by Anthology
“I’m sorry, so sorry. I won’t hide, and I don’t mean to. I just don’t want you to say things you don’t mean. I’m not sure I can handle it.”
“I do mean it. I want this to be our first Christmas, not our only Christmas. But we don’t have to worry about any of this today. Let’s eat and have a nice day.”
“Thank you. It sounds perfect.”
After eating and cleaning up, Taylor drives them to the village. He’s surprised to see how big it is. There are two story buildings sitting against the parking lot, with shops in most of the suites. Then there are some larger art galleries. At the end of the shops is a small playground, with the swings looking out to the lake. It’s quite quaint, and the perfect place to walk hand-in-hand for the day.
Isabella loves the art galleries, and stops to look at almost every piece hanging on the wall, while Taylor’s favorite shop is The Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory. He is excited to, not only get a caramel apple cut for them to split while they walk, but buy some of Isabella’s childhood favorites. She is surprised he remembers . . . it’s been a long time. In fact, he seems to remember a lot about her. He had paid attention to her all those years ago, just like he said. The thought of more than one Christmas together was sounding better and better. Maybe she could trust his word after all.
After exploring all the shops, Taylor takes her around the backside of the shops to a restaurant that has windows down the entire length, overlooking the lake. It has a beautiful view and, since it’s between lunch and dinner times, it’s quiet inside.
“This is beautiful, Taylor,” Isabella says, as she sits down at their table that looks out over the water.
“Brad, my coworker, said it was his favorite place to dine with his wife. I’m glad you like it.”
“You’ll have to say thank you to Brad for me. He’s been very kind to let us stay at his place.”
Dinner is lovely and, when they exit the restaurant, the sun is setting over the lake, casting a beautiful orange and pink glow across the water.
“Wow. It’s magical out here.” Isabella’s eyes are dreamy.
Taylor wraps his arms around her from behind and moves her closer to the rail near the water’s edge. “It really is. Thank you for sharing it with me.”
Isabella turns to face him, still in his arms, then props herself up on her tip-toes, and places a gentle kiss on his lips. That’s it, just a soft, tender kiss before turning back around and resting in his embrace. They enjoy the last of the sunset, and she realizes she has never felt so safe in her life.
Chapter Thirty
BACK AT THE cabin, the tree decorating is lots of fun. Isabella loves that Taylor bought a lot of ornaments for a tree they’d only enjoy for a day or two. And the fact that he made Christmas special for her makes her all warm and fuzzy inside. She’s never experienced such care before. Yeah, her parents did what they were supposed to as parents, but they weren’t overly celebratory. They always had a tree, but there wasn’t any thought put into it, it just was. Even birthdays weren’t a big deal, not like in other kids’ houses.
Once the tree is done, Taylor turns to Isabella and says, “Why don’t we put on our Christmas jammies?”
“Um . . . what?”
“Just go to the room and see. It’s all in there. I’ll be here waiting for you when you’re done. Take your time.”
Isabella gives him a questioning look, then turns and heads to the room. Taylor quickly makes his way to the bathroom to change into his Christmas-colored plaid lounge pants and solid green long-sleeve T-shirt. Then he turns on the gas fireplace and the tree lights, shuts off the rest of the lights, and grabs a chilled bottle of wine and plate of chocolate-covered strawberries.
Isabella goes into their room and sees plaid lounge pants and solid green T-shirt lying on the bed, with a pair of fuzzy green socks. Not wanting to miss anything he has in store for tonight, she changes quickly and pulls her hair into a ponytail.
As she steps back into the living room, the soft glow of the Christmas lights and fireplace makes her breath catch. Then she sees him round the corner from the kitchen, dressed in matching pajamas, it knocks the air out of her completely. How on Earth did she get so lucky this time around?
“They fit?” he asks, as he motions for her to follow him to the couch where she sees the strawberries and wine he’s laid out for them.
“Perfectly.” The breathiness in her voice catches her off guard. After a deep breath to regain her composure, she continues, “Tay, this is—”
“Deserved,” he says, finishing for her.
“I don’t—”
He stops her again, but this time by placing his finger on her mouth and shushing her. Then he guides her to sit down in front of him. “Bel, I didn’t want to do this tonight, but I think we need to before we move on.” When concern crosses her face his nerves hit an all-time high. He’s never had to lay himself out there before with a woman, but he’s afraid if he doesn’t, she’s going to start pulling away. “I want you to understand where I’m coming from.” When he pauses, she nods, letting him know she’s following him. “I wanted you in high school. I was devastated when I heard you were getting married. But Bel, it’s always been you. There have been others in my life, but never for long. Even after you were married, I compared everyone to you, and nobody was even close to being as special as you were. When Daniel called me for help, I dropped everything. I never imagined that I’d not only get to help you get out of a horrible marriage, but that you might actually be interested in me.”
“Um . . . I don’t know what to say. I’m, um . . . well, I’m a little confused. I know you said you thought Daniel and I were a thing, but why didn’t you say something before I went away to college? I can’t believe you compared others to me. I’m really not that special.”
“Yes, you are that special. Too special to put into words, in fact. Honestly, I figured Daniel would follow you to college, and I didn’t want to mess that up.”
“So, why tell me all this now?”
“I don’t want to blow another chance. Any man would be lucky to have your love and attention. We aren’t all like Eric.”
“In my mind, I know you’re all not like him, but my heart is having trouble not standing guard.”
“Are you heartbroken over your marriage ending?”
“Honestly?”
He nods.
“Not even a little. I’m scared, but not heartbroken. I haven’t been able to make my own decisions in a long time, and the last big decision I made was to marry Eric, so I’m afraid I’m not going to be any good at it.”
“Bel.” He scoots closer, takes both of her hands in his, and rubs his thumb over them softly. “Eric saw your kindness as weakness, and he used it to make him feel more powerful. He didn’t deserve you, and he used his power to keep you from seeing it. I’m so glad you got out when you did. Many women are stuck in relationships like that for years.”
“I know. It’s time for me to figure out who I am. How do I do that? It’s all so confusing.”
“You do it slowly. You take support from people who care. And most importantly, you allow yourself to feel. Your heart will show you the right way.”
“My heart is scared.”
“Nah, your head is scared. Your heart is telling you the truth.”
Not wanting to let him get away, Isabella crushes her lips to his, following her heart completely, and hoping it won’t be broken again.
He lets her control this kiss, knowing she needs it. But before it goes too far, he pulls back a little and looks her in the eyes. “You sure?”
“Yes.”
“Good.” And he dives back into kissing her, showing her just how much he wants her. His hands wander up to her shoulders and down her back, where he slides his hands under her shirt.
She tingles along the path he just touched, and her stomach is in knots, anticipating what’s to come. Although they’ve already been intimate, she feels the shift in their relationship, u
nderstanding that he wants more than just the physical.
A cold chill runs over her when he pulls away. However, when he speaks, she is comforted in the fact that it is very much not a rejection.
“We’ve got all night. Let’s enjoy some wine before it gets warm.”
She laughs and takes the glass he’s offering. She loves a good German Riesling. Pair it with chocolate strawberries, and she’s in heaven. Exactly what he did. While they enjoy the desert, Taylor lightens the mood with some easy conversation, allowing Isabella to relax once again.
“I have something for you. I know tomorrow is Christmas, but I have another surprise for tomorrow. I want to give you this tonight.” He hands her a small box, wrapped professionally with gorgeous foil Christmas paper and a silver silk bow that is bigger than the box.
It’s so beautiful, she’s afraid to open it.
“Go ahead, it’s just wrapping paper.”
With shaking hands, she slowly pulls one of the ends of the bow. She places the silk ribbon on the couch next to her and slowly peels the wrapping off of the box, careful not to rip the sparkly paper. “Oh.” She gasps when she sees the signature Tiffany blue box underneath and looks up at him. Seeing the excitement in his eyes gives her the courage to open the lid. Inside is the most beautiful silver crossover cuff. “Tay, this is too much.”
“Nonsense.” He pulls the cuff out of the box and puts it on her wrist. “I wanted you to have something to remind you that you should always trust yourself. This reminded me of an infinity symbol, and I hope it will remind you that you should always be you . . . forever. Don’t let anyone take you away from yourself again. You are unique, and so very special.”
“Thank you.” She knows not to argue with him, despite feeling like this gift is too extravagant. And she knows she spent just as much on him. With a little peck, she stands. “Wait here. I’ll be right back.”
Chapter Thirty-one
IT ISM’T LONG before she’s back and with a rather large box, wrapped just as beautifully as his was, but more masculine and without a bow.
“This is for you.” She hands it to him and sits back on the couch.
Surprise is written all over his face. He didn’t expect anything, and wonders where she had the time to get it, but it feels good to know she did something for him. It sort of reaffirms for him that he’s not wasting his time. Not concerned with damaging the wrapping, he rips the paper off.
Nothing could’ve prepared him for what he would find in the box. “This is perfect,” he says, as he opens the box and pulls out the smooth black leather briefcase. It’s one of the ones he had been looking at. He’d liked this one because of the workmanship; it felt solid and durable, like something he’d have for years to come. “How did you know?”
“I saw you on your laptop a few weeks ago. I hoped this was one of your favorites.”
“It was my favorite, thank you.” He leans over to kiss her, but with the bulky briefcase and box still on his lap, it’s quite awkward and he barely brushes her lips.
She just smiles at him in return.
Taylor places his briefcase back in the box and moves it out of the way, before scooting closer and pulling her into his arms. One touch is all it takes to ignite the desire between them. Their hands wander over one another, and it’s not long before clothes are being pulled off. Isabella stands after he pulls her shirt over her head, then slowly pulls her pants down while maintaining eye contact with him. He doesn’t move a muscle, enjoying the short show. He groans when he realizes that she was bare under the pants the whole time.
As she steps out of them, Taylor makes quick work of his pants, but makes sure to grab the condom out of the pocket. Isabella, feeling confident for the first time in years, takes it from him, opens it, and puts it on for him. Slowly, she spreads her legs and climbs on top of him, never breaking eye contact. As she lowers herself over, him he holds her waist to steady her.
Filled completely, she pauses to give herself a moment to adjust, loving the desire she sees in his eyes. When she starts moving slowly, it takes all he has not to take over and control the pace. Instead, he runs his hands from her waist, up her back, and around to her breasts, allowing her to keep control of the pace. When he pinches her tight nipples, her control is lost and she moves more rapidly.
He loves the view of her taking control; the confidence on her face and the passion in her eyes. He slides his hand slowly to her core, and uses his thumb to rub her swollen nub, sending her over the edge with his name on her lips. Her husky voice and the feel of her contracting around him, sends him to surrender with her.
While holding her tightly, as they both catch their breath, Taylor realizes he’s never felt anything like this before. He loves spending time with her. He cares about her thoughts and feelings, and he wants to see her happy in all aspects of her life. He’s never wanted to discuss his future with a woman. But Isabella is different. He can’t wait to get home to her at night to enjoy dinner, sit on the couch and watch a movie, or even just talk about her hopes and dreams. He’s never been in love, but this . . . this is love. Now he has to figure out whether or not Isabella is ready for someone to actually love her, forever.
“Gorgeous. You are amazing.”
“Hah. I think you are amazing.” A little chuckle escapes her and she blushes. “That was amazing.”
After kissing her again, he pulls back and helps her off of him. “I’ll be right back.”
She nods in response and he hurries to the bathroom to take care of the condom. When he comes back, Isabella is lying on the couch her eyes closed and a blanket covering her, but their clothes are still on the floor. Excited to see that she’s comfortable enough to stay naked for him, he picks her up and slides onto the couch, settling her into the crook of his arm.
She’s a little tense, but when he whispers, “you feel good in my arms,” to her, she relaxes into his embrace. He knows it’s still early, so he allows her to drift off to sleep for a bit, while he lies there thinking about how to tell her he loves her.
At some point, he must’ve drifted off too. When he feels her stirring and trying to get out of his arms, he opens his eyes and gives her a little tickle. When she laughs, he asks, “Where do you think you’re going?”
“Um, I have to pee.” She squeals. “Please don’t tickle me or I’ll pee my pants.”
Now that makes him laugh. “You’re not wearing pants.” And he emphasizes that point by sliding his hand down her back and giving her ass a little squeeze.
“Not helping.” She manages to wiggle out of his grip and rush to the bathroom.
“Mmmm . . . I could get used to seeing that get out of my bed each day,” he says to himself, knowing he needs to find a way to make it a reality.
Meanwhile, in the bathroom, Isabella is trying to figure out how to get back into the living room. She’d forgotten she was naked until she caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror. “Shit.” Now, talking to herself quietly, she looks around and sets her sights on a towel. But when she reaches for it, she can’t bring herself to do it. How would she explain herself? Like, “sorry, I didn’t want you to see me naked,” or, “I didn’t think you’d actually want to see me naked?” Crap! She’s never had to worry about these things before.
Knowing she’s been gone longer than necessary, she peeks out the door to make sure the coast is clear, and hurries into the room for her robe. She puts it on as she walks back into the living room and is just getting the sash tied when he looks up.
“Why are you covered?”
“I . . . um, didn’t want to walk back in naked. It felt weird.”
“It shouldn’t. You look amazing naked.”
The heat from his eyes as he gets up from the couch and move toward her causes a shiver to run from the back of her neck down to her toes. He looks predatory, and she is the prey. Although it’s scary, it feels amazing to be the center of his attention. Taylor gives her the hope that she can actually be something special.
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br /> Chapter Thirty-two
STANDING BEFORE HER naked, while she’s wearing her robe, Taylor is confident with his body. Isabella, however, still feels naked and vulnerable standing there. It’s like he can see through the person she shows everyone and read deep into her soul. She can’t figure out if that’s a good or bad thing.
“Bel, what’s wrong?”
“You make me feel things. I don’t know how to deal with those feelings.”
“Don’t do anything with them. Just enjoy them. We all feel scared to let someone in, but you can’t let it stop you, or you’ll be alone forever. You can’t want to be alone anymore.”
“I don’t. But it’s hard to trust myself.”
“Bel, it’s me. I won’t hurt you.”
“I know you won’t in my heart, but my head is so scared.”
Without another word, he picks Isabella up, cradles her in his arms, and walks her back to their room. Once inside, he gently lays her on the bed and undoes the sash on her robe. Then throwing her for a loop again, he simply climbs into bed with her and pulls her close before pulling the blankets up over them.
“Sleep, we need sleep for tomorrow.”
Yawning, she asks, “What is tomorrow?”
“Christmas, and I’ve got a special surprise in the afternoon for you.”
“You don’t have to do anything else, Tay. This week has been perfect. And my bracelet is beautiful. Thank you. Tomorrow, we can just relax.”
“Okay, Bel. Just get some sleep.”
He holds her until he’s sure she’s out, then texts Daniel that she’s asleep and he can come to the cabin. Daniel and his mom spent the day at the resort spa that Taylor took Isabella to on their last mountain trip. It’s only twenty minutes before Daniel and his mom are knocking on the front door.
“She’s asleep, but I’m not sure how long she’ll sleep if I’m out here,” Taylor says quietly as he opens the door for them.
“We’ve got this,” Daniel says, while his mom nods her head excitedly.