted to rush through the holidays, But, with Vince last night, even after the break in, it wasn’t a bad evening at all. They’d had hot chocolate and cookies, watched her favorite Christmas movie.
And kissed…
Emma touched her fingers to her lips.
Throughout the next hour, Karine and John’s relatives arrived. More greetings followed with more hugs and Christmas greetings. They all settled around the dining room table set with Karine’s grandmother’s china plates and crystal glasses. John carved the turkey.
Emma kept up the talk with family members. Although a part of her felt like an outsider, Karine was like a sister to her, so she made her feel welcome. But, she didn’t know them well. After she’d filled her belly with pumpkin pie, she thanked Karine and John and said goodbye to everyone.
“You’re not leaving already, are you?” Karine followed her to the door.
Emma smiled to herself. That was so Karine. She loved having company and would practically force the visitors to move in.
“It’s been a long day, and I was up late.”
“I was going to say you looked a little tired, but I don’t want to be rude. You didn’t get much sleep last night?”
Emma raised her brows. “Well, I had a visitor.” She’d tell Karine about the break in tomorrow but wouldn’t let her worry tonight. She might insist that Emma stay over, but she just wanted to sleep in her own bed and give them space.
Karine’s eyes widened. She opened the door and let them outside and then closed it behind them. “Spill.”
“Vince came over, and we watched a movie.” When she pictured the kiss, she couldn’t help but grin. “And kissed.” Before Karine hollered with excitement, Emma added, “It was brief.”
Vince: One Night with a Marine: A Second Chance Military Romance (Anchor Me Book 2) Page 10