The way I behave around her is so not my norm. I can’t convince myself to stop needing her the way I do. This might be the only chance we have to be together. She’s leaving in a few days, and after that, she’ll be a fond memory. Why is it that all the good things come to an end?
When we arrive at my house, the place is almost dark. A sliver of light seeps through the window, but I don’t turn on the lights. There’s no time . . . well, we have all night, but I can’t wait any longer. I push her against the door.
“God, you’re so perfect.” I pin her, staring at her big, beautiful eyes. They shine with lust but stare at me with such tenderness my heart melts. I want to get lost in them—in her. Tonight, I want to forget my family, my life, and everything that came before her.
“I doubt that, but you’re not too bad yourself,” she murmurs, her lips a mere inch from mine.
Just for one night, I want to focus on Audrey Reed.
I want to savor her.
Explore her.
Claim every inch of her body.
I cup her face, hold her firmly. “Would you like me to stop?”
Audrey chews the inside of her lip, her eyes darkening as they fixate on me. “Please don’t,” she says with a raspy voice.
Desire flows through my veins.
I unzip her jacket, unwrap her scarf, and kiss her neck. My lips travel right behind my hands as they unwrap her like a present. This gorgeous woman is an early gift from Santa himself. I trail kisses along her bare skin. She shivers. My fingers explore her as they peel off her clothing.
“You’re so beautiful.” My voice comes out raw, lustful.
I press my lips to hers, kissing her tenderly. She’s so soft and small compared to me, yet we fit together perfectly. I slide my tongue between her plumped lips. She opens for me, letting out a soft moan. I thread my hands through her hair, pulling her closer.
Her hands curl behind my head, clutching me tighter. We’re desperate for each other. My mouth crashes onto hers, exploring her unhurriedly. I want to enjoy this moment. The motion between us contains so much passion that our slow kiss becomes frantic, urgent.
The sensation is overpowering. I’m intoxicated by Audrey.
Her scent.
Her taste.
Her moans.
One hand pushes her jeans down, and she wiggles them to the floor and steps away from them. My other hand travels to her tight ass, and I harden as I realize she wasn’t wearing anything underneath. If I had known . . . you wouldn’t have been able to do a damn thing, idiot.
“You’re wearing too many clothes . . .” she says with a strained voice.
“For now, we focus on you, Unicorn. I need to explore every inch of your body with my hands,” I say, moving my hand up her thigh. Her breath catches as I almost touch her pussy. “And my mouth.”
Our gazes meet, and I see the longing and vulnerability in her eyes. I bend closer to her, running my lips down her sternum toward her beautiful tits, then licking one of her dark pink nipples before sucking on it.
She moans, arching her back as she grabs the back of my neck. I wrap an arm around her waist and cup her other breast, squeezing it, flicking her nipple as I continue sucking the other.
This is beyond perfect.
I bury my face between her breasts as my hands explore her luscious body. Moving my hand away from her breast, I drag it to the apex of her thighs, and she shudders against my hand. She’s so wet.
For me.
“I want you inside me,” she says firmly, almost commanding.
She grabs the collar of my sweater and pulls it over my head.
“Wait, I want to make it good for you.” My voice comes out raggedy. “I want to taste you,” I say as I suck my wet finger, savoring her juices.
She smiles at me. It’s not an innocent smile, and I love it.
“We have all night for that,” she says and pushes my pants and boxer briefs down over my ass, freeing my hard cock.
She surprises me by running her thumb over my crown. “I want to taste you too, but later.”
I like that she knows what she wants and demands it. It makes me want her even more. I push her down onto the couch, step out of my jeans, and pull out a condom from my wallet.
I open the wrapper and roll it down my length. Kneeling in front of her, I watch those dark eyes widen with surprise.
“You’re a sight to be worshiped.” I push her thighs open, then hold my length as I place the tip in her entrance. “Is this how you want it?”
She nods, pushing her hips high like an open invitation. She’s summoning me to become a part of her.
I savor her, pushing myself in slowly—inch by inch. My shaft throbs as her channel hugs it tight. I’m falling apart.
“Please,” she begs, thrusting her hips upward.
“Patience,” I say, lowering my body closer to hers and taking her mouth.
We kiss, finding our rhythm.
My heart, my body, and my soul hunger for her every time I am close to her. I’ve never known this feeling, even when I was married. Then all the emotions are swirling together—Audrey with Perry, with my sisters laughing in the kitchen, taking cookies to the B&B. I’ve waited so long for this. My orgasm hits when she screams my name. Everything is too much, yet I doubt this will ever be enough.
Chapter Nineteen
Colin
The next day, I arrive at my parents’ around noon. The house is quiet, except for the sound of typing coming from the dining room. Audrey’s concentration is on the monitor. The tip of her tongue shows through her slightly parted lips.
“Do you ever stop?”
Her gaze lifts, and her face brightens when she smiles. “Hey,” she whispers. “I thought you had a job.”
“I did, but I finished early.” I walk to where she sits and brush her lips with mine. “I missed you.”
“Your mom almost caught me sneaking into the house at five this morning,” she groans. “Talk about the walk of shame.”
I kiss the top of her head. “Sorry you almost got caught, but I won’t apologize for keeping you out all night long.”
She looks at me, and I guess we’re both wondering what to say. This . . . whatever is happening between us . . . can’t be denied, but what’s the point of discussing it?
“Where is everyone?”
She closes her laptop and sighs. “I’m sure your mom said something about Santa’s workshop, but I don’t remember if it was when Perry requested a pony or when your dad mentioned Becky’s cookies.”
“There’s a store in Newberry Falls where the kids can create their own toys like in Santa’s workshop. All proceeds go to nonprofits. They change their approach every season. During Halloween, you can make your own costume. It’s fun.”
“You live in some sort of magical place.”
“Makes you want to live here, doesn’t it?”
She shrugs. “There’s nothing I could do in this town. It’s lovely to visit, but a lot more marketing is needed so you guys have visitors year-round. Becky could use more customers.” She tilts her head to the side. "The store down the street where I bought my boots . . . Do they have an online store?”
I blink at her. “Um, I have no idea.” The shop is where I go to buy clothes when I need them. It's just a part of the town. I never thought about if they were online.
“They could do so much with a website and social media. It has the perfect look. Some people might even see it online and want to visit in person. Showcasing the shop and the town would be a great way to entice visitors.” She transforms the more she speaks. This is her element. Her work lights her up.
“You sound excited and haven’t even seen the entire place,” I tell her. “Get your thick parka and all your winter gear. We should give you a tour of this town.”
“I think I’ve seen enough. Besides, I don’t have a parka.” She taps her laptop. “There’s plenty for me to do for work.”
“I promise to make it fun. And you can
borrow one of my sisters’.” Reaching for her hands, I pull her toward me and take her into my arms.
“Stop it, we’re at your parents’,” she complains.
“Your options are a repeat of last night or going out with me,” I tease her, nibbling her earlobe. “What is it going to be, Unicorn?” I want her to pick the former because it’d be spectacular to have her under me again.
This could be a great opportunity to melt the snow outside while running my hands and mouth along her skin.
“You’re not playing fair,” she moans as I place kisses along her long neck. “What if your family arrives?”
“They’ll see us.” I run my hands down her soft curves. “Is that a risk you want to take?”
She pushes me slightly, and her eyes find mine. They’re bright and needy. “I’d rather risk getting frostbite during the tour than continuing making a fool of myself in front of your family.”
I haven’t driven to the ski area this season. Perry likes ice skating by the pond outside Winter Valley. I wish my snowmobile wasn’t parked at Morgan’s. The trip would’ve been better if we could’ve skipped the main road and taken the trail, but I don’t want to deal with my brothers today. Love them, but they are getting on my nerves with the constant pressure to make a move.
They should worry about their own love lives and stay out of mine.
“This is gorgeous,” she says as I park in front of one of my favorite restaurants. It’s not exactly on the top of the mountain, but it has one of the best views around town.
From here, we can appreciate the slopes covered with snow and evergreens.
“When the sun rises in the east, this entire area looks magical,” I say, pointing at the forest.
“Have I mentioned that you live in fairy-tale land?”
I roll my eyes and shake my head. “It’s anything but that. Try driving around this—”
“You keep bringing my crappy driving to this conversation, and I’ll make sure you end up in a ditch the next time,” she threatens, and I love the smile lingering on her lips.
“Ready to try the best burgers in town?” I ask, holding her hand as we walk inside the joint.
“Hey, Bradford,” Sam, the owner, greets us. He is behind the bar, opening beer bottles. “Take a seat wherever you want, and I’ll be right with you.”
“Just send two burgers, fries, and whatever you have on tap,” I request.
“I can order myself,” Audrey says, glaring at me.
“Sure, but I’m simplifying it for you. Your choices are burgers, nachos, or wings. People come here for the burgers and the beer. He doesn’t have much variety,” I explain.
“This business isn’t going to last long,” she says with a worried voice. “Some marketing, a little —”
“No more work.” I tap her temple. “You’re off the clock, and that includes poor Sam. Now, if you must know, this place has been open for almost twenty years. It’s always at capacity on weeknights and weekends, so whatever he’s doing works.”
I take off my gloves, pull out a chair, and help her sit before I do the same. “Do you ever do anything besides think or work?”
“Yeah,” she says, her gaze fixed on the small laminated menu. She waves it and laughs. “He only has those three things.”
“Why would I lie?”
She shrugs. “It doesn’t make sense.”
“As I mentioned, people come for the burgers. The music is a good incentive too. The 80s and 90s songs are now classics.” I lower my voice. “Just don’t tell Mom, or she’s going to think we’re calling her old.”
She laughs. “I like your parents.”
“I like you, Audrey Reed.” I reach for her hand, squeezing it. “Tell you what, why don’t we take the entire day off instead of just a couple of hours.”
“You have to go back to Perry,” she says, and I find her excuse endearing.
“She’s in Christmas mode like Mom. They have plans for the week that include wrapping presents, going caroling with other kids, and skating by the pond tomorrow afternoon—weather permitting.”
Sam arrives with the beer and pours two glasses. As Audrey sips from hers, she licks her upper lip, making me want to taste her mouth and have her use it all over me. Last night wasn’t enough. I’m trying to understand why the more I have her, the more I want her.
What is going to happen when she leaves? Don’t let her go.
There must be a way to convince her to stick around.
“I always wanted to skate on a lake,” she mumbles as she stares at the pitcher of beer and traces squiggly lines along it. “Like in the holiday movies. Mom and I watched the countdown to Christmas movies every day . . . all twenty-five days. Sometimes, I wished we would get lost in one of those towns so she could fall in love and we could have a family again. Others, I just wanted the experience of having a big, loving town where everyone knew me and I felt safe.”
Her eyes are hidden behind her thick lashes. The vulnerability of this moment makes me want to do something irrational like grant her wish. Or be the person who makes sure she’s always happy. Learn what she needs to be whole. I want to be the man who provides for her.
I know deep inside my gut that it’s impossible to do it for a lifetime. We all have an expiration date. But it’s my mission to make her brief stay a magical experience.
People can skate at two different places. The pond close to the town hall and the lake. The local hockey team practices on the lake from Tuesday to Sunday because it’s frozen solid between December and March.
Being it’s Monday and we still have a few hours of daylight, I text my buddy Peter. He’s the manager and coach of the team. He agrees to let me use it for an hour and even loans me a pair of skates for Audrey since it’s ridiculous to drive to Aspen’s sports store to buy her a pair when we only have an hour to use the lake.
I fasten her skates before I fix mine.
“Ready?” I ask, standing and helping her do the same.
“Maybe?”
“It’s almost like rollerblading,” I coach. “Don’t lock your knees, lean forward, and glide. Imagine you’re five years old, wearing socks, and gliding along the hardwood floors.”
“That’s a strange analogy,” she says, looking at the lake and grinning. “This is gorgeous. So picturesque, like a movie.”
“Come on, Unicorn.” I hold her hand, making sure her mittens won’t slip easily. “We can start with something easy, and maybe by the end of the day, you can spin like a professional.”
She laughs and shakes her head. The sound makes my heart beat faster, and the grin she gives me means a lot more than I could’ve imagined. It’s not the strained smile she has for others.
As we get closer to where we left our shoes, she releases my hand and begins to skate on her own, gliding across the ice. I follow close, regretting that we didn’t bring helmets. This woman stumbles on her feet easily.
Maybe I jinxed it, or I’m too used to her, but when I’m right beside her, she loses her balance and almost falls. Thankfully, I’m able to catch her in midair. Her eyes crinkle when they meet mine. Slowly, I pull her a couple of inches and lower my face, giving her a gentle kiss.
“You okay?” I ask, making sure she’s on her feet and balanced.
She gives me a dreamy-eyed stare similar to last night. My heart pumps fast and hard. God, how I wish we were home.
“What am I going to do when I go back to LA?”
“About?”
“No one will break my falls,” she says and snorts. “Or laugh with me when they happen.”
Leaning down, I brush my lips across hers again. This could be a great moment to say, “Why don’t you stay?”
But I can’t offer her anything other than what I’ve been giving her. A few moments of . . . what is it that I’m giving her? Only moments . . . or my heart?
Whatever we have is almost over, and I want to get a few more tastes before she melts into a fond memory.
“Let’s
go home before I get frostbite on my ass. We can stop by my place first. We could use a shower, don’t you think?”
“You’re so sure of yourself, sir,” she says mockingly.
“So sure, I bet you’ll try to sneak into my room tonight after everyone is asleep to get a repeat.” I wink at her.
“Or maybe you’ll be the one trying to break into my room,” she says with a hot, cocky tone that makes me so hard I won’t be able to wait until we get to my place.
“We’ll see who cracks first, Miss Reed.” I help her take a seat. “Our next stop is my place.”
Chapter Twenty
Audrey
I snuggle into one of Colin’s flannel shirts as he towel-dries my hair.
In the mirror, I watch his concentration on the task. Through his touch, I feel his tender care.
This man is in construction. He has calloused hands. Yet he’s sweet enough to do this simple thing for me. To take care of me.
Then again, he’s constantly doing that.
Distracting me from work so I don’t get burned out. Taking me to lunch and out to ice skate.
Letting me be a part of his family.
I-I’ve never had this. Not even when I was in a serious relationship.
He gives my hair one last squeeze with the towel, then tosses it on the counter and picks up a brush.
Oh my God. Is he going to brush my hair?
Yes. Yes, he is.
I can’t take my eyes off him as he gently works the tangles out. They sting, and he becomes blurry. I blink rapidly to stop the threatening tears.
He’s such a good man.
When we met, it was easy for me to be attracted to his outside appearance. Hell, it still takes all my strength to keep my hands off him.
But it’s his compassion that’s slowly sinking its hooks into me with every kind word. Every sweet gesture. Every gentle touch.
The more time I spend with him, the less I think about the life I have that might as well be on another planet. I don’t want to think about it.
Holiday with You Page 10